One of the easier ways to obtain dual citizenship is by applying for a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) and going through that process requires a significant investment and a somewhat intense process. One of the best assets someone can have is to have a second passport and citizenship in another country. Having one can open up many doors. In most cases, it gives the opportunity for better healthcare, better education, and visa-free travel. On the day you hear that you get approved, it is the most exciting time.
However, if you get rejected it can be extremely disappointing. Using authorized consultation services like Citizenship Bay guides people to increase the chances of rejection. So, if you are thinking of applying for a CIP program, here are the reasons applications get rejected.
CBI programs are now available in the Caribbean (Dominica, St Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis) and Europe (Malta and Cyprus). Citizenship by investment programs have more strict background checks compared to residency programs (golden visas) because they want to make sure to keep out people who are involved in money laundering and embezzlement.
Some countries have a higher rejection rate than others. Grenada’s rejection rate ranged between 11.4% – 13.3% in 2016/2017. From 219 cases considered, 25 were rejected. This is an unusually high number for a Caribbean program. Where in Malta during the same time 16% were rejected.
One of the main reasons for rejection is the intentional submission of false information or forged documents, or omitting information about your background especially if it has criminal ties. Remember that one refusal means the entire CIP programs would be off limit to you since it will go on your permanent record and other countries will be able to view it and reject you just based on that.
Here are the things that you should consider before applying:
- Know that background checks will be performed and you can’t hide anything. This means you shouldn’t have any question marks in your history and no criminal records or financial fraud.
- You must have a legitimate and verifiable source of income.
- It is better if you haven’t been denied visas to other countries like the US or Europe.
- Know that your spouse and children’s status can also affect your application.
- You can be rejected for failing a health or medical checkup.
- If you have filed personal or corporate bankruptcy you will also be rejected.
- If you have any civil actions pending against you in a court or threatened by creditors your application has little chance of being approved.
Even if you do get approved, don’t celebrate too soon, especially if you are on a ‘wanted’ list, because you CBI passport will be revoked. Although, if you feel that you have been judged unfairly you can always reapply through your authorized consultants.
When you refer to an authorized citizenship by investment program consultant a background check is performed and in-depth due diligence so that you don’t risk applying and getting rejected and ruining your chances of ever having a second passport.