Guide for US EB-5 Visa Program
Principal Advantages and Application Procedure
The EB-5 Investor Visa Program serves as a bridge between foreign investors seeking U.S. permanent residency and the economic development needs of American communities. Established in 1990, this unique program provides a pathway for qualified foreign investors to obtain a Green Card by directing their capital into business ventures that stimulate the economy and create or preserve American jobs.
Given its potential to offer immigrant investors and their families a route to lawful permanent residence, the EB-5 program stands as a distinctive component of U.S. immigration policy. Applicants must navigate a rigorous set of eligibility criteria and a substantial investment process to participate. Specifically, applicants must commit their funds to establishing a “new commercial enterprise” in the United States, and demonstrate that their investment will lead to the creation of jobs for American workers.
By meeting these requirements, investors and their immediate family members can secure conditional Green Cards, paving the way for eventual U.S. citizenship, provided they continue to fulfill all program obligations during the prescribed timeframe.
Key Points:
- The EB-5 Visa offers foreign investors a path to U.S. permanent residency through investment and job creation in the American economy.
- Applicants must satisfy specific eligibility criteria, including making a significant capital investment into a new commercial enterprise.
- A successful EB-5 investment grants the investor and their family conditional permanent residence, leading to U.S. citizenship upon fulfillment of program conditions.
Objective and Benefits of EB-5 Visa Program
The objective of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is to encourage international investment and boost economic growth in the United States. It provides a way for qualified foreign investors to invest at least $800,000 in a new business venture that would generate at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers, earning them the status of lawful permanent residents, or “green card” holders. A green card is granted to investors, their spouses, and their unmarried children under the age of twenty-one.
Eligibility Criteria for EB-5 Visa Program
Specific investment and job creation thresholds must be met by foreign investors in order to be eligible for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The United States upholds these regulations. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to guarantee that the initiative boosts international investment and job creation in the United States.
Investment Limitations
There is a $1,050,000 minimum investment required under the EB-5 program. If the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is either a rural area or an area with high unemployment rates, this threshold can be lowered to $800,000.
- General Requirements: $1,050,000
- Required investment for TEAs: $800,000
USCIS designates TEAs according to a number of economic criteria, and funding in these areas is advised since it guarantees that the program’s benefits will reach the regions of the nation that most require them.
Criteria for Job Creation
The creation or maintenance of at least ten full-time jobs for eligible U.S. workers within two years of the immigrant investor’s admission to the country as a Conditional Permanent Resident is a necessary requirement for the EB-5 visa. USCIS may, under some circumstances, provide a one-year extension to meet this need.
In accordance with USCIS guidelines, investors must show that their capital investment will either directly or indirectly result in the creation of jobs.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Foreign investors need to demonstrate that the investment they are sourcing was obtained legally and that they are investing in a legitimate business. It covers the investor’s legal responsibilities to follow USCIS standards and all program requirements. In addition, the program includes regulatory safeguards including the EB-5 Integrity Fund Fee to guarantee continuous adherence to program guidelines and reduce risks to the investor and project.
The Application Process for EB-5 Visa Program
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has designed the EB-5 application procedure, which necessitates careful documentation and adherence to its protocols.
To advance toward gaining conditional, and eventually permanent, residency in the United States, each step must be fulfilled in order.
1. Form I-526: Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor
An EB-5 candidate must first submit Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor.
This document certifies that the applicant has made the necessary investment in a U.S. business that meets the requirements, or that they are in the process of doing so. Also, the applicant must demonstrate that the investment would result in the creation of at least ten full-time jobs for Americans.
2. Consular Processing vs Adjustment of Status
Candidates residing in the United States may apply for an Adjustment of Status to become a conditional permanent resident by filing Form I-485 with the USCIS once the Form I-526 is approved.
Consular processing is required for those who live outside of the United States. This entails going to a U.S. embassy overseas and asking for an immigrant visa, which, if approved, lets them enter the country as temporary residents.
3. Form I-829: Entrepreneur's Petition to Remove Conditions
Upon completion of the EB-5 program criteria and maintenance of conditional permanent resident status for two years, applicants are required to submit Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions.
To request the removal of the conditional status and to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, submit this form to USCIS. If this petition is approved, permanent residency will be granted to the investor, their spouse, and any unmarried children under the age of 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum investment required for an EB-5 visa, according to USCIS criteria, is either $1,050,000 or $800,000 if the investment is in a Targeted Employment Area. These areas can be rural or have high unemployment rates.
The EB-5 visa is special since it is not awarded based on employment with a U.S. firm, but rather on the applicant’s investment and generation of jobs.
A job offer from a U.S. firm is necessary for other employment-based green cards, like the EB-1 or EB-2, and they typically require a labor certification procedure to prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the post.
One of the risks associated with the EB-5 visa scheme is that the investment may perform poorly, losing money and perhaps not getting a visa at all.
Benefits include the opportunity to become a permanent resident of the United States, provided that program requirements are met, as well as the right to live, work, and study in the country for investors and their immediate families.
In order to be eligible for an EB-5 visa, an applicant must invest the necessary funds in a new business venture that, within two years of the investor’s admission to the country as a Conditional Permanent Resident, creates or maintains at least ten full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
To Learn more about US EB-5 Visa Program & want help applying to the immigration programs, Contact us today!
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Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
