Is The EB-5 Investment Visa For You?

If you’re looking to invest or start a business in the United States, the easiest way for you and your immediate family to immigrate to the U.S. is through the EB-5 investment visa program. Although the price may be a bit steep for some—you’ve got to be ready to invest anywhere between $500,000 and $1 million in U.S. dollars—if you’re looking for a green card suitable for you and your family, there’s no quicker, more secure route to permanent citizenship in the current U.S. political and economic climate.

Investment Options

There are two basic investment options open to qualified EB-5 investors: Individual Business and Regional Center. Although foreign investors must meet the same requirement with either investment type—investment capital between $500,000 and $1 million, and the creation of a minimum of ten full-time positions for U.S. workers—there are incentives for each. The individual business plan lets the investor have far more control of their investment and business function, so if you’re looking to start your own business and want to be heavily involved, this might be the way to go. However, keep in mind that with power comes responsibility. You’ll be on your own making sure that your investment doesn’t fail, and creating conditions which fulfill your green card requirements. You’ll also have to provide proof of such.

Regional Centers are an easier option for investors who don’t mind taking a backseat to the business. Because they are pre-qualified EB-5 investment areas, they already have the job creation aspects and proof in place, and they are far more secure an investment than a start up business, although no investment is risk free. Regional Centers offer the added incentive of allowing foreign nationals to invest on the lower end of the scale- $500,000 instead of $1 million.

Either way you go, you’re going to want some expert assistance. You may feel like you can handle it all, but a word to the wise- hire yourself an experienced EB-5 consultant. EB-5 Exclusive offers investors a whole team of professionals to guide you through the process from start to finish- isn’t your permanent residency status worth it?