The EB-5 visa program allows non-U.S. citizens to get their permanent green card in two years by investing in job-creating ventures in the United States. EB-5 investors may choose to invest in projects as diverse as high-rises in Manhattan or health care centers in Arizona. Alternatively, they may choose to invest in their own start-up venture with the goal of creating at least 10 full-time jobs.
Who is Eligible?
Those investing in EB-5-eligible projects in the United States may apply for the program, as well as spouses, children, and step-children. Children and step-children must be under the age of 21 and must be unmarried. Spouses must have been married to the investor before he or she applied as an EB-5 investor. Investors must invest either $1 million in their own startup enterprise or $500,000 in a designated EB-5 Regional Center project.
Start-Up or Regional Center?
Those interested in the EB-5 program should work with experienced EB-5 consultants to determine whether they should invest in their own start-up enterprise or an EB-5 Regional Center. Many immigrants in this program find it easier to invest in an eligible Regional Center project than their own project. Another advantage of investing in a Regional Center project is that only $500,000 is required, as opposed to $1 million for start-ups.
Steps in the Process
The basic steps in the EB-5 process for Regional Center investors are:
Complete EB-5 Regional Center application
Select Regional Center project and accepting Regional Center proposal
Sign subscription form, putting $500,000 into escrow account
Await United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) review
Release escrow after USCIS approval
Submit either I-485 or Immigrant Visa application
Receive 2-year conditional green card
Petition to have conditions removed after 2 years
Opportunities under EB-5
Hundreds of business enterprises in the U.S. welcome investment under the EB-5 program. Finding a suitable project and completing the EB-5 Regional Center application are the first steps in receiving a permanent green card. Experienced EB-5 consultants know the process inside and out and know exactly how to fulfill EB-5 visa requirements. It is highly recommended that potential EB-5 investors contact a consultant before the application process.
Who is Eligible?
Those investing in EB-5-eligible projects in the United States may apply for the program, as well as spouses, children, and step-children. Children and step-children must be under the age of 21 and must be unmarried. Spouses must have been married to the investor before he or she applied as an EB-5 investor. Investors must invest either $1 million in their own startup enterprise or $500,000 in a designated EB-5 Regional Center project.
Start-Up or Regional Center?
Those interested in the EB-5 program should work with experienced EB-5 consultants to determine whether they should invest in their own start-up enterprise or an EB-5 Regional Center. Many immigrants in this program find it easier to invest in an eligible Regional Center project than their own project. Another advantage of investing in a Regional Center project is that only $500,000 is required, as opposed to $1 million for start-ups.
Steps in the Process
The basic steps in the EB-5 process for Regional Center investors are:
Complete EB-5 Regional Center application
Select Regional Center project and accepting Regional Center proposal
Sign subscription form, putting $500,000 into escrow account
Await United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) review
Release escrow after USCIS approval
Submit either I-485 or Immigrant Visa application
Receive 2-year conditional green card
Petition to have conditions removed after 2 years
Opportunities under EB-5
Hundreds of business enterprises in the U.S. welcome investment under the EB-5 program. Finding a suitable project and completing the EB-5 Regional Center application are the first steps in receiving a permanent green card. Experienced EB-5 consultants know the process inside and out and know exactly how to fulfill EB-5 visa requirements. It is highly recommended that potential EB-5 investors contact a consultant before the application process.
