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The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The USA is a highly sought-after country for global investors. For those who want to acquire permanent resident status or green cards in the USA, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the most effective way to achieve this. Since 1990, when the US Congress created this program, the US government allocates a considerable number of visas each year for individuals wishing to make a significant, qualified investment into the country, thus generating jobs for the US economy. As part of the US immigration by investment strategy, the EB-5 visa investment projects offer a streamlined path to permanent residency. Under this program, individuals and their immediate family members can obtain permanent residency in the USA within a short period, benefiting from the program’s robust framework and global reputation.
Investment
To qualify for the EB-5 program, an individual must invest at least $800,000 in a qualifying project in a targeted employment area (TEA) or $1.05 million outside of a TEA. At a minimum, the investment must generate 10 full-time jobs for workers in the United States.
Processing time
USCIS(U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) gives approximated handling times for immigration requests online, offering applicants an idea of their wait period. Nevertheless, these are just projections, and actual processing times might differ.
Key benefit
Permanent residency Business opportunities Education opportunities Unrestricted travel Eligibility for U.S. citizenship
Benefits of the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
One of the most desirable business and lifestyle destinations worldwide
Range of top-tier schools and Ivy League universities available nationwide
An effective route to gain permanent resident status (a green card)
Ability to include a spouse and children who are under 21 years old and not married
Minimal application requirements, with no business experience or specific language proficiency needed
Flexibility in physical presence requirements
Citizenship approval after five years of legal residence
Requirements of USA Residence by Investment
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program demands that a foreign individual invests in a new commercial enterprise that is associated with government-approved regional centres based on proposals for promoting economic growth.
The following requirements apply:
- Fulfil one of the following options:
Investment of USD 1,050,000 into an area project with a non-targeted employment
Investment of USD 800,000 into a targeted employment area project in a rural area or an area with high unemployment
2. Create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified US workers
After the successful applicants have received a green card, the funds must stay invested until permanent resident status is granted (roughly five years). Approved applicants will receive conditional green cards for a period of two years. The conditions on the green card are then removed at the end of the two years upon demonstrating to USA immigration authorities that the jobs were, in fact, created or maintained. The transition from conditional to regular green cards does not affect what the green card holder can do in the USA. Individual applicants must have a net worth in excess of USD 1 million and provide proof that their funds come from legal sources.
Procedures and Time Frame of USA Residence by Investment
Individuals who wish to participate in the program are required to fill out designated forms, pay applicable fees, and provide supporting documentation. This documentation includes personal records, medical reports, vaccination records, certified police clearance certificates, and court records, if applicable. Generally, applicants receive their initial conditional green cards within 18 to 24 months, and the conversion to a regular green card can be filed two years later.
Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 investors may also apply for green cards without the need for additional financial contributions, but they must submit their own documentation.
Permanent residents have the ability to live anywhere in the United States, but their visa-free or visa-on-arrival access may be limited compared to other countries.
Green card holders who wish to become citizens must have continuously lived in the United States for at least five years prior to naturalization, have been physically present in the country for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately prior to filing for naturalization, and demonstrate basic proficiency in English reading, writing, and speaking. Minimal additional conditions are required to obtain citizenship, including a civics test.
RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT - CHECK YOUR ELIGEBILITY
faq
Our Clients Questions
The US Congress created the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in 1990, which allows foreign individuals to invest in a new commercial enterprise associated with government-approved regional centres to obtain permanent residency in the USA.
The benefits of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program include gaining permanent resident status, including immediate family members, minimal application requirements, flexibility in physical presence requirements, and the opportunity to obtain US citizenship after five years of legal residence.
The requirements for USA residence by investment include investing USD 1,050,000 in an area project with non-targeted employment or USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area project in a rural area or an area with high unemployment. The investment must create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified US workers.
Individuals who wish to participate in the program must fill out designated forms, pay applicable fees, and provide supporting documentation. Applicants typically receive their initial conditional green cards within 18 to 24 months, and the conversion to a regular green card can be filed two years later.
Investors’ spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply for green cards as derivative applicants and are not required to make further financial contributions but must submit their paperwork.
Green card holders who wish to become citizens must have continuously lived in the United States for at least five years before naturalization, have been physically present in the country for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before filing for naturalization, and demonstrate basic proficiency in English reading, writing, and speaking. Minimal additional conditions are required to obtain citizenship, including a civics test.