Are you an investor overseas who wants to venture into starting a business in the United States? There is an opportunity to invest in a business in the U.S., through the program known as the EB-5 Investor Visa.
In 1990 the EB5 Investor Visa Program was established to allow foreign investors to receive Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States. In simpler terms an investor could secure a U.S. green card to invest in a U.S. business. The program was created by the United States Congress and it is presently managed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The main objective for instituting this program was to expedite increased investment in the U.S. economy.
To acquire an EB5 visa, an investor must make an investment of a minimum of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area to finance a business that employs at least 10 American workers. You have the liberty to choose whether you desire to invest individually or want to work through a wider pool of investors via regional centers (RC). These regional centers are federally approved parties that assist foreign investors to connect with developers who require funding to establish their businesses.
EB-5 Investor Visa Requirements in the U.S
An EB-5 investor visa is an investor’s green card. To acquire an EB-5 visa an applicant must meet certain criteria. For example:
- Invest $1.05 million in eligible commercial enterprise, or
- A minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) with the promise of producing at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens within two years
- The investment must benefit the US economy by providing goods or services to domestic markets
Check with your nearest immigration attorney to provide you with the list of requirements and application process.
When applying for an EB-5 investor visa there is a list of things that may not be necessary and they are:
- Having a job offer lined up or a labor certification may not be required
- It might not be demanded that to disclose your net worth
- The applicant’s involvement is not needed during the application process, unlike the E2 Treaty Investor Visa Program which requires the beneficiary to manage his business
What Makes a Person Eligible For an EB-5 Visa
Before applying for an EB-5 an applicant must know that:
- Their investment must be sourced through legal means and not be borrowed
- An individual can invest in the form of cash or cash equivalents like certificates of deposit and treasury bonds
- Furthermore, the investment can be done through an inventory or other tangible assets such as a property that is secured by the applicant
All EB-5 investors need an approved I-526 that shows the U.S. business investment process has begun.
Benefits That Come Along With The EB-5 Visa
As long as a petition is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age can also apply for the immigrant visa. An EB-5 Investor visa offers several benefits for an applicant and his family. Once the visa is acquired the beneficiary has the right to live, work, retire, and further educational studies in the country.
When Is Best to Contact An Immigration Attorney
Taking on such a huge investment is no small task and a strong legal representative will help you avoid making mistakes throughout the process. Gambacorta Law Office and team are experienced with the EB-5 visa program and will gladly help you. Call us today at 847 443 9303.
