Top 5 Questions Answered: EB-5 Visa Requirements for Immigrant Investors
Are you considering getting a U.S. green card through investment? Look no further. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a pathway to U.S. immigration through a business investment. This Green Card investment visa is designed to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. As an immigrant investor visa, the EB-5 visa presents an exciting opportunity for individuals and their immediate families to live, work, and study in the U.S.
What Is the EB-5 Visa? The EB-5 is an immigrant investor visa that provides a path to lawful permanent residency – or a ‘Green Card’ – in the United States. This path is provided in exchange for a qualifying investment into a new commercial enterprise that meets specific job creation requirements.
What Are the Key EB-5 Requirements? The two primary requirements for the EB-5 visa are making a qualifying investment and demonstrating that the investment will lead to the creation of 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. As of 2022, the minimum investment amount is $800,000 for projects in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and $1,050,000 for non-TEA projects.
What Is a Lawful Source of Funds? One key aspect of the EB-5 visa requirements is demonstrating a lawful source of funds. This means that you must prove that your investment capital was obtained legally. This can come from a variety of sources including personal savings, gifts, loans, salaries, or sales of assets, among others.
Can Any Business Qualify for the EB-5 Visa Program? The investment must be made in a new commercial enterprise, which is a business established after November 29, 1990. It may also involve the restructuring of an existing business or the expansion of an existing business that results in at least a 40% increase in the net worth or number of employees.
How Does the EB-5 Program Lead to a Green Card? After making the qualifying investment and meeting all other EB-5 requirements, the investor and their immediate family members are granted a conditional green card. If, after two years, the investor can demonstrate that the investment led to the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs, the conditions can be removed and the investor can receive a permanent green card.
The EB-5 Visa, as an Investment Immigration Visa, presents a unique opportunity for individuals with the means and desire to make a significant investment in the U.S. economy. If you are considering the EB-5 or any other U.S. Green Card Business Investment route, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and process. Always consult with an experienced immigration attorney to understand your options and navigate the application process. Your American dream may be closer than you think with the America EB-5 visa.