Immigrant investor programs have gained popularity worldwide as a means for high-net-worth individuals to secure residency or citizenship in a desired country. Among these programs, the United States’ EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program stands out as an attractive option for potential investors. In this article, we will discuss the key benefits of the EB-5 program and compare it to other prominent immigrant investor programs around the world.

Key Benefits of the EB-5 Program

Permanent Residency in the United States

The EB-5 program offers permanent residency in the United States for the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21[^1^]. This green card allows them to live, work, and study anywhere in the country and provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship after five years[^2^].

Lower Investment Thresholds

Compared to other programs, the EB-5 program has relatively lower investment thresholds. Investors can choose between two investment options: $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA project[^3^].

No Business Management Requirement

Unlike some other programs, the EB-5 program allows investors to take a passive role in their investment through Regional Centers[^4^]. This flexibility enables investors to pursue other interests while fulfilling the program’s requirements.

Access to Quality Education and Healthcare

EB-5 investors and their families gain access to the United States’ renowned educational institutions and world-class healthcare facilities[^5^].

Global Mobility and Travel Benefits

U.S. permanent residents enjoy visa-free travel to many countries and access to the United States’ extensive domestic travel network[^6^].

Comparisons to Other Immigrant Investor Programs

Canada’s Immigrant Investor Program

While Canada’s Immigrant Investor Program was terminated in 2014, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program remains operational[^7^]. The Quebec program requires a higher investment of CAD $1.2 million and a minimum net worth of CAD $2 million[^8^]. However, it also provides Canadian permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship[^9^].

United Kingdom’s Tier 1 Investor Visa

The UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of £2 million, significantly higher than the EB-5 program[^10^]. While it provides a route to residency and eventual citizenship, the process takes longer and involves more stringent requirements[^11^].

Australia’s Significant Investor Visa

Australia’s Significant Investor Visa requires an investment of AUD $5 million in specific types of assets[^12^]. Although it offers Australian residency, the pathway to citizenship is longer and more complex[^13^].

Portugal’s Golden Visa

Portugal’s Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of €350,000 in real estate or €1 million in a Portuguese business[^14^]. While it provides residency and a pathway to citizenship, it also necessitates maintaining the investment for a certain period and spending a minimum amount of time in the country[^15^].

Success Stories and Examples

Countless successful EB-5 investors have made significant contributions to the U.S. economy and created jobs through their investments[^16^]. These success stories demonstrate the program’s ability to benefit both investors and the United States.

## Conclusion

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers unique benefits compared to other immigrant investor programs worldwide. With relatively lower investment thresholds, no business management requirement, and access to quality education and healthcare, the EB-5 program presents a compelling option for investors seeking residency and citizenship in the United States. Explore the EB-5 program today to unlock these benefits and secure a brighter future for you and your family

Sources

[1]: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (n.d.). EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program

[2]: U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). U.S. Citizenship. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/us-citizenship/U-S-Citizenship.html

[3]: Investopedia. (2021, September 29). EB-5 Visa. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/eb5-visa.asp

[4]: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (n.d.). EB-5 Regional Centers. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program/eb-5-regional-centers

[5]: American Immigration Council. (2018, August 2). The EB-5 Visa Program: What It Is and How It Works. Retrieved from https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/eb5-visa-program

[6]: U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Visa Waiver Program. Retrieved from https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program

[7]: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2014, February 11). Government of Canada to improve immigrant investor program. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2014/02/government-canada-improve-immigrant-investor-program.html

[8]: Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration. (n.d.). Investing in Québec. Retrieved from https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/businesspeople/applying-business-immigrant/three-programs/investors/index.html

[9]: Government of Canada. (n.d.). Apply for citizenship. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/become-canadian-citizen/eligibility.html

[10]: Gov.uk. (n.d.). Tier 1 (Investor) visa. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/tier-1-investor

[11]: Gov.uk. (n.d.). Apply to settle (‘indefinite leave to remain’) in the UK: Tier 1 (Investor) visa. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/tier-1-investor/settle-in-the-uk

[12]: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. (n.d.). Significant Investor stream. Retrieved from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/business-innovation-and-investment-188/significant-investor-stream

[13]: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. (n.d.). Citizenship by conferral. Retrieved from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen/permanent-resident

[14]: Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. (n.d.). Residence permit for investment activity. Retrieved from https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/residir/ar-i/

[15]: Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. (n.d.). Residence permit for investment activity. Retrieved from https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/residir/ar-i/

[16]: Paraprin Capital successful EB-5 case. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=paraprin+capital&oq=paraprin+c&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j69i59j69i60l3.4053j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#