The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a United States immigration program that allows foreign investors to obtain a green card (permanent resident status) by investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. The program was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.
The EB-5 Program is divided into two categories:
Direct EB-5: The investor invests directly in a new commercial enterprise.
Regional Center EB-5: The investor invests in a new commercial enterprise that is part of a regional center approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a United States immigration program that allows foreign investors to obtain a green card (permanent resident status) by investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. The program was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.
To be eligible for the EB-5 Program, the investor must meet the following criteria:
The investor must be a foreign national.
Minimum investment amount: $1,050,000 million in most areas, or $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs).
Job creation requirement: The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Investment options: Investors can invest directly in a business or through a USCIS-designated Regional Center.
The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
Visa processing time: The EB-5 program is very competitive, and there is a backlog of pending applications. However, once an investor's I-526 petition is approved, they can apply for a conditional Green Card, which is typically issued within a few months.
Path to permanent residency: After two years on a conditional Green Card, investors must remove the conditions by filing Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions. To remove the conditions, investors must show that they have sustained their investment and created the required number of jobs. Once the conditions are removed, investors and their families become permanent residents of the United States.
The investor's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are also eligible for green cards under the EB-5 Program.
The EB-5 Program is a popular option for foreign investors who are interested in obtaining permanent resident status in the United States. The program has been successful in stimulating the U.S. economy and creating jobs.
The U.S. immigration system can be complex, and it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your eligibility and options.