EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa is an effective way to obtain a permanent residence in the United States through investment in your own business or in a Regional Center project in the United States. 

Fundamentally, investment made into your own business allows you to actively manage your US business, and is usually a good option for people who have significant business experience in the U.S. 

Primarily, the Regional Center program is commonly referred as a passive investment for investors who want to get a permanent residence (Green Card) with minimal risks. Notably, it does not require active involvement in the business.

Additionally, the investor and his family receive the right to permanently reside, study and work in the United States, and, after five years of being a permanent resident, to apply for the US citizenship.

• Key Benefits of the EB-5 Visa
• Main Requirements of the EB-5 Visa
• Investment Options
• Timeframe
  
  

Key Benefits of the EB-5 Visa

• Freedom to legally reside, work, and study in the US;
• Possible to include in the application spouses and children under 21;
• The possibility of obtaining permanent residence ("Green Card") only for the spouse and children, or only for children;
• The possibility of obtaining US citizenship 5 years after obtaining permanent residence ("Green Card");
• Investment return;
• No need for a sponsor;
• Children can access public and private schools, and institutions;
• No language requirements;

• With Green Card: visa-free access to Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Singapore and other countries.

Main Requirements of the EB-5 Visa

• Main applicant must be at least 14 years of age
• Invest the required investment amount
  • $800,000 ( if the investment is located in a rural area or high-unemployment area) OR,
  • $1,050,000 ( a US commercial enterprise).
• Source of funds must be lawful;
• Create at least 10 new full-time jobs for American workers,
  • If investment is made into Investor’s personal business in the US, then the investment should contribute to creation of at least 10 full time jobs;
  • If investment is made into the Regional Center Program, then a RC takes care of jobs creation.

Investment Options

1. Direct investment;
2. Investing through Regional Centers.
   
   

Timeframe

Approx. 9 months – 18 months after submitting the EB-5 Visa application to receive a Green Card.

BUT – if legally in the U.S., Petitioner can apply for a change of status and stay in the U.S. immediately.