An EB-5 visa is also known as the Investor’s visa and an Entrepreneur’s visa. The EB-5 Program was created by Congress in 1990 as a way to stimulate the U.S. economy through capital investment and job creation. In exchange for investing $1 million, or more often $500,000, into a qualified new commercial enterprise and creating 10 jobs for U.S. workers, foreign nationals and their immediate family members can obtain U.S. green cards (lawful permanent residency status)
As said by the name, the EB-5 visa requires the applicant to invest in a project that can help elevate the US economy. Suppose the business runs successfully and fulfills every criterion set by the US authorities. In that case, you will not only get permanent citizenship in the US, but you will also reap the benefit of your investments, where you will have an income from a business as well. Adding to that, your immediate family members can also stay in America as permanent citizens and study/work as lawful US citizens as well.
As your application gets approved by USCIS officials and you have made an investment fulfilling your eligibility criteria, you can avail of a conditional 2-year visa in the USA, and after 2 years, you will receive the unconditional visa for the next 3 years, proven your project is running successfully. As a result, at the end of 3 years, you can avail yourself of the citizenship of the US and call your immediate family in America as permanent citizens. However, they will have to apply for citizenship individually.
Benefits of EB-5 Visa
There are several ways in which EB-5 visa overpowers other visa categories. Some of these benefits are as follows-
- It is the fastest way to get lawful US citizenship. Unlike other visa categories, you don’t need to wait for a decade or more for this visa. You will get it quickly through your investments while you will be residing in the US on a conditional visa.
- You can also call your spouse and unmarried children before 21 years of age in the USA. They will also get the same privileges as other US citizens, like studying, working, moving from one city to another without any restrictions, etc.
- You will also have the freedom to live anywhere in the US and work wherever you want to. There is no restriction on your movements, whether you live in Texas or New York. Your family members can do the same.
- You do not need a labor card or a sponsor to apply for this visa. You can apply for this visa based on your legitimate investments.
- An EB-5 visa investor essentially acts as his own sponsor. There are no requirements outside the investment in an American business. They do not have to be sponsored by any American and group.
- Though many of the investments serve only to help the investor gain entry into the U.S., the right investment can lead to profits and further income for the investor. The initial investment can pay off in more than U.S. status.
- If there are some political changes, the applicant’s family might immediately gain entry to the US without delay.
- Investment must be “at risk” but can be secured by collateral in a real estate project to minimize downside risk; EB5AN focuses on projects with structural downside protection
- No day-to-day management of their EB-5 investment, if investing in the Regional Center Program, may free up time so that you can pursue your own business interests.
- Many regional centers are approved by US governments as well, and therefore these authorities will also help you with your investments and provide you the projects based on previous successful models.
The EB-5 visa is a popular category, and therefore the officials undergo your documents very carefully as well. It is crucial to present your case strongly and fulfill every criterion set by the authorities. Even a minor mistake can delay or compromise your dream of living in the US as a permanent citizen, and also, potentially of your family members. To avoid so, we recommend hiring an experienced immigration lawyer who can help you with the entire process until you receive your citizenship.
