Category : Investing

The EB5 Investor Visa Program Explained

If you’re ready to turn your $500,000 investment into at least ten permanent, full-time jobs for a U.S. government-approved commercial venture, you’re ready for an Eb-5 Investor Visa. The benefits of obtaining this visa are numerous ? even more so than previous investor visa programs. However, applicants should be aware of the facts first. Several eligibility requirements, as well as time contingencies, must be met during the application process. That’s why, when it comes to the EB5 visa program, knowledge is key.What is an EB5 Investor Visa?An EB5 investor visa is designed to increase U.S. economic development through entrepreneurial investment from individuals seeking permanent residence status with a green card. Applicants seeking EB5 visas may invest in U.S. commercial endeavors through government-sponsored regional centers, which enable applicants to receive green cards in exchange for investment capital. Regional centers are located in nearly every state, and must fiat currency be certified by the government before processing EB5 applications.Advantages of Obtaining an EB5 VisaUnlike other investment visas such as the E2 Visa, the EB5 investor visa allows greater freedom during the process, and is one of the fastest routes to U.S. citizenship available. For instance, as part of the EB5 Immigrant Investor Visa, applicants are not required to prove non-immigrant intent, or be involved in a company’s day-to-day affairs. In addition, the minimum ten permanent, full-time jobs that must be created do not have to be directly related to the investment company, making it easier to qualify for permanent resident status after the initial 2-year wait period.EB5 Visa EligibilitySeveral requirements are necessary before an application for the EB5 investor visa will be processed. First, the applicant must be able to invest $500,000 to a rural or highly unemployed area, or $1,000,000 to other investment areas. This investment cannot be a guaranteed investment.