Every year, the United States allows up to 10,000 individuals to earn green cards by investing in the US economy. Through this program, you and your family, including your spouse and children under 21 years of age, can also receive permanent residency.
This investor visa program gives you two years to fulfill the requirements to earn an unconditional, permanent green card. These are the requirements you need to meet.
Investment requirements
The EB-5 visa requires that you create a new for-profit business that promotes job creation, economic growth and productivity in the region. Your investment minimum is $900,000 in a targeted employment area, which is a rural or nonrural area with high unemployment. You may also invest in high-employment areas, but the investment amount increases to $1.8 million.
Your investment should be “at risk,” without a profitability guarantee, and you need to prove that you earned the money legally. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services approves or denies your investment and visa.
Employment requirements
Within two years, your company needs to create at least 10 full-time jobs. Typically, you need to employ these individuals for two years. However, if you are unable to meet this EB-5 visa requirement, you should prove that your investment will create these permanent, full-time positions in the near future.
Involvement requirements
You need to manage your business. Although you can choose any business entity, from a sole proprietorship to a corporation, you cannot be a silent investor.
If you have the money to invest in a US business and believe you can meet the other EB-5 visa requirements, you may have the opportunity to become a permanent resident.