U.S. EB-5 Investor Visa
The EB-5 Visa provides the most flexible path to a Green Card based on an investment in US. The EB-5 visa does not require the applicant to manage the day-to-day affairs of a business. One may invest in an existing business, or a new business and be a minority owner of the business.
One may qualify for an EB-5 as follows:
- Invest $1 million and hire ten employees anywhere in the USA
- Invest $500,000 and hire ten employees in an area with low unemployment rate
- Invest in a regional center.
Regional Centers, as eligible to receive immigrant investor capital. Regional Center investors may rely on indirect job creation rather than directly hiring ten employees. If the regional center is in a high unemployment area the required capital is reduced to $500,000.
There are minimal eligibility requirements and no specific occupations that would qualify for EB-5 visa. The applicant must be over 21, establish legal source of funds, have no criminal record and be of good health. There are no educational, work experience and language ability required. The EB-5 visa gives you the flexibility to do what you want in the USA.
The first step in this process is to make the investment. The law requires an "at risk" investment without guarantees or redemption rights. The proper selection of this investment is critical to assure minimal risk of your capital.
The second step will be submission I-526 petition. This process will normally take 4-6 months.
The third step will be to file an application for permanent residence through a US Embassy. This process will take 4-6 months and require an interview.
The fourth step, after two years, will be to file for removal of conditions or your permanent green card using Form I-829. This procedure permits INS to verify that you have maintained your approved investment for the required two-year period.