The Immigrant Investor Program, often known as “EB-5,” has brought in a slew of new U.S residents over the past two decades.
The program, however, is unique among those overseen by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in that it is the only one that is specially designed to produce jobs within the U.S and foster economic growth, in the sense that its applicants have to inject a certain amount of money into the U.S while also creating jobs.
Due to its nature, the EB-5 investment program is not a popular visa choice – but if you’re able to meet the criteria for it – then it might be your best bet to relocate to the U.S.
How Does EB-5 Investment Work?
The EB-5 program is currently the sole visa program in the United States that allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency (a “green card”).
It requires a $1.8 million minimum investment, or $900,000 if the investment is made in a rural or targeted high unemployment area with unemployment rates of 150 percent or higher than the national average.
In addition to the monetary investment made as part of the visa, any investor that opts for an EB-5 visa also has to facilitate the creation of at least 10 jobs through their investment.
The visa is typically in low supply each year, as only 10,000 EB-5 visas are issued annually.
Immigrants can invest directly in a job-creating firm or through regional centers certified by USCIS to support economic growth in selected areas to qualify for the EB-5 program
If the investor’s original application is granted, they can apply for conditional residency in the US. The conditional residence is valid for two years if approved.
The investor can request to have the conditions lifted and the conditional residency made permanent after two years, but only if the investment resulted in the creation of a minimum of ten jobs, as necessary.
Advantages of the EB-5 Investment Visa
The following are some of the direct advantages you receive when you make an EB-5 investment:
Quick Route to Permanent Residency
The EB-5 visa is one of the quickest ways for an investor, their spouse, and unmarried kids under the age of 21 to get permanent residency in the United States.
Free Movement Within The United States
The investment visa grants you the freedom to live and work anywhere in the United States, especially in states where there is no state income tax, such as Florida and Texas.
Educational Benefits
The investment visa offers you access to public elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as lower-cost in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
No Need For H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa category is a temporary visa that permits companies to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in “specialty professions” that need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. However, with an EB-5 visa, you won’t need an H-1B visa like the vast
There Are No Prerequisites For A Visa Sponsor.
This is one of the major advantages of the EB-5 visa. Ordinarily, you would need a financial sponsor to enter the United States when you are not a citizen or a permanent resident.
However, with an EB-5 visa, you are not required to have a sponsor because you have been granted a green card in the United States. This is why most wealthy investors utilize this route for easy access into the United States.
Easy Entry Into the United States
In the case of a political change or an important event in the investor’s home country, they and their family can theater the US promptly.
Eligibility for Citizenship
After a minimum of five years of established permanent residence in the United States, you may be eligible for citizenship.
Disadvantages of the EB-5 Investment Visa
The dangers of using the EB-5 program to invest in a new business:
Heavy Responsibility
You are in charge of establishing ten new jobs and hiring ten new individuals in the neighborhood.
Exposure to the General Evils of Owning a Business
Your new business will face the same dangers as any other new firm in the United States.
Risk of Loss
You might lose your $900,000 or $1.8 million investment if your company concept fails within two years.
Requirement of Beneficial Service
You must supply a good or service to the United States.
Starting a Business From Scratch
Unless you’re growing an established company, you’ll have to start from scratch, which might take a long time.
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