E-2 Vs. EB-5: Which Visa Is Best For You?

Purchasing Real Estate in the US does not give you immigrant status. I have a lot of clients enquiring about possibility of obtaining immigration status when investing in Real Estate in the US. However, you can obtain an immigrant visa when investing in special projects that qualify for the EB-5 visa. But, the EB-5 investor must pay $500,000 with a “regional center” EB-5 Project, and 10 jobs are created.

EB-5 Visa

EB-5 is not considered a visa, in fact, itis a permanent residency or “green card”. EB-5, will also include the spouse and all children under 21 years of age. All eligible family members obtain the green card and permanent residency for life. Subsequently, after five years of being a permanent resident (green card), one can apply for citizenship. Besides, citizenship is optional but not mandatory. Did you know you can live in the United States your entire life with a green card and never have to apply for citizenship if you do not want? But, to vote in the elections, or petition for your parents, you must be a US citizen and not a resident.

This type of case is can be very slow right and take between 2 to 3 years to be fully approved.

The investor loans the $500,000 to the EB-5 regional center project and is seen as a passive investor. The investor, completely passive, does not need to run a business. Furthermore, EB-5 families cannot move to the United States until the case is approved. Cases usually are approved after two or three years. Besides, the families cannot reside in the United States while this case awaits approval, unless, the families have been issued another type of visa, like the E-2 Visa.

And, depending on the project, the money is returned to the EB-5 investor after five or six years.

One project that has proved to be very successful with EB-5 investors is Paramount World Center located in Downtown Miami

E-2 Visa

Considered a , E-2 visa is issued in five-year increments. The investor must make a substantial investment in a commercial activity, or a business. This visa includes, the wife and children under 21 years of age. Once the children reach 21 years of age, they will no longer be eligible to be under the parent and must seek their own immigration status.

The E2 investor must renew their visa every five (5) years and prove that the business not only continues but is profitable. The approval rate for the E2 Visa is very high at 97%, while the approvals for the renewals are 98% high.

Once the business is purchased, the E-2 Visa can be obtained in  90 days, sometimes even in less time. The E-2 Visa is an excellent visa to enter the United States.

There are several businesses for sale that may qualify for E-2 visa

At Jurado & Farshchian, P.L., our experienced Immigration Attorneys will not only help you get your E-2 and E-5 Visas approved but they will also provide you expertise knowledge in making your investment a significant part of the economy of the United States. Please reach out to Jurado & Farshchian, P.L., to schedule a free consultation to understand which investment is best for your situation.

Contact Us at (305) 921-0440 or email at [email protected] or [email protected].

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