The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program – All You Need To Know

Understanding the EB-5 Program

The EB-5 program offers wealthy nationals of foreign countries a unique opportunity to obtain a permanent residency in the United States relatively quickly by investing capital in a new U.S. business that will create at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers.

When it comes to the EB-5 investment requirement, the minimum qualifying amount under this program is $1,000,000. However, if the business is located within a certain designated area, the required investment amount is reduced to $500,000.

The EB-5 Visa is one of the fastest and most reliable methods of immigration to the United States for you and your family. Read on to learn why.

The Benefits of Obtaining a Green Card through the EB-5 Program

• You and your family can obtain permanent residence in the United States.
• You and your family will have a right to live and work in the United States.
• After five years in the country, you will be eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship.
• As a green card holder, you can travel in and out of the United States freely and enter dozens of other countries without having to apply for visas.
• As a Permanent Resident in the United States, you will be able to send your children to American schools and universities.

The Requirements for Participating in the EB-5 Program

1 – You must invest at least $1,000,000 (or, in some cases, $500,000)

Typically, EB-5 applicants must invest at least $1 million into a business in the United States. However, for businesses located in a Targeted Employment Area (High Unemployment or Rural Area), EB-5 applicants can qualify by making an investment of only $500,000.

Generally, U.S. Regional Centers are organized in Targeted Employment Areas, which means that EB-5 investments made through a Regional Center usually need to be just $500,000.

2 – You must invest in a real commercial enterprise that involves some business risk

In the United States, a commercial enterprise is defined as any for-profit activity formed for the ongoing conduct of lawful business, such as:

• Partnerships;
• Holding companies;
• Joint ventures; or
• Corporations;

Additionally, there has to be some “business risk” involved. This means that you must invest in a real business that does not have a guarantee of success, and you and your funds must be irrevocably committed to the success of the business.

3 – You must create at least 10 jobs for American workers

As an EB-5 investor, you must create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying American workers within two years of your admission to the United States as a Conditional Permanent Resident.

4 – You have to manage your EB-5 business

As an EB-5 investor, you will need to be actively involved in the management of the new commercial enterprise. However, if you invest through a Regional Center, you will not be required to manage the day-to-day operations of the EB-5 business.

5 – The capital you invest must come from legal sources

In order to apply for the EB-5 visa, you will need to show to the USCIS that the money you are investing was obtained legally. The evidence you provide may include tax returns, documentation showing the sale of stocks, documented gifts, bonds, etc.

6 – You must satisfy general U.S. immigration requirements

In order to obtain a green card through the EB-5 program and become an EB-5 investor, you must first satisfy general U.S. immigration requirements, which include a medical examination, a background check, and proving that you are not a member of the Communist Party, among others.

Work with an EB-5 Expert

At Jurado & Farshchian, P.L., our lawyers assist clients from all over the world in achieving their immigration and business goals.

First, we will take some time to understand your unique goals, circumstances, and needs. Then, we will work strategically to help you prepare an outstanding EB-5 Visa application.

To get in touch with one of our skilled Immigration Attorneys, call our offices today at (305) 921-0440 or send us an email to [email protected].

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