US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program
US EB-5 visa is a great option for those who wish to obtain a US Green Card through investment.
This program provides a pathway for foreign investors and their families to obtain permanent residency (Green Card). This is to attract foreign capital to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the US.
New policy advantages of the EB-5 program, including the reserved visa feature :
- 2000 EB-5 visas are reserved for investments in rural areas
- 1000 EB-5 visas are set aside for investments in high unemployment areas
- 200 EB-5 visas are set aside for investments in public infrastructure projects
- Investors can simultaneously file Form I-526E and Form I-485. This policy allows investors to apply for adjustment of status (I-485) while waiting for their I-526E petition to be approved, which can save time.
- Concurrent filing expedites EAD and AP, enabling work and travel freedom for a specified period, similar to Green Card benefits.
Basic requirements for applying for an EB-5 visa Applying for an EB-5 investor Green Card
- There are no age, education, language, or business experience requirements for applicants
- Allows the applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to be included in the application and obtain a Green Card
- EB-5 visa holders have the freedom to live anywhere in the US without being required to personally oversee the investment on a daily basis
- Enjoy unrestricted travel to and from the US, with no immigration limitations
- Investment amount
- TEA area: US $800,000
- Non-TEA area: US $1,050,000
- The fastest investment return time is two years after investment
- The immigration agency oversees investment funds through a secure escrow account and enforces strict regulations on regional centers to protect investors’ funds.
- The processing time for I-526 is between one to two years
- Can file Form I-526E concurrently with I-485 application
- Processing time for an EB-5 green card is typically two to three years
The advantages of the EB-5 investor Green Card in the US:
- Get a US Green Card: EB-5 investors and family members can secure permanent residency and enjoy benefits similar to US citizenship.
- No Sponsor Required: Unlike other immigration programs, EB-5 does not require a US citizen or permanent resident as a sponsor, only meeting the investment requirements is necessary
- Fast Track Immigration: EB-5 offers a relatively quick processing time, especially for investments in TEA, making it a faster option compared to other immigration routes.
- Live Anywhere in the US: EB-5 investors and families have freedom to reside, work, and study anywhere in the US with no restrictions
- Green Card Holders’ Kids Get Free US Education: Children of green card holders can attend US public schools for free and enjoy the same benefits as US citizens when applying to college, including in-state tuition and scholarship opportunities.
- Work Freedom in the US: EB-5 investors and their families can work anywhere, without restrictions
- Start & Grow a US Business: Green card holders enjoy same benefits & legal protections as local companies
- Secure and Stable Environment: The US provides a safe haven for investors and their families, with a stable political climate, robust legal framework, and strong economic foundation, ensuring a secure and prosperous life and investment experience
- Gateway to US Citizenship: With a green card, investors and their families can pursue US citizenship, unlocking enhanced rights and benefits, including voting, government services, and social security
EB-5 Green Card Application Process for US Investors:
- Selecting an Investment Plan: Choose a qualified EB-5 investment plan, typically investing $500,000 to $1,000,000 in a commercial enterprise or regional center project.
- Submit Form I-526: File the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Petition (Form I-526) to demonstrate the lawful source and sufficiency of investment funds.
- Wait for Approval: Wait for the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review and approve the I-526 petition. This step typically takes time.
- Meeting Conditions: After I-526 approval, investors need to fulfill the conditions of the investment plan, such as investing the required amount and creating job opportunities.
- Proof of Meeting Conditions: Submit proof of meeting conditions, typically before applying for a permanent resident green card.
- Submit Form I-485: File a permanent residence application (Form I-485) or, if overseas, may need to go through visa processing.
- Conditional Green Card: Typically after a certain period of time (usually two years), a conditional removal application (Form I-829) needs to be submitted to obtain a permanent green card.
- Green Card Approval: After review, successfully removing conditions, you will receive a permanent green card.
Applications are usually processed within working days. Processing time varies based on individual circumstances and document completeness.