Overview of the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The United States is a global leader in economic strength, innovation, and opportunities in healthcare, education, and business. As a result, it remains one of the most sought-after destinations for individuals and families worldwide. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was established in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and foreign investment.
This program offers a direct pathway to U.S. permanent residency for investors and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21). Successful applicants receive a Green Card within 24 to 36 months, granting them the right to live, work, study, and travel freely across the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EB-5 Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Investment: $800,000 in a commercial enterprise within a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
- Job Creation Requirement: The investment must generate at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens or legal workers
- Age Requirement: Investors must be at least 21 years old at the time of application
- No Business or Managerial Experience Needed
- No Education, Language Proficiency, or Specific Fund Source Requirements
EB-5 Application Process & Timeline
The EB-5 process involves several steps, and EAM Immigration ensures a smooth journey for applicants. Below is an estimated timeline:
Sign a contract with EAM Immigration and complete the initial payment.
Undergo preliminary background checks and receive a customized document checklist and application package.
Open an escrow account, transfer the investment funds and administrative fees.
File the I-526 Petition with USCIS and wait for application approval.
Upon approval, receive conditional Green Card and begin U.S. residency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The EB-5 Visa is an immigrant investor program that allows foreign investors to obtain U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) by investing in a U.S. commercial enterprise and creating jobs for American workers. It provides an opportunity for investors and their families to live, work, and study in the United States.
The EB-5 Visa provides several key benefits:
- Permanent U.S. Residency: Investors and their families can live anywhere in the U.S.
- No Sponsorship Required: Unlike other visa categories, no employer or family sponsorship is necessary.
- Education Opportunities: Access to world-class universities and schools at resident tuition rates.
- Work & Business Freedom: Investors can work for any employer or establish their own business.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After maintaining a Green Card for five years, investors can apply for U.S. citizenship.
Anyone over the age of 21 with the required investment capital can apply for the EB-5 Visa. There are no requirements related to education, language proficiency, or previous business experience. However, applicants must demonstrate that their investment funds are legally obtained.
No, investors are not required to live near their investment project. They can reside anywhere in the United States, regardless of where their EB-5 investment is located.
"Lawfully gained" assets refer to the requirement that all funds used for the EB-5 investment must come from legal sources. This could include income from employment, business profits, real estate transactions, stock market earnings, inheritances, or lawful gifts. Applicants must provide documentation proving the legal origin of their investment funds.
Yes, gifted funds can be used for the EB-5 investment, as long as the applicant can demonstrate the legal source of the gift and provide proper documentation. A signed gift declaration may be required to confirm that the money is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
After holding a Green Card for five years, EB-5 investors and their families can apply for U.S. citizenship, provided they meet the residency requirements. They must have spent at least 30 months in the U.S. during the five-year period, have no criminal record, and pass the U.S. naturalization exam.
Start Your EB-5 Journey with EAM Immigration
Get in touch with EAM Immigration today to begin your journey to U.S. permanent residency!
At EAM Immigration, we specialize in navigating the complexities of the EB-5 program, ensuring a seamless experience from application to Green Card approval.
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