An EB-5 Visa - The Fastest, Easiest Way to a Green Card?

Basics of the EB-5 Regional Center Investor Program.

The EB-5 immigrant investor green card program is an ideal option to obtain permanent residency in the United States of America for foreign investors investing $500.000 in one of many   approved regional centers in many US states. The EB-5 visa appears to provide one of the most flexible paths to a green card based on U.S. investment. The EB-5 visa does not require the applicant to manage the day-to-day affairs of a business.

Who should invest?

EB-5 investors include people from all walks of life; professionals, business people, person’s wanting to facilitate a child’s education and retirees. The EB-5 program permits employment in the USA.

Simply put, the EB-5 visa gives you the flexibility to do what you want in the USA.

If you don’t actively want to manage a business you should consider the EB-5, if your goal is to have a green card and not to actively manage a business, it is often cheaper to utilize the EB-5 category rather than start and maintain a business.

What documents must be prepared to process my visa application?

Complete biographical information for each application and the principal applicant must prove the source of the investment funds .The USCIS (United States citizenship and Immigration Service) require a number of years of tax returns, bank records, proof of ownership and financial statements in any business. If your capital comes from a specific transaction such as a house sale, inheritance or a gift you must provide documentation for the transaction.

How long does USCIS take to process my visa application?  

You should plan for the entire process to take from three months once your application is submitted – it can take longer depending on the regional center program you choose.

What are the different programs?

There are a significant number of USCIS approved immigrant investor programs designed for EB-5 visa applicants. The programs are a very mixed bag with different track records and include amongst others those offering commercial properties, resort developments, agricultural investments and loan to the public and private sectors.

There are many companies advertising on the internet as offering EB-5 regional center pilot program options. Not all these companies as yet have an established track record or make clear some important limitations and dangers so you need to be wary.

What are the processing procedures?

A general outline of the application process follows.

Step 1 – Your Attorney will file form I-526 Petition for Alien Entrepreneur. This petition requires USCIS to certify the applicant and the investment as eligible for EB-5 visa status.

Step2 – Upon approval of the EB-5 petition (a) if you are in the USA you may apply for adjustment of status to permanent residence by sending form I-485 and supporting documentation to the appropriate regional processing center. (b) If you are abroad await notification from the US embassy in your home country of a visa interview. The adjustment of status includes checks for criminal background and infectious diseases.

Step3 – Upon approval you receive a form pending the issue of your two year conditional green card, as well as documents required for entry into the USA. If you are abroad you should enter the US within six months of Embassy approval of your conditional greencard.

Step 4 – During the final 90 days of the two year conditional green card you must file for removal of conditions using form 1-829. This procedure permits USCIS to verify that you have maintained your full approved investment and the required number of jobs have been created in your regional center program.

Important tax considerations

The USA charges income tax on all US citizens and permanent residents based on worldwide income. Treaties and various exemptions may eliminate double taxation. Each state of the USA also has its own separate tax system; four states do not raise revenue through state income tax.
 

Which EB5 research all regional centers, you make the same $500,000 investment and get independent experts at no cost to you. Our impartial advice has helped more than a hundred families obtain Green cards.

If you would like a briefing / consultation or more details and information on the EB-5 visa, the regional centers which offer this program and previous EB-5 investors please click on the blue box below.