EB5 Visa requirements - Global Immigration Partners

September 1, 2023

The EB-5 visa program is a popular option for foreign investors who wish to obtain permanent residency in the United States. This program allows individuals to invest a certain amount of money in a new commercial enterprise and create jobs for U.S. workers. However, there are specific requirements that applicants must meet in order to qualify for the EB-5 visa. In this blog post, we will explore all the necessary information about EB-5 visa requirements and provide a comprehensive guide for potential investors.

EB-5 Visa Requirements

EB5 Visa By Green Card

Investment Amount

The minimum investment amount for the EB-5 visa program is $1.1 million.
If the investment is made in a targeted employment area (TEA), which is an area with high unemployment or a rural area, the minimum investment amount is reduced to $800,000.

Job Creation

The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years.
These jobs can be direct jobs, where the investor directly employs the workers, or indirect jobs, where the investment indirectly creates jobs through affiliated businesses.

Source of Funds

Applicants must provide evidence of the lawful source of their investment funds.
Acceptable sources of funds include income from business, salary, sale of property, inheritance, or gift, among others.
The funds must be obtained legally and not be derived from criminal activities.

Regional Center vs. Direct Investment

Regional Center

A regional center is a private or public economic unit that is involved in the promotion of economic growth.
Investing through a regional center allows investors to meet the job creation requirement through indirect job creation.
Regional centers are pre-approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and offer a more passive investment option.

Direct Investment

Direct investment involves investing in a new commercial enterprise that the investor directly manages.
The investor is responsible for creating and maintaining the required number of jobs.
Direct investment offers more control and flexibility over the investment, but it requires active management and involvement.

Conditional Permanent Residency

Initial Visa Approval

Upon approval of the EB-5 visa application, the investor and their immediate family members are granted conditional permanent residency in the United States.
The conditional permanent residency is valid for two years.

Removal of Conditions

Within the 90-day period before the conditional permanent residency expires, the investor must file a petition to remove the conditions.
The petition must provide evidence that the investment has been sustained and the required jobs have been created.
Once the conditions are removed, the investor and their family members will receive permanent residency status.

Conclusion

Understanding the EB-5 visa requirements is crucial for foreign investors who are considering this immigration option. By meeting the investment amount, job creation, and source of funds requirements, investors can successfully obtain conditional permanent residency in the United States. Whether choosing a regional center or direct investment, careful planning and compliance with the program’s regulations are essential for a successful EB-5 visa application.