Moving to the USA through an EB5 Investment Visa

An EB5 investment visa is one of the quickest ways for foreign investors to gain US permanent residency, making it a popular option for immigrants who have the money to invest.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of the EB-5 program, the investment requirements for an EB 5 visa and the steps to get an investors visa for USA permanent residency.

Benefits of the EB-5 Visa Program

The EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to gain permanent residency in the US by investing in commercial property. Some of the benefits of the investor visa for USA permanent residency include:

• Quicker Path to US Permanent Residency

The  EB 5 investor program is the fastest way to get a green card. Foreign nationals can first gain conditional residency and if after two years they fulfill all obligations of the EB5 visa program, they can receive permanent residency.

• No Visa Sponsor Requirements

With the EB-5 visa program, there are no visa sponsor requirements. Unlike other visa programs, foreign nationals don't need a US employer to act as a sponsor.

• No H-1B Work Visa Needed for Employment

The H-1B work visa is a temporary work visa only and workers with an H-1B visa must leave the US after six years.

On the other hand, the EB5 visa is meant for permanent residency. EB-5 visa holders can work anywhere they like or start their own business without restrictions.

• Possible US Citizenship After 5 Years of Permanent Residency

Immigrant investors can also apply for US citizenship after holding a permanent residence status for five years. While permanent residency comes with many perks, US citizenship gives you the full rights of a US citizen.

Understanding the Investment Requirements

All applicants must fulfill investment requirements to be eligible for an EB5 visa. To prevent money laundering, the US government requires applicants to provide documentation that proves a valid source of income.

Minimum Investment Amounts

An applicant can receive an EB 5 visa through two different kinds of investments.

• $1.05 million investment into a commercial enterprise.
• $800,000 investment into a commercial enterprise in a targeted employment area (TEA). A TEA is an underpopulated rural area or high-unemployment area.

The goal of the EB-5 visa program is to stimulate the US economy. Therefore, an applicant’s investment must create 10 jobs for US citizens during the two-year conditional permanent residency.

Investment Options

TEA investment options are very attractive because the required investment amount is much lower. ShooraEB5 offers many attractive TEA investment options, including mixed-use residential properties and hotels.

High unemployment areas are any areas where unemployment is at least 150% of the national average unemployment rate. A rural area is any area outside of the metropolitan statistical area or outside a town or city with a population over 20,000.

The EB-5 Visa Application Process

    Key Steps in Applying for the EB-5 Visa

1. Consult with an EB-5 specialist: Set up a consultation with Shoora EB5 to discuss your case. An EB-5 specialist can ensure you meet the financial requirements for an EB-5 investor program and provide guidance on the process.
2. Select an investment project: Choose an investment project that meets the EB-5 requirements.
3. Make your investment: ShooraEB5 investment projects qualify as TEA projects, meaning the investment amount is typically $800,000. Investors must also show they have a lawful source of their investment.
4. File Form I-526: The first step of the application process is to submit Form I-526 to the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). Form I-526 helps the USCIS determine whether an applicant meets requirements of the the EB-5 program.
5. Apply for conditional residency: If your I-526 form is approved you can apply for a conditional green card, giving you and your family members conditional permanent resident status for two years. 
6. File Form I-829 for permanent residency: File Form I-829 within the last 90 days of your two-year conditional residency to gain permanent residence status. You must have met the conditions of the EB 5 program, such as creating 10 jobs with your investment.

In conclusion

The EB 5 investor program offers many benefits, including a faster path to US permanent residency, no sponsorship or employment requirements, and even the potential for US citizenship after 5 years. However, investments must meet certain requirements, and investors must prove that their source of income is legal.

The process for an EB-5 visa starts with a consultation. ShooraEB5 can determine your eligibility and provide guidance on the application process. Once you find a suitable investment, fill out the relevant forms to apply for conditional residency. You can then apply for permanent residency 90 days before your conditional residency expires.