EB-5 Visas: A Comprehensive Guide to USA Investor Visas

The EB-5 visa is a popular option for individuals and families looking to invest in the United States while also securing a pathway to residency and citizenship.

Under the EB-5 program, foreign investors can make a significant investment in a US-based project or business and in exchange, receive a visa that allows them to live and work in the United States.

We will provide a comprehensive overview of the EB-5 visa program, including investment criteria, eligibility requirements, processing timeframes, costs, benefits, and more.

Investment Criteria

The investment criteria for the EB-5 program are relatively straightforward. In order to qualify for the program, investors must make a minimum investment of $900,000 in a qualifying US-based project or business. The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers, and the investor must have an active role in the management of the project or business.

Two types of qualifying investments under the EB-5 program are direct investments and regional centre investments. Direct investments involve investing directly in a US-based business or project, while regional centre investments involve investing in a government-approved regional centre that pools EB-5 investments to fund larger projects. Both types of investments have advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to carefully consider which option is right for you.

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the investment criteria, several eligibility requirements must be met to qualify for the EB-5 program. These requirements include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having no criminal record
• Having a net worth of at least $1 million
• Demonstrating the source of funds for the investment
• Demonstrating that the investment will create at least ten full-time jobs for US workers

Timeframes and Costs

The processing timeframes for the EB-5 program can vary depending on several factors, including the type of investment, the location of the project, and the backlog of applications. In general, however, the processing time for an EB-5 application can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.

The costs associated with the EB-5 program can also vary, depending on the type of investment and other factors. In general, investors can expect to pay between $500,000 and $1 million for an EB-5 investment, which includes the investment itself, legal fees, and other associated costs.

Securing Citizenship by Investment

One of the primary benefits of the EB-5 program is that it provides a pathway to US citizenship for investors and their families. After receiving an EB-5 visa, investors and their families can live and work in the United States for an initial period of two years. After that, if the investment has met all requirements and created the required number of jobs, investors can apply for permanent residency (also known as a green card).

After five years of permanent residency, investors and their families can apply for US citizenship. This process involves passing a citizenship test and meeting other requirements, including a demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak English.

Benefits of the EB-5 Program

The EB-5 program offers several benefits for investors and their families. These benefits include:

• Access to US education and healthcare systems
• Opportunities to live and work in the United States
• A pathway to US citizenship
• The ability to travel freely in and out of the United States
• Access to a stable and prosperous economy

Number of Investor Visas Granted

The number of EB-5 visas granted each year is limited, and there is typically high demand for these visas. In 2020, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted a total of 4,409 EB-5 visas.

Why Apply for an EB-5 Investor Visa?

There are several reasons why now is a good time to consider applying for an EB-5 investor visa:

• The US economy is stable and growing, providing a range of investment opportunities
• The EB-5 program has been updated to make the application process more efficient and predictable
• The EB-5 program offers a pathway to US citizenship, providing long-term benefits for investors and their families
• The COVID-19 pandemic has made many investors more interested in diversifying their investments and securing an alternative residency or citizenship.