Are you contemplating moving to the United States with your family and seeking a pathway to a Green Card or Citizenship? If so, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program could be your golden ticket. Commonly referred to as the 'Golden Visa,' the EB-5 program offers an opportunity for foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. through significant financial contributions to American businesses.
Created by Congress in 1990, the EB-5 visa is an employment-based fifth preference visa that encourages foreign investment in the U.S. economy. It allows foreigners who want to invest in enterprises in the United States to become permanent. The goal is to stimulate job creation and economic growth through foreign capital investment.
The EB-5 program is open to foreign investors worldwide, provided they meet the investment threshold and other requirements. There are no language, business, or education prerequisites. However, investors must demonstrate legal sources of funds.
To qualify for the EB-5 visa, an individual must invest in a new commercial enterprise associated with government-approved projects. The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires that a foreign individual invests into a new commercial enterprise that is associated with government-approved regional centers based on proposals for promoting economic growth.
Investment options:
Once the USCIS approves their application, EB-5 investors receive a conditional visa valid for two years. To attain a permanent visa, these investors must demonstrate that their investment has created or preserved a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
The EB-5 visa is not just about contributing to the U.S. economy; it's also about the benefits it brings to the investor. Firstly, it grants permanent residency status, allowing individuals and their families to live and work anywhere in the U.S. as well as opening a US bank account and access to education and healthcare. Secondly, it opens a pathway to U.S. citizenship.
The journey to an EB-5 visa begins with filing Form I-526, the Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur. Once approved, the investor and their family can apply for a conditional green card. Over the next two years, the investor must prove that their investment has met the necessary requirements. If successful, they can apply to remove the conditions on their green card, moving them one step closer to permanent residency.
The processing times for EB-5 visas can vary, but generally, it takes between 18 to 24 months for initial petition approval. It's important to remember that the process involves multiple steps and each has its own timeline.
In conclusion, the EB-5 visa program offers a unique opportunity for foreign investors seeking to relocate their families to the United States. It's not just an investment in the American economy; it's an investment in your family's future.
NG Global Citizens is experienced and committed to guiding individuals and families through the intricate labyrinth of global citizenship and residency. Our team experts provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique needs, whether that involves securing a second residency, establishing banking relationships, obtaining citizenship, or setting up a business domicile. Please contact NG Global Citizens’s team and experts to assist and help you and your family choose and secure the most suitable citizenship or residency by investment programs.