OVERVIEW
To encourage foreign investment in the U.S. economy, Congress created the fifth employment-based preference (EB-5) pilot program in 1992 named The EB-5 Regional Center Investment Program. By so doing, Congress permitted the U.S. immigration agency (USCIS) to designate qualified applicants as Regional Centers. A Regional Center is a private enterprise or corporation with investment parameters regulated by the USCIS. Foreign investors seeking to invest in a business that will benefit the U.S. economy and create or save at least 10 full-time jobs will invest $800,000 USD in rural or high unemployment areas known as a Targeted Employment Area or TEA.
The EB-5 Regional Center Investment Program does not require that the foreign investor’s investment Project itself directly employ the 10 U.S. workers. Instead, it is enough if 10 or more jobs will be created directly, indirectly, or inferred as a result of the investment through an economic report.
Before an investor can participate in a Regional Center EB-5 investment program, each investor must independently petition USCIS for an EB-5 visa. USCIS solely determines whether the investor qualifies for the EB-5 visa. USCIS’ diligence includes a detailed review of the sources of the investor’s funds, family history, and other representations of the head of household and his immediate family member under the age of 21.
DIRECT PATH TO USA CITIZENSHIP THROUGH JOB CREATION INVESTMENT
EB-5 ADVANTAGES
-There are no business experience or language skills requirements.
-There are no education or experience requirements for EB-5 visa applicants.
-An investor does not have to be continuously present in U.S.
-Freedom to live and work anywhere in the U.S.
-Freedom to travel outside of the U.S. and return without a visa.
-Freedom to develop and run your own business.
-The ability to sponsor green cards for your relatives.
-Enjoy the educational benefits of permanent residents.
-The opportunity to become a U.S. citizen once you have been a permanent resident for more than five years.
EB-5 INVESTOR PROCESS
APPLY
EB-5 Visa application is completed for investor and family. Project investment is chosen.
REVIEW
EB-5 Visa application is accepted. Investor capital is released to selected project investment.
APPROVE & ACCEPT
Visa application is accepted by the USCIS. Investor receives a "conditional" Green Card. After 2 years, removal of conditions is applied for with Form 8-29.