The USA is a popular country for investors and businessmen. It is one of the most followed countries for international entrepreneurs. The USA is the world’s third-largest country in terms of size. Thousands of individuals wish to obtain permanent residency in the country, especially through investment. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows individuals to acquire the status of a permanent resident (Green card by investment).

This visa was introduced by Congress in 1990 to boost the country's economy. Through this visa, applicants and their family members can get the residency within a short period of time.

What is a USA investor visa?

The USA investor Visa or EB-5 immigrant visa program grants permission to international individuals and their families to be a part of the country. The investment amount starts at $1,050,000 or $800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). This visa is an excellent opportunity for the applicant who wants to obtain permanent residency. It also allows individuals to work, live, and study in the country and later apply for citizenship after five years.

Benefits of a USA EB-5 Visa

Several reasons why you should apply for the USA investment visa or EB-5 Visa:-

  • One of the most sought-after destinations among businessmen/investors for a lifestyle
  • Some of the best top-tier schools and Ivy League universities available worldwide for individuals
  • The best route to gain permanent residency through investment
  • Can add the spouse or children who are under of the age of 21 and are not married
  • To apply for this visa, no business experience or language proficiency needed
  • Good health condition
  • Can get citizenship after five years 

Requirements of USA EB-5 Visa 

The US EB-5 Immigrant visa is a convenient way to become a permanent resident or Green Card holder. This visa opens the door for individuals to gain American nationality. It may seem like a US passport by investment, but it is by naturalization.

As per the statistics of the Visa, the annual quota is 10,000 but in 2023 it was over 13,000. To apply for the USA EB-5 Visa, the applicants need to invest in the USA Organization either independently or through regional centers like private or government organizations that advance the economic expansion of the territories.

Individuals who invest in the USA companies, their investment is regulated or approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Most of the time, the regional centers are focused on cooperation with foreign investors.

The requirements for the USA EB-5 Visa are as follows:-

  • You can invest $800,000  in a company in rural areas or in a region where the unemployment rate is 1.5 times higher than the national average or from $1,050,000 in other divisions.
  • The chosen company must be created by the investors or opened by a specific time November 29th, 1990.
  • The main purpose of the company is to make a profit and it should not be a non-profit organization.
  • Once you invest in a firm, the investment must create at least 10 jobs for qualified American employees for a duration of two years.
  • You must not make an investment in the form of a loan as the investors will not ensure a return or investment.
  • Before investing the amount, you need to confirm the legality of the funds.
  • Once you invest, it's your duty to be a part of the management and confirm the day-to-day management of the business. 

How can an investor become a US citizen?

If you wish to obtain a US passport, it is important to go through the naturalization procedure. It won’t be possible to get an American passport by investment. Once you receive the Green Card, after five years, you can get citizenship.

A Green Card is similar to permanent residency and allows you to live, work, study and migrate to other countries without a visa. Once you get this visa, you can utilize the same rights as American citizens except the right to vote or to have a position in civil service.

The Green Card is valid for 10 years and later can be renewed as many times as you want. There are two ways under which you can get a residence permit.

  • EB-5 Visa
  • EB-2 Visa

Ways to get citizenship through the EB-5 Visa

There are several stages to obtain the USA Investor visa and takes around 12-14 years:-

  • Find a suitable company or a project to invest in or open your own business in a regional center.
  • Once you choose the company in which you want to invest; invest wisely.
  • You have to submit a petition for a USA EB-5 Visa, make sure to submit an I-526 petition to USCIS. This petition talks about the company in which you have invested and about your family members. It takes around 3-5 years for a petition to process it. If your application is accepted, you and your family will be interviewed at the embassy.
  • There is a condition of a Green Card that it gives a temporary status for the first two years.
  • Once you have lived in the United States for one year and nine months, you can file the I-829 petition with USCIS to receive a permanent resident card.
  • Apply for Citizenship after living in the UK for five years. To get citizenship, live in the UK for more than 183 days, do not break the law, and meet the English language requirement.
  • Clear the interview at the USCIS.

The married couple and the children over 18 years old must submit their application separately. Children under the age of 18 get citizenship, once their parents get and they don’t need to give tests.

Conclusion

The EB-5 visa is an immigrant visa program in the United State that allows you to live and work in the country. This visa has its own benefits that let you explore more opportunities. With this visa you can bring your family together in the country.

To apply for this visa, you need to invest an amount of $800,000 or $1,050,000 and must create 10-full time jobs for the employees in the USA. 

To have a comprehensive knowledge of the visa, you can connect with the Go-Global immigration services (GGIMS). Our professionals team understand your queries and tailored the best solution as per your circumstances. Contact us now!