The EB-5 immigrant visa is an excellent way for applicants with clear financial documentation and resources to immigrate to America. While a specific EB5 investment amount is required, the applicant does not need prior business education or investment experience. Investing in approved regional centers can enable even inexperienced investors the opportunity to qualify for a residency visa through the EB-5 program. Here is how a potential immigrant can find success as they proceed through the application process.
Investing In a Regional Program
Every year, the U.S. provides approximately 10,000 green cards for immigrants who wish to obtain legal residency through qualified investments. Investors come from almost every walk of life, education level, and professional background. Every state has unique regional centers that potential investors work with to apply for the EB-5 Program. Through the Regional Center Pilot Program, these centers provide investment opportunities for American businesses as well as immigration opportunities. Each center handles the day-to-day management of EB-5 investments with local and professional expertise.
As of October 2021, there are over 600 approved regional centers you can choose to work with. Each works with many different businesses and industries that are in high demand and need. Choosing which regional center you’d like to work with is the first step in applying for the EB-5 program.
When investing through a regional center and working with an approved project focused on a Targeted Employment Area (or TEA, an industry with an average unemployment rate of at least 150% of the national average in the region), the minimum investment amount is $800,000 USD. For projects outside of this criteria, the minimum amount is $1,050,000 USD.
When you invest in a regional program, you do not need to live in the same state that your business or regional center operates. As soon as you begin the investment process with a qualified region center, you will receive a conditional visa that is valid for two years. Once your regional center can provide proof that your investment has created at least ten full-time jobs, you will be able to apply to make your conditional visa permanent.
Work With a Professional Team
An EB-5 applicant can find success with help from a knowledgeable team of attorneys, investment professionals, and consultants. Another benefit of the Regional Center Pilot Program is that potential investors don’t need extensive experience in United States finance. Investment and law firms specialize in the EB-5 program and can help you find the best investment opportunity available. Avoid stress by working with your regional center and wise investment professionals. Together, you can create a cohesive business plan and file all the necessary paperwork for your application process in little time.
Consultants at your regional center will also be able to help you track your application and let you know of any difficulties that may arise. They can also help you stay organized if the government requests additional documents, invoices, and statements. All EB-5 documents must be submitted in English, as well as any documents (or be accompanied by full translations). If you don’t speak English or have difficulties, a knowledgeable team can provide translation services to assist you.
The Benefits of Prior Investment Experience
If you do have the benefit of prior business and investment education, you can work with your EB-5 investment team to establish a business in the United States yourself. As long as your business specializes in a Targeted Employment Area, you may be able to “own” your own investment. Establishing a brand-new enterprise can be difficult for those unfamiliar with operating in the United States. But it is an option for those with business education or experience.
What’s the Best Way to Use My EB5 Investment Amount?
Working with the Regional Center Pilot Program provides an excellent way for immigrants to migrate quickly and efficiently. Once you have your EB5 investment amount and obtain your green card through the program, you can choose to live and work anywhere you like in the United States. The EB-5 program even allows spouses and children under the age of 21 to qualify for green cards.
As one of the fastest methods of immigration available for foreign investors, it is a good option even for those with limited business expertise or education. If you have any questions about the EB-5 immigration program, contact one of the qualified regional centers for more details.
