The EB-5 visa is a way to obtain a green card and permanent residency through investment. Foreigners who make an investment in a U.S business are enabled to obtain a green card and become a lawful permanent resident, then eventually become citizens of the United States. The investment potentially leads to a green card for the investor in order to permanently live and work in the United States with their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operate the EB-5 program which was established by Congress in 1990 in order to facilitate increased investments in the U.S economy.
Applicants of EB-5 investor visa have two main investment options. Investors may either invest directly or through an EB-5 Regional Center. Direct investors are required to acquire their own investment project, as well as assume a direct managerial role in overseeing that project. Those who seek a more hands-on control of their investment and the project should seek a direct investment. Those who are more interested in the immigration goals of EB-5 opposed to obtaining a maximum return on their investment can make their investment in an EB-5 Regional Center. Designation from USCIS to administer EB-5 investment projects are received by Regional Centers. Regional Centers are held responsible to USCIS EB-5 program regulations.
Foreign investors must make a capital investment in a for-profit U.S business entity in order to meet the requirements of EB-5 investor visa. A required investment amount of $500,000 or $1 million depending on the intended project. Target employment area (TEA) investment is $500,000, all others are $1 million. Investments must meet the requirement of leading to the creation of at least ten full-time U.S jobs for a minimum of two year.