With the economic downturn, the charm of EB-5 has increased and in the last few years, with this investment visa, US has been able to get billions of foreign exchange to its shores while creating thousands of jobs for its citizens.
EB-5 is a type of visa.
It is needed if someone wants to live in the United States according to a financial investment.
They need to apply for the visa and get it approved for entry.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are in charge of visa application and approval processes.
It is important to note visa and immigration law requirements vary and change from time to time.
Check with lawyers working in immigration law and USCIS staff to get the most up-to-date information.
It is important to fill out proper forms and to do so properly including providing any proof required.
An EB-5 visa is for investors that are creating a new business or they are investing in a business or businesses.
They intent to create jobs in the US that will benefit the economy and are not set to be a negative effect for US employees.
This visa and reason for the EB-5 might lead the visa holder to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the US.
Family members also have the option of coming to the US on their own visa with the EB5 visa holder.
These individuals are the spouse and their children under 21.
The US limits the amount of EB-5 investor visas each year.
There are 10,000 available to be granted including investors of 3,000 that are considered investments leading to a high unemployment rate.
The visa holder needs to invest no less than $1,000,000 and have no less than 10 jobs available.
If the investment produces high employment then only $500,000 is required.
But the statics are checked over a period of two years and only when the business has expanded apart from providing 10 jobs to US citizens consistently for two years, the total investment ratio is reduced.
The EB-5 application process has various forms that need to be completed as well as processing fees.
The form is the Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur or l-526.
Information pertaining to the business needs to be provided as well.
This includes the investment amount, business description and proof of how many full-time employees will be hired.
There also needs to be proof of directorship and enterprise proof including relevant employment information.
If a visa holder wants to LPR status they are eligible to apply.
They need to fill out and file the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status using the form l-485.
If this request is granted they will become a conditional permanent resident for two years to become a permanent resident status holder.
They then need to file the Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions form l-829.
Immigration lawyers can help individuals looking to invest in US and get the permanent residency or an EB-5 visa.
There are numerous websites including government sites, available that can provide detailed information about the regulations and requirements that quality an individual for the investment visa.