THE PATH TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP THROUGH EB-5 REGIONAL CENTER INVESTMENT
What is the EB-5 program? The EB-5 visa, employment-based fifth preference category USCIS administers the EB-5 program, created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Established after Nov. 29, 1990, or Established on or before Nov. 29, 1990, that is: 1. Purchased and the existing business is restructured or reorganized in such a way that a new commercial enterprise results, or 2. Expanded through the investment so that at least a 40-percent increase in the net worth or number of employees occurs Evidence, if applicable, that the new commercial enterprise has been established and, if you seek eligibility under the reduced investment amount, evidence regarding the targeted employment area (TEA).
How Does the EB-5 Program Work? The EB-5 program is currently the only visa program designed to allow foreign investors to gain permanent residence (a green card ) in the United States. It requires a minimum investment of $1 million, or $500,000, if the investment is in a rural or targeted high unemployment area where unemployment is 150% of the national average. The investment also must result in the creation of at least 10 jobs. There are 10,000 EB-5 immigrant visas available annually. To qualify for the EB-5 program, immigrants can invest directly in a jobcreating business, or can invest through regional centers approved by USCIS to promote economic growth in designated areas.
What are Regional Centers? A regional center is an economic entity, public or private, that promotes economic growth, regional productivity, job creation, and capital investment. To obtain an official regional center designation, the entity must submit a proposal to USCIS. For approval and an official regional center designation, USCIS requires that the proposal show how the center will promote economic growth in a geographical region within the United States. Although the designation of regional centers does not imply government endorsement or eliminate or reduce risk, an investor in a regional center project can take advantage of a more expansive concept of job creation, including both indirect (jobs created collaterally from EB-5 investment) and direct jobs (those jobs created as a direct result of EB-5 invest funds), in order to qualify the applicant for the visa. The regional centers can serve an important role by vetting investors and investment projects to ensure high-quality, long-term job creation, As of March 5, 2018, there are 919 approved regional centers.
Why EB-5 for Investors? The United States offers several visa options for prospective immigrants. The EB-5 Program offers the following advantages: US Green Card. One Investment. Investors, their spouses, and children under 21 years of age can all receive U.S. green cards by funding a single project with a single investment. Education. Green card holders may attend U.S. schools and universities at the same cost as U.S. citizens. Flexibility. Live, work, and retire anywhere in the U.S., and travel easily to other countries. Healthcare. Gain access to the same high-quality healthcare available to U.S. citizens. Passive Investment. Third parties manage your investment and all aspects of the project. No Language Requirement. Proficiency in English is not necessary to participate in the EB-5 Program.
Cost of EB-5? EB-5 Capital Investment $ 500,000 Administrative Fee $ 50,000 - $ 60,000 Attorney Fee $ 15,000 - $ 25,000 USCIS Processing Fee $ 3,750
Step 1 Select Regional Center and Specific Project Step 2 Document Lawful Source of Funds Invest Funds Into New Commercial Enterprise Step 3 File Form i-526(eb-5) Petition with USCIS EB-5 Petition is Reviewed by USCIS and Approved Processing Time: 18-24months Step 4 INSIDE THE UNITED STATES Investors Will File Form i-485 to Adjust Status Await Approval Processing Time: 4-6months Step 5 OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES Investors Will File Form DS-260 with National Visa Center Case is Transferred Abroad and Consular Interview is Scheduled Processing Time: 6-12months
Receive Conditional Permanent Resident Status (Green Card valid for 2 years) (Estimate: 21 to 24 months later) File Form I-829 to Remove Conditions on Residence (Estimate: 3 to 9 months) Receive Permanent Green Card (5 Years after Conditional Green Card) File Application for Neutralization (Estimate: 6 to 8months) Acquire U.S. Citizenship