EB-5 : how to get an American investor visa
Fast track U.S. residency for investors and family
The
The benefits include:
- opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years of residency
- investors don’t need to personally manage or own businesses
- real estate development included in authorised projects
- opportunity to receive a permanent residency (Green Card)
The Green Card authorises holders to:
— leave and
— to be protected by rights enshrined in U.S. law.
— access mortgages and other types of financing on beneficial terms.
— get cheaper public university tuition fees (potentially three to four times lower than
— apply for the same scholarships, grants and benefits as U.S. citizens.
How it works
To obtain an
What to invest in
Applicants must invest in new commercial enterprises. Any business, founded after 29 November 1990 or earlier if the business underwent significant changes (e.g., the number of employees increased by 40%). Valid investments and business structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, stock companies, business trusts and property ventures among others. Real estate activities are generally in the capacity of development (e.g., residential buildings, hotels, offices or shops).
The construction of Dania Beach, FL, an apartment building, is eligible for the visa programme. It is a project of Florida
Accepted funds for
- salary
- inheritance
- funds from the sale or mortgaging of real estate
- capital from the sale of stocks
- business earnings or dividends
Where to invest
Location is one of the most important characteristics of any investment because it affects value and yields.
The programme accepts investments made in certain locations depending on the level of development and impoverishment in the area.
Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) — minimum investment: $500,000
- High Unemployment Area where joblessness rates exceed the national average by 1.5 or more.
- Rural Area outside major cities or in a town with up to 20,000 inhabitants.
General Areas — minimum investment: $1,000,000
- Localities and cities outside of TEAs.
How to invest
Investments can be made in the chosen enterprise directly or via one of the country’s regional centres. These are public or private companies that have been authorised to manage
Over 90% of foreign nationals in the
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Direct investment implies financing existing businesses (e.g., shareholders) or opening a new one without the support of a regional centre.
How to apply
Interested investors should apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by filling out an “Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur”. The application takes 12 to15 months to process and requires the following information:
- proof that funds were allocated to the investment project or business
- confirmation of investment sum and proof fund of origin (income certificates, tax receipts, etc.)
- business plan showing creation of at least 10 jobs
- project documents
If the petition is approved, the applicant and family members have an interview at the U.S. Embassy in their home country and are granted
After 21 months of “conditional” residency, investors and family members can submit a “Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions”,
- proof that funds were allocated to the investment project or business
- proof that 10 jobs were created (labour contracts, etc.)
- business accounts for the
twenty-one month period
It takes about 15 months to process the petition. If successful, they will later be eligible for U.S. citizenship.
Those who want an
Ivan Chepizhko, Tranio
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