USA (EB-5) Residency by Investment Program
The USA EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers foreign nationals a pathway to obtain permanent residency (Green Card) by making a qualifying investment in the United States economy. Established in 1990, the program aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation through capital investment from foreign investors.
Investment Requirements
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Capital Investment:
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Minimum investment of $1 million in a new commercial enterprise within the United States. This amount is reduced to $500,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is an area with high unemployment or rural regions.
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Job Creation:
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The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers within two years of the investor's admission to the United States as a Conditional Permanent Resident.
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Types of Investments:
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Direct Investment: Investors establish a new business or expand an existing one.
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Regional Center Investment: Investors pool their funds into a USCIS-designated Regional Center, which manages the investment and job creation requirements.
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Benefits of the EB-5 Program
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Permanent Residency: Successful applicants and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) receive conditional Green Cards, which can lead to permanent residency status in the United States.
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Pathway to Citizenship: After maintaining conditional residency for two years and meeting all program requirements, investors may apply to remove the conditions on their Green Cards and pursue U.S. citizenship.
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Education and Healthcare: Access to high-quality education and healthcare systems available to U.S. residents.
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Business Opportunities: Investors have the freedom to live, work, and conduct business anywhere in the United States.
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Cultural Diversity: Enjoy the cultural diversity and opportunities for personal and professional growth in a country known for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
Application Process
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File Form I-526: Submit the Form I-526 petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing evidence of the investment and its potential to create jobs.
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Conditional Green Card: Once the petition is approved, investors and their families can apply for conditional Green Cards through consular processing or adjustment of status if already in the United States.
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Job Creation Verification: After two years, file Form I-829 to remove conditions on the Green Card by proving that the investment has created the required jobs.
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Permanent Residency: Upon approval of Form I-829, investors and their families receive unconditional Green Cards, allowing them to live and work permanently in the United States.