Immigration

Citizenship through the EB-5 program

History

The EB-5 visa program was founded in 1990 under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The program was created by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for qualified non-US citizens seeking permanent resident status on the basis of their investments in the American economy.

Benefits

With an EB-5 visa, you obtain a green card for permanent residence in the United States. After 5 years, the investors and their family may obtain US citizenship, subject to meeting all immigration requirements. Other visas, such as the L-1, may never result in permanent residence, have time limits, have to be renewed, and require additional filings with the USCIS or Department of State.

Any person who can demonstrate the ability to invest the required amount into the American economy, can document that the capital was legally earned, and satisfies general eligibility requirements (e.g., medical, criminal) is qualified to apply. The investor's spouse and any minor children (under 21) also qualify. The age of the minor children is "frozen" at the time of the application so, for example, a 20-year old dependent is not in danger of "aging out" during the process.

Basic Requirement

An investment of at least $1,000,000 is required for an EB-5 visa. If the investment is made through a USCIS-designated Regional Center, the minimum requirement is $500,000. Regional Centers use specially created escrow accounts in which your investment is frozen until your application is approved by the USCIS. In the event that your application is denied, your investment will be returned to you in full minus administrative expenses.

How it works?

The investor and dependents receive a conditional, 2-year green card. Before the expiration of the two year period, a petition is submitted to the USCIS confirming that the investment has been made and that ten jobs have been created as a result of the investment. In order to obtain permanent residence in the U.S. under the EB-5 program, you do not need to return to the country of your citizenship. You and the members of your family may apply to adjust status while in the United State.

Time Period

In general, the process takes less than one year. Petitions are reviewed quickly, usually within three months. After the petition is approved, it is forwarded to the overseas consulate or local USCIS for further processing and final visa issuance/permanent residency approval.

We work really close with some Ex Immigration Officials who are part of some prestigious projects which are approved by USCIS. Please contact us today, so we can plan your immigration to “the land of opportunity” through the EB 5 program.