The Basics of EB5 Immigration

The EB-5 visa allows immigrant investors in the United States to obtain a green card by meeting certain investing requirements. Getting an EB-5 green card requires foreign nationals to invest $1 million and create or preserve at least 10 jobs for workers in the U.S. In special targeted employment areas, investor immigrants may invest $500,000 to obtain their visa. If an investor's petition for immigration is approved, he or she receives conditional permanent residence for two years. The EB5 immigration law was created under the Immigration Act of 1990 in order to stimulate job and economic growth in the U.S. In 2011, changes were made to the program to streamline the application and adjudication processes. This prompted a sharp rise in the number of applicants in 2011.

Who Applies for an EB5 Visa?

Successful EB5 immigrants represent a broad range of skills and professions. Those who want to invest, but do not want to actively manage a business in the U.S. often become EB5 investors. This allows them to come to the U.S. to retire, for their children's education, or to do volunteer work of some kind. The EB-5 green card gives immigrants great flexibility in where to live and what to do. Furthermore, certain people who live in the U.S. but do not have the proper visa can apply for an EB-5 visa, including:

• Students
• Tourists
• E-2 Treaty investors

These people must apply to adjust their status before pursuing EB5 immigration, however.

What are the Requirements?

Applicants may invest in a business that already exists or start a new business, and multiple applicants can invest in the same business. Qualification requires:

• Investment of $1 million and hiring of 10 employees anywhere in the U.S.
• Investment of $500,000 and hiring of 10 employees in areas where the unemployment rate is 150% of the national average rate or in a rural area.
• Investment of $500,000 in a designated Regional Center

Those who choose an EB5 Regional Center application are allowed to count indirect job creation toward the 10-employee requirement, but indirect job creation must be confirmed by an economist or other suitable professional. Ten thousand EB5 visas are available each year, with half reserved for Regional Center investors. There are over 200 Regional Centers in the U.S., covering 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. Those who obtain an EB5 visa have great flexibility in where they live in the U.S.

Getting Help with the EB5 Immigration Process

Service Providers such as Exclusive Visas offer assistance to those seeking EB5 visas to establish U.S. residency. These service providers help potential immigrants make the most informed decisions about where and how to invest and guide them through the entire EB5 process. The process includes guidance on EB5 Regional Center application, assessment of business plans, risk assessment, relocation assistance, and review of legal documents. Exclusive Visas sets up escrow accounts to protect the investor-immigrant's money while he or she awaits acceptance into the EB5 program. EB5 immigration is a very flexible and efficient option for investors who want to establish U.S. residency and get their green card.