If you can invest in the United States economy, you may consider investigating the EB-5 investor visa program. Through this program, you can gain legal immigrant status, and later even citizenship, if you build a business in the US.
However, these immigrant visas have very specific requirements that you should know about.
Financial requirements
For EB-5 visa approval, you must invest $1,800.000 in a business in the US. However, if you invest in a low-income or “economically depressed” area, you may only need $900,000. You typically must prove that you earned the money legally. In addition, these funds should be “at risk” or spent, not gaining interest in a bank.
Business requirements
The visa program requires that you invest in an approved business. The company must be a new for-profit entity, but the business structure can vary. However, in some cases, the government may approve an investment in another company. Your company must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens, residents and green card holders for at least two years. In addition, the government expects that you will manage the company.
Benefits
When you receive visa approval, you, your wife and your minor children all receive visas. After two years, you may receive green cards. Then, you can apply for permanent residency. You must be a permanent resident for five years before you can apply for citizenship. However, your children must reapply for a visa when they become legal adults at the age of 21.
Although you may wait an average of 18 months for your visa approval, the EB-5 investor visa program is a relatively quick and easy path to permanent residency and US citizenship. By investigating the investment, employment and residency requirements, you can experience a smoother transition through the immigration process.