Permanent Residency and Obtaining a Green Card through the EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa is a powerful immigration program that offers investors and their families the opportunity to establish a permanent life in the U.S. Through this program, investors can contribute to the U.S. economy while obtaining a Green Card that grants them the ability to live in the U.S. long-term.
The EB-5 visa is a U.S. immigration program designed for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States through investment. This program aims to promote economic growth in the U.S. while attracting qualified foreign investors. Through the EB-5 visa, investors can obtain permanent residency (Green Card) by making a qualifying investment in the U.S. The process of obtaining a Green Card through the EB-5 visa generally requires investors to make a minimum investment of between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and create at least 10 full-time jobs. Once these conditions are met, the applicant and their family members become eligible for permanent residency and the right to obtain a Green Card in the U.S.

What Are the Benefits of Obtaining a Green Card through the EB-5 Visa?

Obtaining a Green Card through the EB-5 visa offers several significant advantages. Firstly, having a Green Card means permanent residency in the U.S., allowing the individual to live, work, and study in the country for an extended period. One of the most important benefits of the EB-5 visa is that it also covers the investor's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. This means that the investor can live in the U.S. with their family. Additionally, Green Card holders can progress toward U.S. citizenship. After residing in the U.S. for a certain period, they become eligible to apply for citizenship.

Investment Requirements and Conditions for the EB-5 Visa

Applying for the EB-5 visa requires meeting certain investment criteria. The amount of the investment varies depending on the region’s economic situation. For investments made in areas with high unemployment or rural regions, the minimum investment is $500,000, while for other regions, it is $1,000,000. The investment must also create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens or Green Card holders, either directly or indirectly. These conditions are established to encourage economic growth in the U.S. and create new job opportunities.

The EB-5 Visa Process and Stages

The process of applying for the EB-5 visa involves several stages. The first step is for the applicant to complete their investment. Following this, the Form I-526 application must be submitted. This form proves the legality of the investment and verifies that the necessary jobs have been created. Once Form I-526 is approved, the applicant and their family can obtain temporary residency in the U.S. After two years, they can apply for permanent residency (Green Card) through Form I-829. Once permanent residency is granted, individuals have the right to remain in the U.S. indefinitely.

Investment Opportunities through EB-5 Regional Centers

There are two investment options available for EB-5 visa applicants: direct investment and investment through regional centers. Regional centers are institutions approved by the U.S. government that offer investors the opportunity to participate in lower-risk projects. Regional centers make it easier to obtain an EB-5 visa by investing in large-scale real estate projects or other commercial ventures. One of the key advantages of regional centers is that investors do not need to establish a business themselves, and indirect job creation is also accepted. This offers investors significant flexibility in terms of time and resource management.

Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders through the EB-5 Visa

Those who obtain a Green Card through the EB-5 visa are granted many rights in the U.S. Green Card holders can live, work, and study in the U.S. as they wish. They are also eligible for social benefits such as Social Security and healthcare. However, Green Card holders also have certain responsibilities. They are required to reside in the U.S. for a specific period each year, and their tax obligations are the same as those of other U.S. residents. After a certain period, Green Card holders also have the right to apply for U.S. citizenship. To do so, they must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years and meet other citizenship requirements.

Recent Changes and Developments Regarding the EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa has undergone some changes over the years. Notably, adjustments have been made to investment amounts and job creation requirements to ensure the EB-5 program operates more effectively and securely. The most recent changes in 2019 increased the minimum investment amounts and expanded incentives for economically distressed areas. These changes aim to stimulate the U.S. economy and offer more attractive opportunities for investors. The EB-5 visa remains one of the most effective ways for individuals seeking to immigrate to the U.S. through investment.