EB-5 Investment Immigration 

In order for an applicant to qualify under the Regular investment immigration program, the following three basic requirements must be met:

1. Investment in a new commercial business enterprise
2. Investment of at least $1 million (or $500,000 in certain cases) into the business, and
3. Creation of employment for at least 10 full-time U.S. workers.

The investment may consist of various forms of capital, such as cash (including a gift or loan), equipment, inventory, property, and other tangible equivalents. An investment amount of $1 million is generally the minimum. However, $500,000 is acceptable if the business is situated in a “targeted” employment area, i.e., one that has experienced unemployment of at least 150 per cent of the national average rate or a rural area. 

Investment Immigration Regional Centers

Investment Immigration Regional Centers are entities, organizations or agencies that focus on a specific geographic area within the United States in order to promote economic growth there. Most Regional Centers are in targeted employment areas, i.e., areas that have an unemployment rate that is at least 1.5 times higher than the national average. Investment Immigration Regional Centers are designated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). The Centers do not guarantee profit or the return of an investor’s principal investment. 

The CIS has currently designated over 120 Regional Centers located throughout the country. Investment Immigration Regional Center opportunities range from investing in real estate projects to dairy farms. Click here for a full list of approved Regional Centers. 
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Benefits of Investment Immigration Regional Center Projects

Every year, 3,000 EB-5 Green Cards are set aside for immigrants who are willing to make an investment in an approved Investment Immigration Regional Center. Benefits include:

• Generally less up-front investment capital is needed ($500,000 versus $1 million USD)
• No day-to-day management required
• The jobs created from the investment can be direct or indirect
• The investor can live and work anywhere in the U.S.
• The investor can be retired

Steps to Getting an EB-5 Green Card?

1. Research and consult your financial advisor to determine your preferred business investment.
2. File petition as an alien entrepreneur with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS).
3. Once approved, file for an Adjustment of Status or Immigrant Visa in USA or apply for Immigrant Visa through your U.S. Consulate in your home country..
4. When you are granted conditional resident status, a wait period of 21-24 months commences to verify that the full investment has been made and 10 jobs created.
5. 90 days before the expiration of your conditional resident green card an application to remove the conditions (Form I-829) will be filed.
6. A full Green Card is granted for indefinite permanent resident status and work permission in the U.S. United States once conditional resident status is removed.

To learn more about the EB-5 Investor Green Card program, schedule a free consultation with attorney Michiko Nowicki.