The USA remains one of the most sought-after destinations for investors. The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers an efficient route to permanent resident status (a green card) in a short period of time.
The USA is the third-largest country on the globe and has been the leading economic and military power for the last century. Dominating the global economy, it accounts for nearly a quarter of the world’s GDP. The USA offers a wide range of choices when it comes to lifestyle, education, culture, geography, and climate.
Population: 340 million
Language: English
Economy: Free-market, private enterprise
Currency: US dollar
Residence by Investment in the USA
The United States of America remains one of the most desired destinations for migrants and investors from all over the world. The USA has a complex immigration system, and in each instance, it is warranted to assess the individual situation thoroughly in order to establish the immigration route offering the best chances.
There are interesting residence possibilities for investors that allow immigration to the country. Under the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, you may be granted permanent resident status (a ‘green card’) within a short period of time.
Citizenship
After five years of legal residence from the date of receipt of the conditional green card, it is possible to acquire USA citizenship and to obtain a passport, giving the holder the protection of the most powerful country in the world. There are four ways to acquire USA citizenship: by birth in the USA or in USA territories (jus soli), by birth outside the USA to USA parents, and by naturalization.
Regional Center Program
A certain number of visas are set aside for individuals who apply under the Regional Center Program. There are a number of designated ‘regional centers’ in the USA, each with its own distinct industry and geographic focus. Under this program, applicants usually invest USD 800,000 into one of the designated regional center projects, thereby becoming a limited partner in that regional center’s new enterprise.
The main benefit of this option is that investors may rely on indirect job creation rather than directly hiring 10 employees. Moreover, the day-to-day management of the investment is facilitated by the regional centers so that the applicant is free to live and work anywhere in the USA.
There are no requirements as to age, language, or past business experience in order to qualify. Applicants, however, must have a net worth in excess of USD 1 million and proof must be provided that their funds come from legal sources.
AngelCorp can advise and assist international clients with the selection of the most suitable regional center and handle applications.
Overview
Minimum Contribution
- 800,000 USD
Processing time:
- 12-36 months
Key benefit:
- Approximately five years to citizenship
Requirements
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires that a foreign individual invests into a new commercial enterprise that is associated with government-approved regional centers based on proposals for promoting economic growth.
The following requirements apply:
1. Fulfil one of the following investment options:
- USD 1,050,000 into a non-targeted employment area project
- USD 800,000 into a targeted employment area project in a rural area or an area with high unemployment
2. Create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified USA workers
After the successful applicants have received a green card, the funds must stay invested for three to seven years depending on the project.
Approved applicants will receive conditional green cards for a period of two years. The conditions on the green card are then removed at the end of the two years upon demonstrating to USA immigration authorities that the jobs were in fact created or maintained. The transition from conditional to regular green card does not affect what the green card holder can do in the USA.
Individual applicants must have a net worth in excess of USD 1 million and provide proof that their funds come from legal sources.
Procedures and time frame
Applications to the program must be made through the prescribed forms and must be accompanied by the appropriate fees and supporting documents. In addition to the usual personal documentation, the requisite documentation includes medical reports, vaccination records, certified police clearance certificates, and any court records that the applicant may have. On average, applicants receive their initial conditional green cards anywhere between 12 and 36 months. The filing for the conditional green card to be converted into a regular green card is done two years later.
Investors’ spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply for green cards as derivative applicants and are not required to make further financial contributions but must submit their own paperwork.
Permanent residents can settle anywhere in the USA, but they are limited in their visa-free or visa-on-arrival access when compared to other countries.
To be eligible for citizenship, green card holders must have lived continuously in the USA for at least five years prior to naturalization. They must further show that they have been physically present in the USA for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before filing for naturalization and must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. Other than a civics test, minimal additional conditions are required in order to obtain citizenship.
Overview
Minimum Contribution
None
Processing time:
12-18 months
Key benefit:
Approximately five years to citizenship
About the Program
The USA is a highly sought-after country for international investors. For those who wish to acquire permanent resident (‘green card’) status in the USA, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the most efficient way to acquire such status. Since 1990 when congress created this program, each year, the USA government allocates a substantial number of visas for individuals who wish to make a significant, qualified investment into the country that can generate jobs for the USA economy. Under this program, individuals and their immediate family members can become permanent residents of the USA within a short period of time.
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is ranked 10th out of 26 programs on the 2023 Global Residence Program Index.
Benefits
- Settle the whole family including parents and children under 21 years old
- Spouses are granted visas to work legally in the United States
- Children can attend public schools for free
- Enjoying all the rights & privileges of a U.S. citizen
- Minimal application requirements, with no business experience or specific language proficiency needed
- Flexible physical presence requirements
- After 5 years, you are eligible for citizenship in the United States
Requirements
The EB-3 program is an employment-based immigration program in the United States. Here are the general requirements for the EB-3 visa category:
- Job Offer: You must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa application.
- Labor Certification: In most cases, your employer must obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) demonstrating that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.
- Qualifications: You must meet the educational, training, or work experience requirements specified for the particular job category. This may include having a bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience, or vocational training, depending on the specific requirements of the job.
- Priority Date: Your priority date must be current according to the Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. The priority date is generally the date when your employer files the Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, on your behalf.
- Health and Character Requirements: You must undergo a medical examination to demonstrate that you are in good health and do not pose a threat to public safety or national security. Additionally, you must provide documentation proving that you have good moral character.
- Financial Support: You must demonstrate that you will not become a public charge in the United States by providing evidence of financial support or assets to sustain yourself and any dependents during your stay.
- Visa Application Process: Once you meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documentation, you can apply for the EB-3 visa through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, or through consular processing if you are outside the United States.
Procedures and time frame
- Job Offer and Labor Certification: Your U.S. employer initiates the process by obtaining a labor certification from the DOL, demonstrating the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers for the position.
- I-140 Petition: Once the labor certification is approved, your employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with the USCIS.
- Priority Date: The priority date is established when your employer files the labor certification or the I-140 petition on your behalf. You must wait for your priority date to become current according to the Visa Bulletin published by the U.S.
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Once your priority date is current, you can proceed with either adjustment of status (if you are in the United States) by filing Form I-485 or consular processing (if you are outside the United States) by applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.
- Biometrics Appointment and Interview: If you are applying for adjustment of status, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photographs, and signature. You may also be required to attend an interview at a USCIS field office.
- Green Card Approval: If your application is approved, you will receive your permanent resident card (green card) in the mail. This grants you lawful permanent resident status in the United States.