EB-5 “Investor Green Card” is a category of permanent residence in the United States, designed for foreign investors who wish to invest significant capital in American companies.
Main requirements:
• An investment of U.S. $ 1.8 million or more (or at least U.S. $ 900,000 in certain rural areas or regions with high unemployment);
• A business that will create at least ten full-time positions for U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
EB-5 visa applications have become much more popular in recent years, after U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) relaxed requirements, along with an increase in the consistency of EB-5 visa adjudications.
Criteria for investing in a new business
In addition to investing at least $ 900 thousand, the investment must be shown to benefit the U.S. economy, usually by providing goods or services in domestic markets.
Another requirement is that the new company must – directly or indirectly – create at least ten full-time positions for workers in the United States, including citizens, Green Card holders, and others who are legally permitted to work in the country.
Capital investment can also include:
• Cash or debt equivalents guaranteed by assets, which the investor has and for which they are responsible;
• Equipment, inventory, or other tangible property.
• The EB-5 petitioner may be involved directly in a management capacity or as a limited partner.
