How to apply for an EB 5 Visa or US investor visa? Who can apply for it? And the step by step guide or the process to apply for this visa? This article will answer all of that!
The EB 5 visa or US Investor Visa program allows migrants investors or businessmen and their dependent families to gain permanent resident status in the United States by investing a certain amount of capital in the US economy in order to improve the economy and create jobs for the American people.
The capital to be invested is determined by the location of the business or enterprise. For new enterprises or companies based in targeted employment areas; the minimum investment needed is $500,000.
If an investor chooses to invest in a new company anywhere outside this area, he or she will be required to invest at least $1,000,000. This investment can be made through a regional centre. It could take the form of cash, equipment, inventory, tangible property or secured indebtedness.
In addition, under this visa program, the investor?s spouse or common-law partners and unmarried children below the age of 21 years are also qualified for the visa.
Clearly, this is one of the quickest and fastest ways to get a Green Card. And one of the frequently?asked questions today is how to apply for an EB-5 visa?
How To Apply For US EB 5 visa or Investor Visa
An investor can apply for Green Card status for himself or herself, their spouse and dependent and unmarried children under the age of Twenty-One (21) through the EB-5 visa program.
The process is quite simple, but It’s advisable you get the services of an immigration agent to help you understand how to apply for an EB-5 visa and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Step 1: Determine where and how the investment will be made
The first thing to do to apply for an EB-5 visa or investor Visa is to find a for-profit company you want to invest your money in. On the other hand, you may choose to invest in a regional centre. There are times the capital to be invested may be required to be placed in an escrow account.
Step 2: File the I-526 petition
This is the first step to request for a Green Card. It is best to ask an immigration expert to help out in completing this form. An application will then need to be lodged with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In so doing, a Receipt Number will be assigned to track the application. Processing the application may take as much as Eighteen (18) months.
Step 3: Apply for Adjustment of Status or Lawful Permanent Residence?
When the request is accepted, the investor and his spouse or common-law partner and unmarried children may also apply for Lawful Permanent Residence if they live outside the United States. But this is valid for a period of two (2) years.
In addition, an interview and a medical examination may be required. If the investor?s status is to be changed, the I-485 form will have to be submitted with the USCIS.
Step 4: Apply for Unconditional Permanent Residency
Once the businessman or investor has condition resident status, he/she has only two (2) years to make the necessary investment.
When after all conditions for the EB-5 visa or?investor Visa program are met, the investor can apply for unconditional Permanent Residency. To apply for this, the I-829 form will be required to be filled and submitted.
This should be done at least three (3) months before the conditional resident status become invalid. Once approved the investor and immediate family members will be granted a Green Card. This approval process can take about Eight (8) months.
Step 5: Citizenship
The investor and dependents can apply for US citizenship if they have lived in the USA for a minimum period of Five (5) years as a permanent resident.
How Much Does US EB 5 visa Cost?
Getting a EB 5 visa or?Investor Visa is not an easy task, it cost a lot of money and it also depends on the process of applying for it.
Based on your profile to get US green card you and the members of your families will be assessed for admissibility. The EB-5 Visa requires you to make an at-risk investment that creates, directly or indirectly Ten (10) US jobs.
The cost of obtaining EB-5 visa is $500,000 investment, $50,000 administrative fee and any miscellaneous expenditure. A total of $575,000 but expenses may vary depending on the process you take.
