Q & A

 

EB-5 Investor Visa

Q
What is EB- 5 investor visa otherwise known as ?

A

“Employment based Fifth Preference Immigrant Investor Program”.


Q
When was it created ?

A

1990. It was initially enacted as a pilot in 1992, and has been reauthorized since then.


Q
What was the purpose of creating the EB- 5 investor visa program ?

A

To stimulate the US economy through capital investment and job creation by foreign investors.


Q
Am I able to get a Green Card via the EB- 5 USA immigration route ?

A

Yes


Q
Can my family also apply for a Green Card in my application for an EB- 5 Visa ?

A

Yes. Along with the main applicant, spouse and minor unmarried children (under the age of 21) can also get lawful US permanent resident status (Green Card).


Q
Are there any age, business experience or English Language proficiency requirements to apply for an EB- 5 Investor Visa ?

A

No


Q
Can I settle anywhere in the US ?

A

Yes. You can live, work and study anywhere in the US.


Q
Can I start my own business anywhere in the US ?

A

Yes


Q
What are some of the other advantages I can enjoy upon getting my US permanent residence (Green Card) ?

A

Easier to get mortgage for home purchases, health or life insurance, medical services and social benefits.


Q
Can I apply for US citizenship ?

A

Applicants and their eligible family members can apply for US citizenship after 5 years of getting the EB- 5 Investor Visa, subject to meeting residency requirements and some other naturalization requirements.


Q
What are the “Capital Investment” requirements?

A

EB5 Investors are required to make specified quantum of minimum investments in any one of the following categories.
a) General: A minimum qualifying investment of USD 1 million.
b) Targeted Employment Area: In this case, the minimum qualifying investment is USD 500,000, to be made in an approved “Regional Center”


Q
What is a “Regional Center”?

A

A “Regional Center” is an investment project that is located in either a high unemployment area or rural area in the U.S. There are currently 886 regional centers that have been approved by USCIS for participation in the EB- 5 investor visa program.


Q
What are some of the factors one should look at while choosing a Regional Center?

A

Experience of management team, track record of the management team both in project approvals / completion and I – 526 & I – 829 approvals, whether the business has sound fundamentals, repayment structure of the project and exit strategy of the project.


Q
Are EB – 5 investors subject to background checks and due diligence screenings?

A

Yes


Q
Do I have to prove “source of funds” of my EB- 5 investment?

A

Yes. An EB5 investor has to establish that he/she is the legal owner of the capital invested, and that no asset has been acquired, directly or indirectly, by unlawful means.


Q
How can Migratesmart® help us?

A

Our partnerships with highly reputed & leading global law firms, in all countries that we operate in or provide services for, enables us to provide end-to-end solutions & services to our clients. We can take care of every aspect of your USA immigration process & ensure you derive maximum benefit from our expert knowledge & advice.