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. |
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. |