EB5 Process: A Roadmap to US Residency Through Investment
What is an EB5 Visa?EB5 Process FAQsWhy make Davies & Associates Your EB5 LawyersEB5 VisaEB5 DirectEB5 RequirementsEB5 Visa Processing TimeEB5 Visa CostEB5 Visa GuideGuide to Selecting and EB5 lawyerIntroduction
The United States is considered at the forefront of economic growth around the
world. If you're considering expanding your investments to another country
with the option of immigrating, then the EB5 Visa may be the best option for
you.
Before you dive right into the EB5 Visa process, let's first understand what
an EB5 Visa means.
What is an EB5 Visa?
An
EB-5 Visa
is an investment-based immigrant visa that enables foreign investors to
acquire a lawful permanent resident status in the United States with a minimum
investment amount of $1,050,000 USD or $800,000 USD for targeted employment
area investment.
The investment must lead to the job creation of 10 full-time jobs in the U.S.
and must be at risk. Further, the source of the investor's funds must be
lawful.
EB5 Visa Solutions by Country of Nationality or Residency
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EB5 Visa Process: 8 Steps
Choosing an investment advisor and an immigration attorney
Before you go through the entire EB-5 process, it's crucial to first consult with an immigration attorney to help you determine whether an EB-5 Visa is the right option for you based on your goals and circumstances.
Some people would have an interest in acquiring an EB5 Visa as they knew other people who obtained green cards through the EB5 Visa, or they might want the EB5 Visa as this piqued their interest. No matter your immigration goals, an immigration lawyer can provide easier and faster ways to meet them after going over all your options.
There are immigration attorneys who will charge you a flat fee for their consultation, which means they will charge a set price to handle the rest of your EB5 application. Most, however, offer a free initial consultation so you can decide from early on if you want to obtain their services.
Find out if EB-5 suits you. Check EB-5 program requirements.
Before selecting a suitable EB5 investment, foreign investors must first determine if they are eligible to apply.
There are two key outcomes you need to consider when looking at available investment opportunities for the EB5 Visa: the return on capital and the likelihood of securing a green card. First, you need to decide whether you'll invest in commercial enterprises outside or inside targeted employment areas or TEAs, which are areas that are rural or have high unemployment. Next, you need to make sure that your investment will create 10 full-time jobs in the U.S. Moreover, you need to also consider the financial return of your investment, your exit strategy, and the industry you want to invest in.
To invest, you need to sign a subscription agreement, which is a request to join a partnership or limited liability company and transfer the money to an escrow account managed by an appointed escrow agent.
Selection of investment process
The EB5 Visa allows you to make either a direct investment or by investing in a regional center. Starting a new business, purchasing an existing business, or investing in an existing business are some examples of direct investments. Meanwhile, regional centers are businesses designated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) where they gather capital from EB5 investors to develop projects like hotels and resorts.
Investments within a TEA have a lower minimum capital investment, which as of today, stands at $800,000 USD. This is to attract EB5 investors to stimulate the economy of TEAs. For commercial enterprises outside TEAs, the required minimum investment amount is $1,050,000 USD. The money must stay invested for the next 5 to 7 years after you've successfully obtained your conditional green card.
Choosing the right investment is crucial in the EB5 process, and you have to research extensively to make sure that the investment you selected suits your goals and needs. If you're unsure of what steps to take regarding your investment, you can also work with a registered investment advisor or a broker who has experience with EB5 investments.
File your I-526 application with USCIS and preparing your investment of capital
Once you've selected a project to invest in, you now need to invest your funds in a new commercial enterprise. At this point, you need to provide evidence that you have invested or are actively in the process of investing your capital into the new commercial enterprise.
However, bear in mind that merely demonstrating an intention to contribute does not suffice, and demonstrating future investment plans without a legally binding promise will not be accepted.
Then, you would need to prepare and file Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor) including necessary documents relating to you, the business, and the source and path of funds.
The funds can be sourced from the investor's own money, in the form of a loan not secured by the EB5 investment or a gift.
This process takes an average of 16-18 months.
Application for Consular processing or adjustment of status (I-485 application)
When your Form I-526 is accepted and your priority date is 'Current,' you will be able to apply as a conditional permanent resident. Adjustment of status or consular processing are the two choices you have for getting a conditional green card.
If you are lawfully present in the U.S. at the time of your Form I-526's approval, you may apply for an adjustment of status. To change your status, you must file a Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with the USCIS. After that, you would need to have a medical exam conducted by a USCIS-approved doctor to determine if you have disqualifying medical conditions. Then, you have to be fingerprinted and cross-checked in law enforcement databases. This process takes an average of 6 months.
Meanwhile, if you are living abroad at the time of your Form I-526 approval, you would need to go through consular processing. If you selected consular processing, your file will be sent to the National Visa Center of your home country. They will then send to your immigration attorney instructions and submission of Form DS-260 if you have an immigration attorney. After the submission of your Form DS-260 along with the necessary documents, the National Visa Center will schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy in your home country. If you're eligible, you will receive your visa upon completion of your interview. This process takes an average of 8 - 12 months.
2-Year Green Card
Once you've become a conditional green card holder, you will have the same rights and privileges as those of a lawful permanent resident, with the main difference being that your conditional green card only lasts for 2 years. During this period, you are required to establish a permanent residence in the United States and maintain your qualifying investment in the commercial enterprise. you should be doing business according to your EB5 business plan which you submitted together with your Form I-526.
Moreover, during this time, you have to keep your capital investment at risk and you have to create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Filing your Form I-829 petition for permanent resident status
Within 90 days of the expiration of your 2-year conditional permanent residence, you are required to file a Form I-829, which is a petition to remove the conditional status on your permanent resident status. Filing this petition means that you're proving that you've met the EB5 Visa requirements such as you've created 10 full-time jobs and that you maintained your investment in the new commercial enterprise.
Once your Form I-829 has been approved, you are officially a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship (optional)
To become a U.S. citizen, you have to undergo a process called naturalization. To be eligible, you have to be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years. You are also required to be physically present in the U.S. for at least 2 and a half years
Your 2-year conditional lawful permanent residency also counts toward this 5-year requirement provided that you've consistently lived in the U.S. since obtaining a conditional lawful permanent residence status.
Duration of EB5 Process
The duration of your EB-5 Visa process may vary depending on the situation and circumstances. As of August 2023, the processing time for a Form I-526 petition ranges between 29.5 to 61 months according to the USCIS, meanwhile, Form I-485 applications to adjust status take around 7 - 29 months depending on the service center.
The latest EB5 Visa bulletin released by the USCIS lists certain areas as 'Current' which means there is no backlog or retrogression.
You should also take note of the different process changes on EB5 Visa so you can adequately prepare for your application.
Benefits of EB-5 Green Card
There's no question that the United States is considered at the forefront of economic growth around the world. Whether you're a budding or longtime investor, you might be thinking of expanding your investment portfolio to an economic powerhouse. Moreover, with a permanent green card, you can freely work, live and study in the U.S. Here are some benefits of obtaining an EB5 Visa:
-
Freely travel in and out of the United States with your permanent resident status;
-
Return on your capital investment;
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Obtaining lawful permanent residency as well for your spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21;
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Option to apply for U.S. citizenship; and
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Travel to countries that allow visa-free passage to green card holders
You can also visit here if you need more information about the EB5 Visa so you can have a general overview of the visa and gain an informed decision before proceeding with your application.
Conclusion
The EB5 Visa is a great option for investors and entrepreneurs who want to invest in a business outside of their home country and immigrate to another country. With its line of benefits, the EB5 Visa can be the best option for your financial and immigration goals. There are only 10,000 EB5 Visas issued annually, and if there are backlogs or retrogression, the application process can take longer. Having full knowledge on EB-5 Visa cost is also essential.
Here at Davies & Associates, our expert immigration lawyers can help you with your EB5 process so that all necessary documents and steps are taken.
EB5 Process FAQs
Yes, once you have obtained your EB5 Visa, you can live and work anywhere in the U.S. This also applies if you have invested through a regional center. You don't need to live in the same State as the commercial enterprise you invested in.
If you made a direct investment, however, you may need to be near the enterprise you invested in as you would need to prove that you are active in the company.
Yes, once your EB5 Visa is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can join you in the U.S. and will also be eligible for conditional and permanent residence.
For spouses, same-sex spouses qualify but common-law spouses do not. As for children, this includes birth children, adopted children and stepchildren. You must be able to prove that you're their legitimate parent.
Each year, there are around 10, 000 EB5 Visas issued. These visas are given to EB5 investors, their spouses and their unmarried children under the age of 21.
Investors act as passive investors and contribute to government-recognized entities through the Regional Center Pilot Program. The businesses involved in promoting growth in certain geographic areas are approved as regional centers under this program and may meet the job creation requirements under the law using 'indirect employment' based on approved methodologies.
If you're outside the U.S., the National Visa Center coordinates the collection of certain documents from you and sends a file to the local consulate which then schedules your interview. The waiting time can take from 3 to 9 months
Why make Davies & Associates Your EB5 Lawyers
Davies & Associates is one of the longest-established EB5 law firms in the industry and our team regularly contribute to the global media on the subject. We have helped hundreds of families, business owners and entrepreneurs relocate to America and have never had a case rejected on Source of Funds, which is one of the most challenging aspects of an EB5 application. Click here to meet some of our EB5 clients. Our success helping clients demonstrate they meet EB5 visa requirements comes from blending our highly qualified lawyers with an understanding of the culture, law, business practices and banking regulations in each jurisdiction we operate.
Our success comes from the strength of the unique team of lawyers we place around every client
Each Davies & Associates client is assigned a team of industry-leading EB5 lawyers each highly experienced with a specific area of the law. Our client EB5 teams typically include:
- A local EB5 lawyer versed in the currency laws and practices of the countries from which a clients funds are to be sourced
- A real estate lending or finance lawyer to assist with project due diligence
- A specialist US Source of Funds documentation lawyer
- A senior EB5 attorney responsible for supervising the filing and submission of each client's case
Awards
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Looking to acquire an EB5 Visa?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
EB5 Visa Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and was very thorough in what they did” L1 Visa Client. There was a lot of work on my case and worked on it 24/7 and was very patient answering all my questions.
E2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB5 Process.
EB5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E2 Visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you.. with Davies & Associates you’re in safe hands… you need someone who can give you all the support at the ground level and, again, you are well take care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite openminded when it comes to business… Not to mention as a passport it’s great from a travel perspective…It’s just 4/5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB5 Visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB5 Visa HoldersI'm in a process of extending my L1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case and he contacted me back almost immediately both by e-mail and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing from the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in an highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
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