What is an EB-5 Visa
b-1 visa, business visa USA, temporary business visitor visa, nonimmigrant visa USA, US visa for business travel, how to get B1 visa, B1 visa requirements, B1 visa application, B1 visa USA
The EB-5 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa (green card) for foreign investors who invest a substantial amount of money in a U.S. business that creates jobs for American workers.
It provides a direct path to permanent residency (green card) for the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21.
Key Benefits:
Direct path to green card for investor and family
No employer or job offer required
No English or education requirement
Can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship
Everything you need to know about EB-5 Visas
To qualify, an investor must:
1. Make a Qualifying Investment
Minimum of $1,050,000, or
$800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA): in Rural areas or regions with high unemployment
Investment can be in:
A new commercial enterprise
A Regional Center project (pooled investment in government-approved economic development zones)
2. Create or Preserve 10 Full-Time U.S. Jobs
For qualifying American workers
Must be full-time (at least 35 hours/week)
Jobs must be created within 2 years of the investor’s admission to the U.S.
Two Investment Options:
1. Direct Investment
You start or invest in your own business
Must actively manage the business
Must create 10 direct jobs
2. Regional Center Investment
You invest in a USCIS-approved Regional Center
Regional Centers handle the business/project
Can count indirect and induced jobs
Most common choice due to lower involvement and flexibility
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 included in the same EB-5 petition
Eligible for green cards alongside the primary investor
You cannot prove the lawful source of your investment funds
You fail to meet the job creation requirement
The investment is not at risk (it must be subject to gain or loss)