Those considering the EB-5 visa must have significant assets to invest into the American economy.
Specifically, the program was created for foreign investors who will put at least $1 million into a new business in the United States. That commercial enterprise also has to create a minimum of 10 new jobs.
If they do this, those investors are then given legal permission to reside in the U.S.
This is a tool that the government uses to give people an incentive to invest their money in the United States. It also helps cut through some of the red tape for those who want to move to our country because it boosts our economy.
The investment doesn’t always have to be $1 million, but can be cut in half to $500,000 if the investor will agree to start the company in a “targeted employment area.” This is typically a place with a very high unemployment rate or an area without many other business ventures, such as a rural community.
Those who want to participate should know that the United States does cap the EB-5 program, only giving out 10,000 visas every year. The program was first established by the Immigration Act of 1990 and it has been in place ever since, without changing the investment amounts.
As you can see, employment immigration doesn’t always have to be about searching for employment. It can focus on providing employment for others and starting new companies, as the United States is fairly accommodating to these enterprises. It’s important for people to know all of the options they have and what legal steps to take.
Source: The Washington Post, “An Immigration ‘Golden Ticket’ Developers Love: QuickTake Q&A,” Anne Cronin and Kathleen Hunter, Jan. 07, 2018