EB-5 Green Card (Green Card by Investment) is an immigrant visa specifically designed for investors seeking to obtain permanent residency and work in the United States. This program offers investors and their families the opportunity to obtain a Green Card by encouraging large-scale investments aimed at contributing to the US economy.
What is an EB-5 Green Card by Investment?
The EB-5 Green Card by Investment is a type of immigrant visa that allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in exchange for investment in the United States. Created in 1990, this program is designed to create jobs and support economic growth in the US. Investors can benefit from this visa either by starting a business directly or by participating in large-scale projects through regional centers.
Requirements for EB-5 Visa
Minimum Investment Amount
- Targeted Employment Area (TEA):
- Minimum investment amount is 800,000 USD in economically weak regions or areas with high unemployment rates.
- Non-TEA Regions:
- The minimum amount for investments in stronger economic regions is USD 1,050,000.
Job Creation Requirement
The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs in the US. These jobs can be provided directly in the investee enterprise or indirectly in regional center projects.
Source of Funds
Investors need to prove that the funds they use for their investments were obtained through legal means.
Business Management
EB-5 investors must play an active role in the management of the business in which they invest. This includes managing day-to-day operations or taking part in strategic decision-making.
EB-5 Application Process
Investing
The investor starts the process by investing a sufficient amount. The investment can be made either by directly establishing a business or by participating in a regional center.
Filling out the I-526 Form
The investor proves that the investment meets the EB-5 criteria by filing the I-526 form and applies to USCIS.
- Documents: Documents showing that the investment has taken place and that the job
creation requirements have been met.
Evaluation of the Application
USCIS reviews the application in detail and assesses whether the investor meets the criteria.
Change of Status or Immigrant Visa Application
- If you are in the US Apply for Adjustment of Status with Form I-485.
- If You Are Outside the US: Apply for an immigrant visa with the DS-260 form.
Biometric Appointment and Interview
The applicant attends a biometric appointment and undergoes an interview. USCIS or consular officials evaluate whether the application meets the criteria.
Conclusion
If the application is approved, the investor and his/her family will receive a Green Card. In case of rejection, the reasons are explained and the appeal process can be initiated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marsan Akguc Law Firm provides professional support for your EB-5 applications and stands by you throughout the process. You can step into a new life in the USA by contacting our expert team.
Investments can be made directly in enterprises or through regional center projects. Both types of investments must meet the job creation and minimum investment amount requirements.
The application process usually takes between 1 and 3 years, depending on the processing speed of USCIS.
Income certificates, bank statements and other financial documents must be submitted to show that the funds were obtained through legal means.
With EB-5, in addition to having a Green Card, you have the right to work, study and apply for citizenship.
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