The EB-5 visa program, launched in 1990, is a relatively simple way for investors with the necessary capital to move to the United States permanently and eventually become citizens, if they wish. The program is a win-win: It benefits investors and their families by granting them the opportunity to immigrate to the United States and even apply for U.S. citizenship, and it benefits the US by stimulating local economies and creating new full-time jobs for citizens and residents.
There are numerous ways to immigrate to the US, but the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers some special advantages to foreign investors with the necessary capital.
You Can Move Your Family
Visas are not restricted to only the principal investor: The investor’s spouse and any unmarried children younger than 21 are also eligible for U.S. green cards. This way, you can permanently move to the US with your family and ensure a better future for your children.
Your Children Will Have Better Access to U.S. Universities
One of the most popular reasons that investors participate in the EB-5 visa program is to give their children better access to world-renowned U.S. universities. Holding a green card increases a college applicant’s chances of being admitted, as many universities limit the number of foreign students they accept. If your child attends a school in your state of residence, they may also be eligible to save up to 80% on tuition fees.
You Can Live Anywhere in the US
There are no restrictions on where in the US you can reside, as there are no requirements to live near the project you have invested in. Therefore, you could invest in the Hyatt Fort Lauderdale Phase II EB-5 project in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but live on the other side of the country in Seattle, Washington, if you wish. This way, you can easily move close to relatives you may have in the United States or move to the state in which your child would like to attend college, regardless of where your EB-5 project is located.
You Can Freely Leave and Re-enter the US Without a Visa
Once you have your green card, you can enjoy almost all the same rights as a U.S. citizen, including freely leaving the U.S. and re-entering without a visa. You and your family will be free to travel the globe without worrying about U.S. visas ever again.
You Don’t Need a Sponsor
For many other U.S. visa programs, applicants require a sponsor, whether it is an employer, a higher education institute, or a family member or spouse. With the EB-5 visa, investors can sponsor themselves, meaning they do not need to find employment in the US beforehand, enroll in a U.S. college, or have family in the US. In this way, the EB-5 visa is available to people who otherwise might not have a route to immigration into the US.
You Can Search for Employment Without Restrictions
Most foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S. have limited options, and they generally have to be sponsored by their employer. With a green card, however, EB-5 investors and their families can work anywhere in the US without restrictions on the type of employment or time period.
You Don’t Need to Be a Financial Expert
Many other visa investment programs require investors to have extensive business or management experience, but the EB-5 visa program does not. EB-5 investors can use professional attorneys and financial experts to guide them through the process, particularly if they choose to invest through reputable regional centers.
You Can Become a U.S. Citizen
People all around the world dream of being a U.S. citizen, but EB-5 investors can realize that dream. Applying for a green card directly with your EB-5 I-526 petition facilitates and expedites the process. Once you have lived in the US for five years, you can apply for citizenship and become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
