The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is one of the fastest and easiest ways to immigrate to the United States. This program offers foreign nationals the chance to receive a U.S. green card in exchange for a qualifying investment in an EB-5 project. As long as the applicant invests a minimum of $1.8 million – or $900,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) – and demonstrates that the investment created 10 new full-time jobs for U.S. workers, they are eligible to receive a U.S. green card. EB-5 investors are also able to include their spouse and any unmarried children younger than 21 on their application, making them eligible for U.S. green cards too. Receiving permanent resident status in the United States can improve the life of immigrants in many ways and offer countless new opportunities. Below are some of the most appealing benefits of immigrating through the EB-5 program.
No Job Restrictions
Unlike other visa holders, those with EB-5 visas are free to work anywhere in the United States, for any company they choose, with no restrictions. EB-5 visa holders do not have to be sponsored by their employee, which allows them to work for any business or corporation or even start their own business. Obtaining an EB-5 visa can also expand the potential career opportunities for those that currently hold an L1 or H-1B visa. This career flexibility furthermore applies to the immediate family members of EB-5 investors who also receive EB-5 visas. And to top it all off, those who receive EB-5 visas can apply for U.S. citizenship after having a green card for five years, which allows them to pursue employment opportunities with the U.S. government.
Benefits for College Students
Those planning to attend one of the many high-quality universities in the United States would greatly benefit from receiving an EB-5 visa. Universities in the United States only have a limited number of positions for international students, making it a highly competitive admission process. However, those with an EB-5 visa are considered domestic students, making the admissions process much simpler and less competitive. In addition, students with an EB-5 visa could also be eligible for in-state tuition benefits, financial aid, and additional scholarships. And, as mentioned before, they are free to work without restrictions while in school, expanding the potential job and internship opportunities.
The U.S. Public Education System
One of the greatest perks of the EB-5 program is that investors can include their unmarried children younger than 21 on their I-526 petition. This allows their children to receive U.S. green cards and enjoy a brighter future in the United States. Children with permanent resident status can attend public schools in the United States for free. This helps foreign nationals provide their children with a quality U.S. education without having to pay any additional costs. Attending U.S. public schools also helps their children prepare to attend a U.S. university in the future.
Access to Advanced U.S. Health Care Services
The United States has some of the highest-quality medical facilities in the world. Those who choose to immigrate to the United States have complete access to the advanced research and health care these facilities provide. A 2020 analysis from Newsweek stated that the United States is home to four of the 10 best hospitals in the world: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital. For those from countries with a less developed medical industry, this is an extremely appealing reason to immigrate.
The Safety and Stability of the United States
Many foreign nationals wish to immigrate to the United States to enjoy a safer future for themselves and their families. The United States offers a democratic government, economic stability, and access to medical care and education that other countries may not offer. Those with permanent resident status can enjoy the unparalleled rights and freedoms offered to U.S. citizens and residents.
Permanent Residents Can Travel Freely Domestically and Abroad
Obtaining U.S. green cards allows EB-5 investors and their family to live wherever they choose in the United States and the freedom to travel as they please throughout the country. Those with permanent resident status are also free to leave the United States at will and rest assured knowing that they will be allowed to re-enter. A U.S. green card could also make international travel a bit easier, as some countries allow U.S. residents to enter without applying for a visa.
Additional Benefits
Those with a U.S. green card also enjoy many other benefits, such as additional retirement support. They can receive their pensions earned in the United States, as well as any pensions earned abroad. Retired green card holders are also eligible for social welfare programs and Medicare. Aside from this, having permanent resident status in the United States can make it much easier to receive health insurance, establish a household, and secure a mortgage.
Prospective investors planning to begin their EB-5 journey can contact EB5AN to learn more about the program and find out what steps they should take to start the process.
