Thanks to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, thousands of foreign nationals have been able to gain permanent resident status and relocate to the United States. The program is, without a doubt, one of the best ways for foreigners to lawfully immigrate to the United States. Due to changes made on June 22, 2021, making an EB5 investment is easier than ever: the required minimum amounts were lowered to $500,000 for targeted employment area (TEA) projects and $1,000,000 for non-TEA projects.
Moreover, entire families can benefit from the EB-5 program—the spouse and unmarried children of an EB-5 investor are also eligible to receive U.S. green cards.
Benefits of Relocating to the United States
Living in the United States gives families access to a world-class education system that is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the world. As university students with permanent resident status, an investor’s children may be entitled to scholarships, grants, and in-state tuition fees. Holding a green card increases a student’s chances of being accepted into a U.S. college when compared to international students.
Additionally, the United States offers a unique lifestyle that can be found nowhere else in the world. With a diverse culture and an incomparable variety of entertainment and recreation options, the United States is a true safe haven. Its political stability and world-leading economy certainly add to the country’s appeal.
The EB-5 Investment Process
Interested foreign nationals should familiarize themselves with the many regulations of the EB-5 program. After making an EB-5 investment in a qualifying business, investors must submit Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor. This form proves that the investor followed the program’s regulations and used legally sourced funds.
After submitting their I-526 petitions, EB-5 investors must wait for approval from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approval has been granted, the investor can apply for conditional permanent resident status, which lasts for two years. During this period, the investor and their family enjoy the right to work, live, and travel anywhere in the country.
Once their conditional residency expires, investors must submit Form I-829 to prove that their EB-5 investment was successful. Following approval by USCIS, investors and their families become eligible for permanent resident status. Unlike conditional residency, permanent resident status does not expire.
Regulations to Keep in Mind
Foreign nationals interested in the EB-5 program may be unsure which family member should make the EB-5 investment. In the vast majority of cases, the investor should be a family member who intends to relocate to the United States permanently.
According to the regulations of the EB-5 program, an investor’s children must be under the age of 21 and unmarried to qualify for an EB-5 visa. Therefore, the adult children of an EB-5 investor would have to make an investment themselves if they were interested in relocating to the United States
The EB-5 investment program is very appealing for foreign nationals and their families. Becoming a permanent resident and even gaining U.S. citizenship is a dream of many. Therefore, foreign nationals should carefully search for available EB-5 projects.
