Why does the EB-5 program attract migrants to the USA?

America holds a significant position among countries attracting migrants and investors from around the world. The country is known for its high standard of living, as well as favorable conditions for professional activities and business operations. The USA represents a unique environment that draws many foreigners, and every year, hundreds of them express interest in obtaining an investment visa for permanent residency.

EB-5 Program

Currently, there is a special program in the USA that allows individuals to obtain a residence permit through investments. This program...EB-5was developed by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to attract foreign investments into the country's economy in exchange for the opportunity to obtain a green card, which is the key to permanent resident status. The program has gone through various stages, including the threat of suspension; however, in September 2016, the U.S. government extended its validity until December 9 of the same year. Despite numerous discussions, the conditions for obtaining a green card through the program...EB-5remained unchanged.

Increase in the number of applications

Over the past two years, there has been an astonishing increase in the number of applications for participation in the program — a growth of 271%, from 6,554 applications in 2013 to 17,791 in 2015. Investors are particularly interested in the opportunity to live and work in the USA. The process of obtaining citizenship through this program is quite efficient — it takes only five years. Holders of a U.S. passport can travel visa-free to many countries around the world.

Advantages of the program

The program also does not require knowledge of English or prior entrepreneurial experience for investors. An important aspect is that the investor's family members have the opportunity to obtain residency without additional financial investments.

Popularity among migrants

Like many other programs,EB-5It is especially popular among Chinese citizens, who make up about 80% of all applications for this visa. Among the CIS countries, the highest number of applications comes from Russian citizens.

Acquisition of real estate

It is worth noting that simply purchasing real estate is not a sufficient condition for obtaining a residence permit in the USA. A green card can only be obtained by investing in commercial real estate or in projects that have been approved by the US government under the program.EB-5Thus, purchasing an apartment or house does not grant a foreigner the right to obtain a visa for residing in the USA.

Why the EB-5 program?

The visa of this category offers prospects not only for the investor but also for their spouse and children under 21 who are not married, for obtaining citizenship in the future. This program opens up unique opportunities and privileges for those who plan to start a new life in the USA by investing in the economy and developing their own business.EB-5provides extensive opportunities for those who want to contribute to the economic development of American society and build a successful career in this country.

Educational opportunities for investor children

Investor's children receive favorable conditions for obtaining education in universities and colleges in the USA, as they can study as permanent residents, which exempts them from high temporary rates for international students. Additionally, they are entitled to free education in public schools.

Rights and opportunities of the investor's family

The investor and their spouse become entitled to the right to work, can benefit from social security, drive a car, and enjoy many other advantages. Moreover, the investor's family members can start their own business in the United States.

Requirements of the EB-5 program

The EB-5 program has specific requirements for participation in investment activities. To become a participant in this program, you need to:

• Invest at least $1 million in a new commercial company in the United States.
• Or $500,000 if the capital is invested in a business located in rural areas or areas with high unemployment.
• Create at least ten permanent jobs.

The program allows for the possibility of obtaining a residence permit through special regional centers that engage in specific activities in various government regions. Investors must invest $500,000 in one of the projects approved by these regional institutions.

Advantages of the mechanism

Among the key advantages of this mechanism, the following can be highlighted:

• The possibility of indirect job creation.
• Reducing the complexities associated with the direct creation of ten job positions for the citizens of the country.
• The freedom to live and work in any state.

Conditions for participation in the program

Participation in the EB-5 program does not require age restrictions, fluency in languages, or business experience. However, it is necessary for the applicant to have their own funds of at least $1 million and to be able to confirm the legality of their source. Spouses and children under the age of 21 can accompany the main applicant to the United States.

The process of participating in the program

The process of participation begins with the submission of an individual application that confirms compliance with the necessary requirements of the EB-5 program. This application must be accompanied by evidence of investment in a company or project, as well as documentation proving the legality of the sources of these funds, such as income statements and tax payment records, along with a business plan.

The consideration of such an application takes about three months. After that, it will be necessary to submit a visa request to obtain conditional permanent resident status.

U.S. citizenship through the EB-5 program

Participants in the EB-5 program can become U.S. citizens if they spend at least five years in the country. During this time, they must be in the United States for at least 30 months, which is about two and a half years. Additionally, an important aspect of obtaining citizenship is passing a test that assesses knowledge of the English language, as well as awareness of the history and culture of the United States.

The process of obtaining an EB-5 visa

The process of obtaining an EB-5 visa begins with contacting an organization that specializes in immigration consulting. This will help gather and prepare all the necessary documents, which, in turn, will reduce the risk of being denied residency. In the first stage, the investor must submit an application confirming their eligibility for the EB-5 program. This application is accompanied by documents that verify the investment, as well as information about the lawful sources of funds—such as tax returns, income statements, and a business plan. Typically, processing this request takes about three months.

Stages of registration

After successful confirmation, the next stage begins — applying for a visa that will allow obtaining conditional permanent resident status. The application is submitted from the investor's country of residence. Processing this request usually takes at least six months. In the case of a positive decision, the investor receives a temporary green card for a period of up to two years. After this period, provided that the investments are maintained and the rule regarding minimum stay in the country is followed (at least 180 days per year), they can apply for a permanent green card.

Other options for long-term visas

There are many types of long-term visas that allow foreigners to stay in the United States for several years. However, it is important to note that none of these visas, which are not related to investment activities, automatically grant the right to permanent resident status in the U.S. For example:

• L-1 visa— intended for managers and highly skilled workers who are relocating to the USA to work in their company's branches.
• E-1 and E-2 visas— can be received by foreign businessmen and investors from countries that have bilateral trade agreements with the USA.

Student visa F-1

Another popular category of long-term visas isstudent visa F-1This allows foreign citizens to study at institutions in the USA in academic and language courses. Students can stay in the country for the entire duration of their studies, which, in turn, opens up opportunities for easy on-campus work. This type of visa offers broad prospects for development and gaining new experiences, which undoubtedly attracts many international students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the EB-5 program represents a unique opportunity for investors and their families who wish to obtain permanent residency in the United States. The strong interest in this program, especially from citizens of China and Russia, indicates the high level of appeal it offers.

The opportunity to invest in the U.S. economy while providing your family with access to quality education and healthcare is truly inspiring.

Advantages of the EB-5 program

• The lack of strict requirements for language skills or entrepreneurial experience.
• The possibility of obtaining citizenship in the future.
• Free access to the labor market for the investor and family members.
• Access to education for children as permanent residents.
• The opportunity to do business in the United States.

The process of investing and obtaining a green card may seem complicated, but the available conditions make the EB-5 program a more accessible option for a wide range of people. The benefits of the program, such as the possibility of obtaining citizenship in the future and unrestricted access to the job market, make your choice even more justified.

By investing in a project approved by the U.S. government, you not only enhance the quality of life for your family but also contribute to the development of the country's economy. This is a mutually beneficial partnership that yields dividends for both investors and the United States.

I sincerely hope that everyone interested in this program can find their idea and bring it to life, fulfilling their dream of a new life in America. A future full of opportunities awaits you here in the United States. Believe in your ideas and take action – and the doors of this country will open for you.