
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) put forward the EB5 green card to provide investments into the US economy by foreign investors. These foreign investors also employ skilled workers in the US.
An EB5 visa helps to create and maintain new jobs. This visa also allows foreign investors to apply for residence. The process for obtaining an EB5 visa can be worth it if you have the resources to invest. Here is more information on the EB5 visa application process and its validity period:
EB5 Green Card Validity Period
The EB5 is a US immigration law that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency (green card). They can do this by investing in a new commercial enterprise in the US. The investment must create or preserve at least 10 jobs for US workers. If more immigrants apply for the EB5 green card, this may help to create more job opportunities.
An investor must invest at least $1.05 million. An EB5 visa is valid for two years. The investment should help create new jobs yearly for at least three years. If the funds are invested in an existing business, the investor must show that the business has been around for more than two years.
EB5 holders are eligible for a green card after two years. This means they can apply for permanent residency in the US. The visa holder and family members may also apply for green cards together.
Spouses and children under 18 years of age born outside the US do not need an approved I-526 Petition from the USCIS when applying for their spouse or parent visas. If you want your spouse to live with you in the US, this visa may make the entry process smoother.
If your partner was previously married, they need to prove that they are no longer married to the former husband/wife.
How to Apply for an EB5 Green Card
The first step of the EB5 green card application process is to gather the necessary documents for your petition. These documents include the following:
- A list of all family members you intend to live with within the US when you apply for your stay.
- Proof that you are employed by a company that owns or operates one economic development project in the US.
- A copy of your birth certificate, ID, passport, and other forms of identification is required.
The application process for an EB5 visa starts with you having a visa petition filed with USCIS. The next step is to apply for labor certification to prove that you are qualified to employ workers. Then you must submit a completed and signed investment petition form with the following information:
- The number of investment funds you intend to invest in your business venture or business project. It can be in cash or other tangible personal property.
- Amount of income you expect from your investment and where that income will be generated. The US Department of Labor must verify this.
- Any government fees or taxes associated with the investment (the US Department of Labor must also verify this).
The processing time for an EB5 visa application then depends on several factors. These factors include the location of your USCIS office and the time of the year. Processing times can vary from a few months up to three years.
Why the EB5 Visa Is Great for Investors
An EB5 visa is a great option for investors looking to enter the US, start or invest in a business, and bring their families. This program allows foreign nationals to invest in approved projects in specified regions. The United States Citizen and Immigration Service has identified certain regions as having high unemployment rates relative to the national average. They may also have relatively high poverty levels and low median household income.
Start Your EB5 Application Process Today
An EB5 visa is an excellent way for investors to enter the US and receive conditional residency. The key is to start the application process early and get everything in order before the investment period ends. To help the process be as smooth as possible, consider utilizing a company that will walk you through the application and investment steps. Choose a company to start your EB5 green card process today.