The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees lawful immigration into the U.S.A. as mandated by the U.S Congress. The program is an opportunity for foreign nationals interested in permanent residency in the U.S. to reside in America. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees lawful immigration into the U.S.A. as mandated by the U.S Congress.

Basic Requirements of the EB-5 Program:

• The investor must create or invest in an established business or Regional Center in the U.S.
• The investor must invest $1 million USD or $500,000 USD if investing in certain regional centers in targeted employment areas.
• The investor must create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

General Information for EB-5 Investors:

• No prior business experience is required. 
• No minimum level of education is required. 
• No need to speak English.
• Investor must be in good health.
• Assets invested must be lawfully gained and source of funds identified.
• Money may be gifted by a parent or relative within approved guidelines.
• Husband, wife and any of their unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible. It is possible for adopted children to be included in the family if adopted under the age of 16.

Process:

• Once approved for the EB-5 immigrant visa, the investor receives a “conditional” Green Card, which must be reissued after two years and is subject to removal of certain conditions.
• One year and nine months after it is issued, there is a three-month window during which the investor must file another application with the USCIS to certify that all of the funds have been invested and employment created in a regional center whether directly or indirectly.
• When the conditional resident status has been lifted, full resident status is granted and a permanent Green Card is issued.
• Once you obtain a Green Card and become a legal permanent resident, you have most of the rights and obligations of a U.S. citizen, except that you cannot vote and you are not entitled to some public benefits. You are subject to the same tax filing requirements, tax rates and deductions as U.S. citizens.
• As a Green Card holder you are a legal permanent residents and possess the right to obtain U.S. citizenship after five years.

Related EB-5 Information Pages:

EB-5 Visa General Information

EB-5 Visa Immigration Matters

EB-5 Regional Centers

EB-5 Glossary of Terms

Larry J. Behar
Attorney and Author

Note that this information is subject to change, please visit the USCIS web site at www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis