Citizenship Through Business Investment

The Immigrant Investor Visa

Foreign nationals who are interested in obtaining a green card through business investment are categorized under employment-based immigration “preference immigrant” as EB-5, immigrant investors. This classification for an immigrant visa was created in 1990 in order to stimulate the U.S. job economy from foreign investment. Requirements for individuals who intend on immigrating to the U.S. through this route are:

  • Minimum investment of $1,000,000 into a new business
    • An alternative is $500,000 invested into a business in a targeted employment area
  • Create at least 10 new jobs for full-time employees

How do I apply for EB-5 Immigration Visa?

  • File Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur and once approved;
  • Once you have been approved of permanent residence or have been admitted into the United States with an EB-5 visa, you and your immediate family members will be granted permanent residence for a 2 year period with conditions

Removing Conditions from the EB-5 Visa Status

After two years of being admitted into the United States with the EB-5 visa, the foreign business investor has a 90 day period to file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. If the USCIS approves of this petition, the business investor and his or her direct family will no longer be subject to additional conditions as permanent residents.