Exploring Investor Immigration

Entrepreneurs who want to immigrate to the United States can get their green card through investing in the U.S. under the EB5 immigration program. Applicants, along with spouses and children under age 21 can invest in a U.S. commercial enterprise and create (or preserve) 10 permanent full-time jobs for U.S. workers to satisfy eligibility for permanent residence. Up to 10,000 EB5 investors visas are authorized each year. Those who want to invest as a means of immigrating must invest $1 million in any enterprise, or $500,000 in a business in Regional Center with high unemployment or in a rural area. Potential Immigrants who Live Outside the U.S. If you live outside the U.S., you can achieve permanent residence (a green card) through consular processing. In this procedure, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the State Department, issue a visa once Form I-526 (the Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur) is approved. Those who have an approved immigrant petition and immigrant visa number may apply to the State Department consulate in their country for their visa. Foreign Nationals Already Living in the U.S. Those already living in the U.S. may obtain conditional permanent resident status by completing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). Adjustment of status allows eligible individuals who are already in the U.S. to get permanent resident status as an investor without having to go back to their home country to complete processing of their visa. Benefits of Investment Immigration Investment immigration under EB5 allows those who are eligible to avoid long waits and bureaucratic hassles to quickly obtain residency in the U.S. Many aspiring immigrants have to wait for years to legally enter the U.S., but investor immigration allows foreign entrepreneurs to establish residence and obtain a green card much more quickly. For foreign entrepreneurs with families, this type of immigration allows spouses and children under age 21 to qualify for an EB5 visa, greatly simplifying the immigration process. Where to Obtain Help Although immigrating as an investor is quicker than other methods of immigration, the legal process is still complex. Those interested in EB5 immigration can expedite the process by employing qualified visa consultants. With a team of immigration attorneys, former government officials, business attorneys, and CPAs to assist, immigrant investors can expedite the immigration process. Visa consultant services can help with things like: Information on approved Regional Centers

Financial projections

Business plan assessment

Risk assessment

Escrow service

Legal documentation review Relocation assistance Immigration policy in the United States is always a complex and newsworthy issue. Immigration reforms are frequently debated, and legislation in this area is always an important topic. But regardless of whether stricter immigration reforms are enacted in the U.S., foreign investors will continue to have the opportunity to acquire their green card through the EB5 visa program. Expert assistance in the process could make the difference between obtaining U.S. residence quickly and having to wait while mistakes are corrected. Investors visas are far easier to obtain when there are experts standing by to help with the process.