The EB-5 investor visa program gives investors from other countries a secure path to U.S. green card residency through investment. Although the application process can be complex, the benefits are substantial as it provides U.S. residency and investment opportunities. If you’re looking to ensure a successful investment and EB-5, follow this ultimate checklist:
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✔Prepare early
Early preparation gives you the possibility of taking a firm step forward on your application path, and you can start with the following:
- Consult an EB-5 Attorney: Immigration attorneys have the experience to help you navigate the complex EB-5 process and ensure that your application meets all requirements. Check our Directory of verified EB-5 attorneys, which only features immigration lawyers who have direct experience with the EB-5 visa program.
- Gather All Your Financial Information: collect documents about your life finances, business projects you have been involved in, and information about your employment and educational level. It should be noted that you will use this documentation to prove your source of funds and your qualifications as an investor. Have bank statements, tax returns, and sales documentation on hand, as you will need to prove the legal origin of your investment funds.
- Select the right EB-5 Project: With your EB-5 attorneys advise, you can choose to whether invest directly in a New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) or through a Regional Center.
✔Investment Requirements
- Know the Minimum Investment: The minimum EB-5 investment is between $800,000 and $1,050,000. Projects with the minimal investment must be located in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA). To qualify as a TEA project, these investments must be in rural or high unemployment an areas or infrastructure project.
✔Business Plan
With the assistance of your EB-5 attorney, prepare a detailed and understandable business plan for your NCE project, describing the type of investment, job creation, and the overall strategy for the success of your business. You must present this plan as part of your EB-5 applications. It is worth mentioning that your business plan must be realistic and profitable in the future.
✔Form I-526 Application
Ensure your Form I-526 petition is accurate and complete, with all required documentation attached (including project documents and business plan, among others. As part of your application there is a filing fee, check the details here.
✔Conditional Green Card (Form I-829)
You must demonstrate job creation once your investment is made and the business is operational through tax documents and verification of Form I-9. Once your I-526is approved, you can file Form I-829 within the 24-month conditional residency period.
✔Permanent Green Card (Form I-485)
You can apply for your permanent resident card through Form I-485 after your I-829 petition is approved.
✔Additional Considerations
- Processing Times: Plan a waiting time that could take years, as EB-5 processing times vary depending on the workload at USCIS.
- Maintain Status: It is vitally important that while your application is pending approval, you must maintain valid immigration status in the US by maintaining the investment, showing your investment has created or preserved the required number of jobs and not having excessive absences from the U.S.
