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Why should investors from the UAE apply for the EB-5 Program and place their capital into an EB-5 project when they can benefit from what the U.S. has to offer without the risk?
UAE investors do not need an EB-5 visa to send their children to study in the U.S., to purchase real estate, or to take a vacation, so why go to the trouble of investing in an EB-5 project?
On the surface, foreign nationals do have access to all of those benefits listed, but when you dig deeper, there are many drawbacks that can be avoided by utilizing an EB-5 visa. Here are 3 reasons why investing in an EB-5 project and attaining U.S. lawful permanent residency can be highly desirable.
1. Benefits of studying in the U.S. with an EB-5 visa:
While it’s true that an international student can attend the world-class universities that the U.S. offers with an F-1 visa, once the student completes their studies they must return to their home country or find another visa that allows them to pursue employment. Students on an F-1 visa also may be limited by where and how much they can work during the school year. They may not be able to pursue internships and other work-study opportunities that are advantageous in their field. Additionally, these visas, such as the H-1B visa, are temporary, very competitive and limited to specific industry fields.
The EB-5 visa, however, has no limitations on working in the U.S. Students can even work while studying without limitation. Once they complete their university program they can pursue employment in any field without needing an employer sponsorship. With the EB-5 visa, students also do not have to worry about continually renewing their visa or facing strict travel restrictions.
2. Investing in the U.S. markets:
Foreign nationals can purchase real estate, make investments, or deposit capital into accounts in the United States, but without lawful permanent residency they are not as protected as they could be. A U.S. green card through the EB-5 Program is a great safeguard against foreign countries with political tensions. In the event U.S. foreign sanctions are issued against the investor’s country of origin, their green card would give them access to U.S. bank accounts, whereas, a temporary visa holder may not have that benefit. A green card would also provide the investor (as well as their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 years) with easier travel between the U.S., their country of origin, and numerous other countries that have travel treaties with the United States. Also, in the event that a legal issue arises, having lawful permanent residency would give the investor more legal rights and a stronger footing with the U.S. legal system.
Many foreign nationals come from politically unstable countries where their investments may see higher returns, but it’s typically at a higher risk. The U.S. may offer lower returns, but they also offer a far more stable economy.
3. Travel benefits:
The U.S. is a top tourist destination. With a visa waiver, the maximum amount of time a traveler can stay in the U.S. is 90 days. On a B2 visa, a visitor can stay 6 months or possibly longer with an extension, but they are limited by what activities can do while staying in the U.S. They cannot study, pursue employment, paid performances, or work in the media. These activities require other visa categories.
An EB-5 visa, on the other hand, has little to no limitations. EB-5 visa holders can travel easily between countries. There are a few restrictions, the main one being not staying outside of the U.S. for more than a 180 days (a waiver can extend this), while on an EB-5 visa. Lawful permanent residents must maintain the intention to permanently live in the U.S.
As long as an EB-5 visa holder stays within this allotted travel time or seeks the appropriate reentry permits, they can travel back and forth between their home country and the U.S. without feeling like they must choose one location over the other. They can strategically vacation in the U.S. a few times a year, check on their U.S. investments, visit their children studying at U.S. universities, shop, and then head back to their home country if desired.
The Latest EB-5 News 2019:
The EB-5 Program’s minimum investment amount is about to increase from $500,000 to $900,000 for a targeted employment area project due to a new EB-5 regulation. Avoid the higher rate by applying before the new EB-5 Modernization rule goes into effect on November 21, 2019. Save $400k by applying now. Petitions filed prior to this deadline will be grandfathered in under current EB-5 rules.
Many investors residing in the UAE actually come from nearby countries and while they have no intention of returning to their country of origin, they also do not have Emirati passports. Obtaining U.S. lawful permanent residence and gaining access to the U.S. markets and schools would then be very desirable.
Getting started: Interested in U.S. lawful permanent residency? Take our quick EB-5 evaluation to learn more.
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