By 
Should I invest in an EB-5 Visa if I Already Reside in the US? While EB-5 investors do come from overseas, often they are already living in the United States after having acquired temporary non-immigrant visas to work or study in the United States.
These investors choose the EB-5 program for its expedited path to a green card (permanent residency) and the opportunities it offers them.
Although the EB-5 program is not the only visa program with a path to permanent residency, the EB-5 program offers an expedited option over other visas.
For example, a worker living in the US with an H1-B visa, could wait more than a decade before ever having an opportunity to obtain permanent residency. However, if that same H1-B holder applied for an EB-5 visa and met all the program requirements, they could potentially be receiving their green card in just a few years.
How Can I Invest in an EB-5 Visa From America?
As you might already know, the EB-5 program requires an investment in an American new commercial enterprise, as well as creation of American jobs. Applicants will need to invest at least $900,000 depending on the EB-5 project they have chosen to invest in. Typically, investors choose to invest in a project offered by a regional center. Regional centers offer investors benefits such as relaxed job creation requirements and assistance with the EB-5 application process.
Once USCIS has approved an investor, and a visa is available (USCIS publishes monthly bulletins on visa availability — Click here to see the latest bulletin), the investor can receive a conditional two year green card, for themselves, their spouse, and children. After two years they can apply to have the conditional status of their green card removed.
Adjusting Your Status
One major benefit of applying for an EB-5 visa while living in the U.S. is the expedited timeline to receive your EB-5 visa once one becomes available. EB-5 investors abroad will have to file a DS-260 at their countries U.S. consulate office or embassy, and then schedule an interview at that office before they can receive their EB-5 visa and move to the United States.
On the other hand, an EB-5 investor residing in the U.S. may “Adjust their Status” by filing USCIS Form I-485 with USCIS to receive their conditional permanent residency card.
This process can be much faster than having to apply through overseas U.S. consulate offices and does not always require an interview.
Additionally, while you wait for the approval of the adjustment of status application, EB-5 investors can apply for “Advanced Parole” by filing USCIS Form I-131. Advance Parole, if approved, will allow the recipient to travel internationally and return to the U.S.
Finally, by filing USCIS Form I-765, EB-5 applicants may be entitled to obtain Employment Authorization, permitting them to work in the U.S. while their application for Adjustment of Status is processed.
Get Started Today!
The EB-5 program is currently set to expire on June 30, 2021, so don’t miss your opportunity.
Fill out our quick evaluation form now and get started on the path to receive your EB-5 visa today.
Comments