Who can apply for an EB-5 visa? What are the eligibility requirements? See the answers and explanations below.
The EB-5 Program is a popular way for foreign nationals to obtain a family-sized pack of green cards by investing in a job-creating U.S. new commercial enterprise.
The EB-5 Program’s minimum investment amount is $1 million, or more commonly, $500,000 if the investment is in a targeted employment area (TEA) project. A TEA is an area that is rural or has an employment rate that is 150% the national rate.
Are there eligibility requirements for individuals interested in investing in the EB-5 Program? The answer is, it depends on the project.
All EB-5 projects require:
-The applicant not to have a disqualifying criminal record.
-The applicant make a minimum investment of $500,000 into the new commercial enterprise.
-The funds for the EB-5 investment must come from lawful sources.
-That the applicant sustain their investment in the project as outlined in the EB-5 Program requirements.
No EB-5 projects have:
-An age requirement
-An education requirement
-A language requirement
-Certain skills requirement
-Work or business experience requirements
Unlike other employment, student, or investor visas, there are no major requirements other than having the funds to invest in the EB-5 visa. Three examples of who can qualify: a student can qualify, a retired couple can qualify, a practicing doctor can qualify.
Some EB-5 projects require applicants to be accredited investors, meaning that they must satisfy one of the following standards created by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC):
-The investor must have a net worth of at least $1 million USD; OR
-An individual income greater than $200,000 for the last two years as well as the current year; OR
-A joint spousal income greater that $300,000 for the last two years as well as the current year
For more information about who qualifies for an EB-5 visa, send us a message or fill out the quick and easy evaluation form below.