US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program for the USA?
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program for the USA was created by the US Congress and leads to a permanent resident status (“Green Card”) for persons who invest significantly through job creation or capital investment in the USA.
What are the conditions of application for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?
Conditions for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program are as follows;
- Creating and maintaining at least 10 jobs for two years and invest at least $1 million USD in an Urban Regional Center Project or,
- Creating and maintaining at least 10 jobs for two years and invest at least $500,000 USD either within a high-unemployment area or rural area in the United States.
Apart from the abovementioned investment requirements, the applicant shall submit all documents required for the application.
How long does the process take?
Application process for this Investment Program takes 12 to 18 months.
What are the advantages of this Program?
Key advantages of this program are;
- Right to travel, live, work and study without any restrictions in the USA
- Right to apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence from the receipt of Conditional Green Card provided that other criteria set out by legislation have been met
- US citizenship enables to travel without visa to 172 countries on the US citizens’ passport
Ketenci&Ketenci is a leading international law firm advising on global citizenship. Please contact us for further details on US EB-5 Program and US Citizenship.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (“FAQ”) IN RELATION TO EB-5 AMERICAN RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
Why choose United States of America?
USA is a safe and stable country. Country’s approach is traditionally very hospitable, tolerant and welcoming manner to foreigners. Dual Citizenships is allowed in the amazing country to apply the citizenship programme. Not to mention it is the most powerful country in the world when it comes the economy.
Are there any vaccine requirements to go to United States of America?
Unfortunately, there are some vaccine requirements in accordance with the US Immigration Law. However, the type of vaccines vary year by year due to the majority of viruses in the world.
Do I have to travel to USA to start the Residency procedures?
Yes, an EB-5 investor cannot reside out of the States for more than one year without acquiring a reentry permit or returning resident visa. Otherwise, permanent residency cannot be obtained.
What are the visa-free travel opportunities for citizens of USA?
The American passport owners have opportunities of Visa Free Travel to over 180 countries, including Hong Kong, US, United Kingdom, Switzerland and EU Countries.
Is USA a tax haven for investors who consider applying for EB-5 Programme?
Though it is hard to mention US as a tax haven, one must bear in mind that there are many advantageous tax policies and business opportunities for investors, who are looking for a country with minimal tax payments options. USA puts great effort in order to attract business people all around the world, therefore it will not be a big burden to minimize tax payments within US while operating a business.
Is there any official legislation which regulates the EB-5 Residency Programme?
Yes. Immigration Act of 1990 is the main legal text as per EB-5 Programme, which presents several options for investors in order for them to become “Lawful Permanent Residents” of United States of America.
Do you offer real estate options from USA?
Yes. We offer approved projects suitable to proceed for American Citizenship by Investment and American Residency programs.
Is American Citizenship acquired/valid for life?
Yes, once the citizenship is acquired, it becomes a permanent citizenship for life for you and the citizenship could also be passed to your future generations.
Can we change our names after obtaining American citizenship?
Yes, but the applicant may only apply for the change of name after the citizenship is acquired, prior to naturalization by submitting an additional request on N-400.
How many family members can apply for residency along with the Main Applicant?
EB-5 visa is an investment-based immigrant visa. Along with the main applicant spouse and unmarried dependent children under 21 years old may also apply. And after 5 years fulfilling all the above mentioned requirements, whole family can acquire American Citizenship.
Is there any language requirement to apply for American Residency?
Yes, reading, writing and speaking English, and knowing the history and government of U.S. is required.
Once American Citizenship is acquired, in the case that the applicant will not stay in USA, what will be main applicant’s tax liabilities in USA?
USA tax system is different than all other countries; even the citizens reside out of states and have income through their businesses abroad, they still have to pay taxes to USA.