The USA has a complex immigration system, and in each instance, it is warranted to assess the individual situation thoroughly in order to establish the immigration route offering the best chances.

US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The USA is a highly sought-after country for international investors. For those who wish to acquire permanent resident (‘green card’) status in the USA, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the most efficient way to acquire such status. Since 1990 when congress created this program, each year, the USA government allocates a substantial number of visas for individuals who wish to make a significant, qualified investment into the country that can generate jobs for the USA economy. Under this program, individuals and their immediate family members can become permanent residents of the USA within a short period of time.

Benefits

• One of the most desirable business and lifestyle destinations worldwide
• Range of top-tier schools and Ivy League universities available nationwide
• Efficient route to gaining permanent resident status (a green card)
• Ability to include a spouse and children who are under 21 years old and not married
• Minimal application requirements, with no business experience or specific language proficiency needed
• Flexible physical presence requirements
• Citizenship possible after five years of legal residence

Qualification Criteria and Requirements

The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires that a foreign individual invests into a new commercial enterprise that is associated with government-approved regional centers based on proposals for promoting economic growth. The following requirements apply:

1. Fulfil one of the following investment options:
   1. USD$1,050,000 into a non-targeted employment area project
   2. USD$800,000 into a targeted employment area project in a rural area or an area with high unemployment
2. Create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified USA workers

After the successful applicants have received a Green Card, the funds must stay invested until permanent resident status is granted (roughly five years).

Approved applicants will receive conditional green cards for a period of two years. The conditions on the green card are then removed at the end of the two years upon demonstrating to USA immigration authorities that the jobs were in fact created or maintained. The transition from conditional to regular green card does not affect what the green card holder can do in the USA.

Individual applicants must have a net worth in excess of USD 1 million and provide proof that their funds come from legal sources.

Procedures and Timeline

Applications to the program must be made through the prescribed forms and must be accompanied by the appropriate fees and supporting documents. In addition to the usual personal documentation, the requisite documentation includes medical reports, vaccination records, certified police clearance certificates, and any court records that the applicant may have. On average, applicants receive their initial conditional green cards within roughly 18 to 24 months. The filing for the conditional green card to be converted into a regular green card is done two years later.

Investors’ spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply for green cards as derivative applicants and are not required to make further financial contributions but must submit their own paperwork.

Permanent residents can settle anywhere in the USA, but they are limited in their visa-free or visa-on-arrival access when compared to other countries.

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Citizenship

To be eligible for citizenship, green card holders must have lived continuously in the USA for at least five years prior to naturalization. They must further show that they have been physically present in the USA for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before filing for naturalization and must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. Other than a civics test, minimal additional conditions are required in order to obtain citizenship.