FAQ
What is EB-5?
In 1990, the United States Congress established an employment based investment program known as EB-5 to stimulate the economy. Under this program, foreign investors may qualify for permanent residence visa or green card by investing in an area designated as a Regional Center by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What is a Regional Center?
A Regional Center (RC) is defined by USCIS as, “any economic entity, public or private, which is involved with the promotion of economic growth, improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment.”
How much investment is required?
To qualify, a minimum investment of $1 million is required. However, if the investment is made in an area that is experiencing high unemployment (about 1.5 times the national average), or qualifies as rural, the minimum investment is $500,000.
Is there a minimum number of jobs the investment is required to create?
The investment should create or save 10 full-time jobs for US workers within two years of immigrant investor’s admission in US as a Conditional Permanent Resident.
What are the requirements for getting an area designated as a Regional Center?
In order for an area to be designated an RC, the potential investor needs to submit an investment proposal that is supported by a valid economic impact study and a business plan. The proposal must show:
- the geographical area where the investment would take place
- how the investment would stimulate economic growth within and outside the RC
- the number of jobs that would be created directly or indirectly as a result of the capital investment
What is EB-5?
In 1990, the United States Congress established an employment based investment program known as EB-5 to stimulate the economy. Under this program, foreign investors may qualify for permanent residence visa or green card by investing in an area designated as a Regional Center by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What is a Regional Center?
A Regional Center (RC) is defined by USCIS as, “any economic entity, public or private, which is involved with the promotion of economic growth, improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment.”
How much investment is required?
To qualify, a minimum investment of $1 million is required. However, if the investment is made in an area that is experiencing high unemployment (about 1.5 times the national average), or qualifies as rural, the minimum investment is $500,000.
Is there a minimum number of jobs the investment is required to create?
The investment should create or save 10 full-time jobs for US workers within two years of immigrant investor’s admission in US as a Conditional Permanent Resident.
What are the requirements for getting an area designated as a Regional Center?
In order for an area to be designated an RC, the potential investor needs to submit an investment proposal that is supported by a valid economic impact study and a business plan. The proposal must show:
- the geographical area where the investment would take place
- how the investment would stimulate economic growth within and outside the RC
- the number of jobs that would be created directly or indirectly as a result of the capital investment