Roughly 10,000 visas are provided to foreign applicants and their family members whose investments meet the requirements set forth by the EB-5 program, namely the development or maintenance of 10 full-time U.S. jobs. 3,000 of the 10,000 visas sourced through the EB-5 program are reserved for immigrants who invest in specific areas; regional center zones, areas with high unemployment, or eligible rural areas

In 1991 the U.S. The U.S. Congress created the fifth employment-based preference (EB-5) immigrant visa category, and Regional Centers came about soon after in 1993. The initial development of the program resulted in frequent fraudulent investment ventures from those applying for the program.

Those who utilize visa Immigrant Investor programs receive permanent resident status, known as a green card, which protects residents from having to renew or re-apply for a status. 

Applicants to the EB-5 program must be involved in policy or management of the investment in order to meet program requirements. Investors who partner with an approved regional center are dubbed a Limited Partner.

Please visit www.uscis.gov for official information.

Whether the potential investor is interested in the U.S. as a business executive, someone aiding their child in educational advancement, someone looking for opportunities, or someone interested in retirement, the EB-5 Investor Visa is a viable option. 

The L-1 Visa (Non-Immigrant Intra-company Transferee), E-2 Visa (Non-Immigrant Treaty Investor), or EB-5 Alien Entrepreneur options should be considered if the investor is interested in managing their own business.

Family members of the investors who decide to go through the Regional Center EB-5 program also benefit from the investment. Children of investors are able to attain an immigrant status which makes them qualified to attend educational universities in the U.S. 

There are only a few cases in which residents of a certain country are not able to participate, i.e. North Korea. 

The EB-5 Investment Visa Category is for foreign investor entrepreneurs who want to gain a Visa through the EB-5 program, also known as the Immigration Act of 1990. 

There are a small number of legal reasons that may prevent potential investors from applying for the program. 

People with out-of-state status are not able to apply for permanent residency status while in the United States. When a foreigner has out-of-state status, the individual is only permitted to stay within United States boundaries for their allotted time. Visas must be valid when the foreigner needs to at the time of entry to the U.S. If the person desires and extension on the 1-94, they can use the Form 1-94.

There are several documents potential investors have to submit to USCIS when applying for the EB-5 program; immigration forms, documents relaying financial history, business plans, legally drafted statement of how EB-5 qualifications are met, a duplicate of the letter of approval by the Regional Center, and other related documents. 

Professional History: Biographical history should gathered and document for all parties involved in the application. The primary investor must show how the investment funds were earned. Any potential educational documentation, such as degrees or certificates, should also be provided.