Employment-Based Immigration

Immigrant Investors (EB-5)

Permanent Residency through Immigrant Investors
Congress created the fifth employment-based preference (EB-5) immigrant visa category in 1990 for immigrants seeking to enter the U.S. to engage in a commercial enterprise that will benefit the U.S. economy by substantial investment and creation of jobs for U.S. workers.

Requirements
a. The basic amount required to invest in the new commercial enterprise is $1 million, although that amount may be $500,000 if the investment is made in a “targeted employment area” ;

b. Benefit U.S. economy;

c. Create full-time employment for at least 10 U.S. workers; and

d. The investor must have a policy making role in the enterprise.

Application Procedures
Assuming USCIS approves an investor’s I-526 petition, he or she becomes conditional permanent resident for two years. An I-829 petition to remove the condition must be filed within 90 days before 2nd anniversary.