American Visa Bureau   »   American Immigration   »   Business Information   »  EB5 Visa FAQ

Investment Green Card: EB5 Visa FAQ

Known as the 'Investment Green Card', the American EB5 visa gives sucessful investor applicants permanent residency to the United States.  However, an EB5 visa applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to apply.

 Free Online Investor (EB5) Visa Assessment

EB5 Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many EB5 Visas are available?

A: Each year, the USCIS make available 10,000 Immigrant Visas under this category for eligible investors, 3,000 of which are set aside for those who apply under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program involving an USCIS-designated "Regional Centre".

Q: What is a "Regional Centre"?

A: A "Regional Centre" is one which:

• Is an entity, organization or agency that has been approved as such by the USCIS;
• Focuses on a specific geographical area within the United States; and,
• Seeks to promote economic growth through increased export sales, improved regional productivity, creation of new jobs, and increased domestic capital investment.

 Free Online Investor (EB5) Visa Assessment

Q: Who are counted as "eligible investors" for the EB5 visa?

A: "Eligible Investors" include those who:

• Establish a new commercial enterprise by:
  
  Creating an original business;
  
  Purchasing an existing business and simultaneously or subsequently restructuring or reorganising the business such that a new commercial enterprise results; or
  
  Expanding an existing business by 140% percent of the pre-investment number of jobs or net worth, or retaining all existing jobs in a troubled business; and
• Have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, in a new commercial enterprise:
  
  At least $1,000,000; or
  
  At least $500,000 where the investment is being made in a targeted employment area; and
• Engage in a new commercial enterprise that will benefit the American economy and:
  
  Create full-time employment for not fewer than 10 qualified individuals; or
  
  Maintain the number of existing employees at no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least 2 years, where the capital investment is being made in a troubled business.

 Free Online Investor (EB5) Visa Assessment

Q: What is a "troubled business"?

A: A "troubled business" is a business that has been in existence for at least 2 years and that has lost 20% of its net worth over the past 12 to 24 months.

Q: What is a "targeted employment area"?

A: "A targeted employment area" is an area which has experienced unemployment of at least 150% of the national average rate or a rural area as designated by the Office of Management and Budget.

 Free Online Investor (EB5) Visa Assessment

Q: What else is required of an EB5 visa applicant?

A: The EB5 visa applicant must also be able to provide documentation which clearly demonstrates the applicant's investment in the commercial enterprise, such as proof the investment comes from a lawful source of funds.

Q: What happens after the EB5 visa has been granted?

A: Once the EB5 Visa is granted, the investor will be allowed to enter America as a conditional permanent resident for 2 years after which time they may apply to remove the conditional status.