What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining an EB-5 visa?
As a lawyer, I can provide information about the eligibility requirements for obtaining an EB-5 visa.
The EB-5 visa is a United States visa that allows foreign investors to become permanent residents in the country. In order to obtain an EB-5 visa, there are several requirements that must be met. These requirements are:
- Investment Requirement: The applicant must invest at least $900,000 in a commercial enterprise located within the United States. This investment must create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
- Source of Funds: The applicant must be able to trace the source of the investment funds back to a lawful source. Any funds obtained through illegal means cannot be used to obtain an EB-5 visa.
- Business Engagement: The applicant must be actively involved in the management of the commercial enterprise. This is to show that the investment is not a passive one.
- Job Creation: The commercial enterprise must create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers within two years of the applicant receiving conditional permanent residency.
- Admissibility: The applicant must not have a criminal record, pose a security threat to the United States, or have any other grounds of inadmissibility.
It is important to note that the EB-5 visa program has a limited number of visas available each year, and there may be waiting periods before an application can be processed. Additionally, not all commercial enterprises are eligible for investment under the EB-5 visa program.
It is recommended that individuals seeking an EB-5 visa consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to determine their eligibility and potential options.