What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining an investor visa in the United States?
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As a lawyer, I can provide legal advice regarding eligibility requirements for obtaining an investor visa in the United States. An investor visa falls under the category of EB-5 visa, which is a type of immigrant visa and is intended for individuals who want to invest money in the United States and create jobs.
Eligibility Requirements for Obtaining an Investor Visa:
- Investment Requirement: An individual must invest $900,000 in a designated regional center or $1.8 million in a non-regional center. The investment must be in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens, permanent residents or authorized immigrants.
- Source of Funds: The investment funds must come from a legitimate source. The individual must be able to demonstrate that the investment funds were obtained through lawful means such as business earnings, inheritance, sale of property or investment gains.
- Business Plan: The investment must be in a new commercial enterprise or a troubled business that will create or preserve jobs. The business plan should describe the nature of the business, the products, services or technology, the target market, the competition, the management team and the financial projections.
- Management Role: An investor must take an active role in managing the business or at least be involved in the policy-making process.
- Conditional Permanent Residence: If the investor meets these requirements, they are granted conditional permanent residence for two years.
It is important to note that there are some limitations and exceptions to the eligibility requirements, such as the possibility of investing in a business that is not in a designated regional center or investing in a designated regional center that is in a rural or high-unemployment area, which may result in a lower investment requirement of $500,000. Also, if the investment is made in a troubled business, the job creation requirement may be less stringent.
If an individual is interested in obtaining an investor visa, they should consult with a licensed attorney who specializes in immigration law to determine their specific eligibility and explore their options. The attorney can assist with preparing the necessary documentation, submitting the application and providing guidance throughout the process.
