About the EB-5 Visa in the USA

The EB-5 visa program is a United States government initiative designed to stimulate economic growth through foreign investment. Introduced in 1990, the EB-5 grants international investors and their immediate families the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents—commonly known as Green Card holders—of the United States. This program is a beacon for those seeking not only to invest in the U.S. economy but also to establish a life in a nation renowned for its opportunities and freedoms.

Requirements for EB-5 Visa Applicants

Eligibility criteria for EB-5 visa candidates are as follows:

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• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must possess a demonstrable source of income.

• Must have a clean criminal background.

• Must not be subject to any current sanctions.

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Additionally, investors have the privilege of including their immediate family members in their visa application. This encompasses their spouse and any unmarried children who are under the age of 21. It's important to note that adult children are eligible only if they are not married.

Applicant's expenses

Investing in the EB-5 program involves certain risks. To address this, we partner with reliable Regional Centers that meticulously vet and choose investment projects. The prospects for capital return generally materialize after the completion of the investment cycle of the project, a process that often spans between 5 to 7 years. In the United States, there are approximately 640 Regional Centers. The required minimum investment varies based on the project's geographic location.

Investors can choose to:

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• Invest a minimum of $800,000 in projects located within a Targeted Employment Area, which is typically characterized by higher unemployment or rural settings.

• Alternatively, invest at least $1,050,000 in projects situated outside of these Targeted Employment Areas.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining a US Green Card

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1. Initial Due Diligence: AMS Europe conducts a preliminary evaluation to prepare the investor for the extensive due diligence required for the EB-5 visa application. This initial review aims to identify and reduce any potential challenges that could affect the success of the application. Skilled Anti Money Laundering Compliance Officers, versed in the nuances of due diligence across various countries, undertake this assessment. The process is entirely confidential, necessitating only a passport photocopy from the investor.

2. Document Compilation: Our AMS Europe legal team outlines the documents necessary for the EB-5 visa application. Investors provide the original documents, which are then translated, notarized, and certified by our lawyers. These are submitted to the selected Regional Center along with a U.S. immigration attorney who assists with the petition filing. The Regional Center provides a comprehensive document package, including a cover letter, business plan, economic report, and proof of the Center's operations.

3. Fulfillment of investment conditions: Before the EB-5 visa application is made, the applicant must transfer the investment to the chosen project. The Regional Center is charged with creating 10 full-time positions. Furthermore, the Center's representatives inform the investor about the project's financial prospects and associated risks.

4. Applying for the EB-5 visa: The investor files an I-526E petition, the formal application for the EB-5 visa, guided by an immigration attorney who ensures the accuracy of all documents and assists with form completion. Typically, documents are submitted to the U.S. consulate in the investor's country of citizenship or another suitable nation. If the investor is already in the United States under a different visa category, the submission is made to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

5. Application Review: The USCIS scrutinizes the EB-5 visa application, which can take 3 to 4 years.

6. Getting a Conditional Green Card: After USCIS approves the EB-5 visa petition, the investor proceeds to the U.S. and files an I-485 form to secure a Conditional Green Card. USCIS schedules a biometrics session and, occasionally, an interview with the applicant. The processing of this petition usually takes around six months, after which Conditional Green Cards are granted to the investor and their family.

7. Getting a US Green Card: Upon two years of approval under the EB-5 program, the investor is eligible to pursue permanent residency in the US by filing an I-829 form with USCIS to remove the conditions on their residency. This application process can last an additional three years.

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Dual Citizenship in the US

The U.S. allows dual citizenship, enabling individuals to maintain citizenship in their home country while enjoying the rights of a U.S. citizen. This includes voting in U.S. elections, holding dual passports, and the ability to live and work freely in both countries.