The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) founded the EB-5 program in 1990 to promote economic growth in the United States by creating new jobs. The immigrant investor or EB-5 visa has transformed into a program designed to assist foreign nationals and their families in getting permanent residency in the United States via qualified, job-creating investment.
The two kinds of EB-5 investments available are direct and regional center investments. Despite similarities between these two options, there are a few significant differences.
Direct Investment
Only a small fraction of EB-5 investors prefer direct investment. Those who choose it must invest in a commercial company, either individually or with other investors, to generate at least ten new, direct, full-time jobs lasting a minimum of two years. If the commercial firm is located in a targeted employment area (TEA), the minimum qualifying investment is $900,000; otherwise, the minimum investment is $1,800,000.
Regional Center Investment
Most EB-5 investors opt to invest in regional centers. Investments in EB-5 projects approved by USCIS can result in direct, indirect, and induced jobs counted by EB-5 regional centers. Regional center investments, like direct investments described above, require at least ten jobs to be created per investor, and all of them must last at least two years.
Differences Between Direct and Regional Center Filing Procedures Investments in EB-5 visas
The process by which EB-5 investors file their immigration applications distinguishes between direct and regional center investments. EB-5 applicants who want to make direct investments can file their petitions by themselves or with the assistance of an experienced EB5 Visa attorney. As a result, they normally take care of compiling the necessary supporting papers for their particular new commercial investment.
On the other hand, the regional centers and EB-5 investors must collaborate to acquire and properly submit the required project paperwork for the chosen investments. Since the regional center has already compiled and put together the necessary project documents, EB-5 investors do not need to provide any project-specific paperwork.
No matter which one you choose, applying for an EB-5 visa is crucial for investors and their families. As a result, this decision involves a detailed evaluation of the family's specific circumstances. When deciding on the best path to get a permanent residency in the United States, you should contact an experienced EB-5 Visa attorney. At EB 5 Visa Attorney USA, we offer the best qualified and experienced attorneys to guide you through the process of getting a visa. Our team is available to solve all your concerns and explore all the possible options. Contact us for more information!
Note: This website's content is meant to be general; it does not constitute legal or financial advice. Only a licensed expert with a total understanding of all the information and circumstances of your specific situation can provide legal or financial advice. Before enrolling in the EB-5 program, you should contact a visa attorney with legal, immigration, and financial knowledge.