The Eb-5 Visa - What Are Your Options

For many people, the Eb-5 visa is one of the most important investments they can make. This particular item is given to some individuals who wish to enter into the United States. It is issued by the federal government, and the circumstances for getting it can be very limiting. For any individual who plans to enter into the country to work or to live, it is critical to have the appropriate type of visas in hand. Doing so ensures that you are legally able to move through the country, and you are not at risk to be deported unless you violate any laws.

What Is It?

The Eb-5 visa is a specific form of immigration document, specifically for immigrant investors in the United States. The Immigration Act of 1990 created this particular form, though it is not meant to be a long-lasting opportunity, and it is scheduled to end in 2012. It provides a method for individuals to obtain a green card if they are a foreign national and gives them the ability to invest in the United States. However, there are a few very specific things you need to know about these visas before you determine if you can get one.

-The individual who is applying for it must invest at least $1 million in the country. It may also be possible to invest about half of that into a targeted employment area instead, such as a rural area or an area with significant unemployment.

-The goal of the investment needs to create or preserve at least 10 jobs for US workers. This does not include any jobs created for the individual investor or his or her immediate family.

-The investment does have options. It is possible to invest in job generating commercial enterprise such as a new or existing business that is struggling. Another option is to invest in a regional center, such as a managed investment method that allows for the growth of jobs. This regional center is then tasked with the creation of the jobs.

For those who wish to obtain a petition like this, it will be a requirement to do so with the proof of the goals. Individuals may find it more difficult to obtain an Eb-5 visa if they try to do it on their own. This is why it is often very important for individuals to turn to an attorney or other legal professional that is familiar with immigration law to help them to do this. It may be easier to do this than you realize, too, with the help of a professional familiar with the process.