What You Need to Know About the EB-5 Investor Visa Program

When it comes to immigration, there can be a lot of difficulty in getting on the fast track to get into a country, especially when you want to commit to doing serious business. The eb-5 investor visa program was designed to create a straight way to take a look at individuals who wanted a visa but were looking to also have the ability to invest and do business. In the early 1990's one of the steps taken in order to encourage economic growth was to create the eb-5 investor program.
 
Just What Is the EB-5 Program?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes application for this specific type of visa, which grants individuals of foreign birth and citizenship the right to stay full-time in the United States in exchange for starting a new business or taking part in a new business that either helps to keep jobs that would otherwise be lost or creates at least 10 new jobs in the next two years. 
 
This program can sometimes lead the way to a more permanent visa or even citizenship solution if that is the direction a person wants to go. There are certain requirements that have to be met, but as long as those are kept in mind there is a lot of possibility with going this direction.
 
What Requirements Do You Need to Meet?
This biggest one is that a person must create or preserve at least 10 jobs (full-time jobs are the only ones that count, part-time jobs do not) that are then taken up by U.S. workers. This can be as part of a sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation (LLC), or any other type of new business venture. These jobs must be created within 2 years to qualify.
 
There are certain conditions where the 2 year time frame can be extended if decent progress is made, and in some conditions an investor can also come in and help a distressed or dying business in such a way that prevents the loss of 10 or more jobs that would otherwise close without them.
 
This isn't a longshot - it's actually a frequent way to make it work, but the situation does need to be fully approved before it can work.
 
The eb-5 investor visa program tends to be handled on a regional basis, meaning it's fully possible a particular state like Florida might have none left by March or April of a year, but these visas still exist in the Midwest into winter. A limited number are granted every year. This means that there is a solid amount of competition when it comes to getting these visas.
 
In Conclusion
When you're looking at the eb-5 investor visa program, it's important to make sure you understand all the limitations, as well as all the responsibilities that you will have to undertake, but this can be a great option for individuals with a strong work ethic who see some opportunity and want to take advantage of it.