EB-5 Direct Green Card Visa: Everything You Need to Know
You’re thinking of moving to the U.S. and investing in a business to get your Green Card through the EB-5 Visa? That’s an excellent choice! The EB-5 Visa is one of the best ways to live, work, and create a life for yourself and your family in the U.S. by investing in a U.S.-based business. Phoenix Immigration Consultant Services is here to walk you through every step of this process, making sure you have all the guidance you need to succeed.
Who’s Eligible for the EB-5 Direct Green Card Visa?
To apply for the EB-5 Visa, you need to meet a few basic requirements. Here’s what they are:
Substantial Investment: The main requirement is, of course, the investment. You need to invest at least $1 million in a U.S. business. But if the business is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is usually a rural or high-unemployment area, the required investment drops to $500,000.
Job Creation: Your investment must help create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. These jobs need to be permanent and full-time positions. The goal is to help the U.S. economy by providing employment opportunities.
Active Involvement in the Business: You don’t need to run the business daily, but you need to be actively involved. You have to show that you’re not just putting money in and walking away. You should be engaged in making decisions that help the business grow.
New or Expanding Business: The business must either be a new enterprise or an existing business that will be significantly expanded due to your investment. This ensures that your money is being used to create real opportunities.
The EB-5 Direct Green Card Visa Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Make the Investment
The first step is to invest. You’ll need to invest either $1 million or $500,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). This investment must go into a new business or an existing business that will grow due to your investment.
Step 2: File Your I-526 Petition
Once you’ve made your investment, you’ll need to file the I-526 Petition. This is where you prove that your investment meets the EB-5 Visa requirements, that it’s creating jobs, is actively involved in the business, and is substantial.
Step 3: Conditional Green Card
After your I-526 Petition is approved, you and your family will receive a conditional Green Card for two years. This allows you to live and work in the U.S. while the business continues to meet the requirements.
Step 4: Remove Conditions with I-829 Petition
After two years, you’ll file the I-829 Petition to remove the conditions from your Green Card. This petition shows that your investment is still creating jobs and that your business is still operating. Once it’s approved, you and your family will receive your permanent Green Card.
Documents You’ll Need for the EB-5 Direct Green Card Visa
- Proof of Investment: You’ll need to show that you’ve invested the required amount. This can include bank statements, investment contracts, and proof of your transfer.
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan that outlines how the business will grow, how it will create jobs, and how your investment fits into the plan.
- Proof of Job Creation: You’ll need to show evidence that your investment created the required 10 full-time jobs. This can be in the form of payroll records, employee contracts, and tax filings.
- Proof of Source of Funds: You’ll need to prove that the money you’ve invested comes from lawful sources. This could include bank records, tax returns, and other documentation.
- Form I-526 Petition: This is the primary form you’ll need to submit to start the EB-5 process.
How Phoenix Immigration Consultant Services Can Help
- Eligibility Review: We’ll help you determine if you meet the EB-5 requirements.
- Document Assistance: We’ll guide you in gathering and organizing all the necessary documents.
- Filing and Support: We’ll file your I-526 Petition and help prepare you for the visa interview.
- Ongoing Help: Whether it’s for Green Card renewals or other questions, we’ll support you every step of the way.
