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Are you thinking of immigrating to the United States? There are ways that you can take advantage of in order to expedite your legal migration to this country. These are the quickest ways for a smart investor to gain access. It pays to know how immigrant business investing can lead to the receipt of a green card.
What is the Green Card By Investment Program?
The Green Card By Investment program, also known as the EB-5 program, is one that gives immigrants the chance to gain U.S. citizenship by investing. This includes the chance of permanent legal resident status for themselves and their families. However, there is a rather unique and steep requirement to qualify under this program.
The catch is that you must create 10 jobs for American citizens or legal residents of the United States. You should also note that the minimum amount of an investment under the terms of this program will be a cool $900,000. There are a wide variety of EB-5 investment projects for you to choose from.
What Are the Two Types of EB-5 Investments?
The first thing that you will need to be aware of is that there are two different scenarios under which you may be entitled to make use of the EB-5 program. These will be the direct investment and the regional center investment types. You are free to choose from either, depending on which scenario is best for your personal needs.
Direct Investment
The direct investment type will require you to be on the scene in the capacity of an active manager. In other words, your direct physical presence at the scene of your investment will be necessary.
You should also note that only jobs that are directly created at the scene of this investment will count toward the “10 jobs created” requirement. This means that you will need to hire at least this many employees to fill various positions at the scene of your investment.
Regional Center Investment
For many who are seeking legal residence in the U.S. under the EB-5 program, the path of the regional center investment may prove a more easily realizable option. This may be due to a number of reasons. For one, your ability to participate in the regional center investment program will not be contingent on your active management.
It should also be noted that the jobs that are created as a result of this program may include a number of employment options. For example, you may have employees who are hired directly at the project as well as others who are employed indirectly by it. All of these employees will count toward the 10 that are required under EB-5 terms.
How Long Does Your Investment Need to Last?
There is a very common misconception that the 10 jobs that you create for employees at your project need to last for 2 years. This is not the case. However, the duration of your investment will need to last for the full period of 2 years. This is because, by the terms of your EB-5 agreement, your investment capital is at risk for 2 years.
If you qualify under the terms of the EB-5 program, you will be granted a “conditional green card.” This means that you will temporarily enjoy the privileges of a green card holder, including residence in the U.S., for a period of 2 years. This will be the 2 year period during which your qualifying investment will be developed to fruition.
There may be other terms and conditions that apply to this agreement. It’s a good idea to check the USCIS website in order to learn more about the EB-5 program and how you can take full advantage of it to become a resident.
The Time to Claim Your Green Card is Now
There has never been a better time for smart foreign investors to claim their EB-5 investment visas. This is the magic green card that identifies you not only as a legal resident but also as a highly valuable investor. If you are ready to join the ranks of those who live the American Dream on a day to day basis, the time to do so is now.
