If you’re considering obtaining a green card through investment, you may be wondering about the costs involved in this process. The United States offers an immigration pathway known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which provides a route to permanent residency for foreign investors who make a significant investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise.
These are sometimes called “Golden Visas” due to the range of potential benefits, including citizenship, travel, education, tax benefits, and more.
JCL Immigration Attorneys reviews the costs associated with obtaining an investment green card through the EB-5 program and provides insight into the financial aspects of this immigration option.
The EB-5 Green Card for Investors
The EB-5 visa program is designed for foreign investors who have substantial funds to invest in a U.S. business. Investors, along with their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, may qualify for permanent residency if they invest in a U.S. commercial enterprise with the intention of creating or preserving at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
Your investment can be directed towards a new business or an existing enterprise facing financial difficulties. Approved fields and industries include medical facilities, manufacturing, agriculture, real estate development, hotels, restaurants, casinos, and stadiums.
EB-5 Visa Costs
Of course, an investor visa requires a significant investment into a qualifying business, but there are other costs as well. Here is a breakdown of the possible costs:
- Minimum Investment Amount: Currently, the standard minimum investment amount is $1,050,000 million. However, if the investment is made in a targeted employment area (TEA), which is an area with high unemployment or a rural area, the minimum investment amount is lowered to $800,000. Investment amount adjustments for inflation occur every five years.
- Legal and Administrative Fees: Legal and administrative fees include expenses related to due diligence, document preparation, filing fees, and other legal services essential for the successful submission and processing of the investor’s application. These costs can vary based on the complexity of the case and the professional fees charged by the immigration law firm or professionals hired to facilitate the EB-5 application.
- Regional Center Fees: Many EB-5 investors choose to invest through USCIS-designated regional centers, which are entities approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to promote economic growth through foreign investment. Regional centers often charge administrative fees or other costs associated with managing the investment project.
- Other Costs and Expenses: In addition to the aforementioned costs, various other expenses are associated with the EB-5 application process. These may include costs related to conducting comprehensive investment due diligence, travel expenses for the investor and their family, costs associated with background checks, translation and interpretation services, and other incidental expenses that may arise during the application process.
- Risks and Capital Preservation: In addition to the direct costs involved in obtaining an investment green card, prospective EB-5 investors should also consider the potential risks associated with the investment. Preserving the invested capital and achieving the intended immigration objectives are critical factors that impact the overall cost of the EB-5 process.
Experienced Visa Lawyers in Arizona
The total cost of obtaining an investment green card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program can vary significantly based on a range of factors. Prospective EB-5 investors must conduct thorough financial planning and due diligence to accurately assess the total outlay required for pursuing permanent residency through investment.
Our experienced EB-5 investment visa attorneys can provide valuable insights into the program’s legal and financial implications and assist investors in making informed decisions about this immigration option. Contact JCL Immigration Attorneys today to learn more.