The EB5 visa comes with manay benefits, but there are also many specific requirements. At Houston EB5, we want to help you understand whether or not you qualify for the EB 5 visa. We also provide clear guidlines throughout the application and investment processes, helping you obtain your green card as smoothly as possible.
What Is the EB-5?
The EB-5 is an employment-based preference (EB-5) immigrant visa category. It was approved for foreign inventors who sought to invest in a specific business that would benefit the U.S. economy. This investment is meant to lead to the creation of at least ten full-time positions within the U.S.
The minimum amount required of investors is $1,050,000, but that amount can be reduced to $800,000 if the investment is made in an area that is rural or has a high unemployment rate. The EB-5 program offers 10,000 green cards through its program every year.
Do I Qualify for an EB 5 Visa?
There are specific qualifications for those applying for an EB-5. Here are some of the questions we ask in our qualification form:
- What is the central reason you are wanting to immigrate to the United States?
- How many people are hoping to gain United States residence with you? Do you have family members or a spouse?
- Do you have at least $800,000 USD to invest for approximately 5 years?
- What would be the primary source of the funds you will be using for the EB-5 investment?
To qualify for an EB 5 visa, you do not need an education or job experience in the industry of investment. You do not need to speak English either. We will need basic information to make sure that the funds for the investment were lawfully acquired. Because of USCIS regulations, investors must be able to prove through documentation that the funds were gained in a lawful way. These ways include:
- Business
- Gift
- Inheritance
- Investments
- Loan
- Property sale
- Salary
Once this application is filled out, along with basic information, Houston EB5 will have a representative reach out to you. They can assist you in understanding the process and required documentation for the EB 5 visa.
Why the EB-5?
If you are questioning whether or not the EB-5 visa is right for you, here are some benefits to investing:
- Gives you the option to create and run your own business
- Helps you as an investor sponsor Green Cards for your relatives
- Enables your family members to receive green cards, including your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21
- Allows you to move anywhere within the United States as an investor along with your family (you are not required to live in the area in which you invested)
- Relieves you of the stress of managing your investment project (A regional center will manage it for you)
Passing the five-year mark, you are able to apply for full citizenship within the United States. Onve you’ve gained your green card through an EB-5 visa, you are able to travel out of the United States and come back without a visa.
What Does the Process Look Like?
Once you have decided that the EB-5 visa is right for you, contact us at Houston EB5. The first requirement is to fill out the form we noted above. After we have received your finished form, we will contact you to speak about moving forward. We will give you an outline of what to expect, information on our center, and the projects that you are able to invest in.
If you are qualified and your application is accepted, you will receive a conditional green card that works for two years. This green card will give you the benefits of permanent residency. You can receive discounts on college tuition, live and work wherever you choose, and travel without needing a visa to return to the United States.
After receiving your conditional green card, you can then apply for a permanent green card. You will complete and file an I-829 to turn the conditional green card into a permanent one. We then provide proof that your investment has created a minimum of ten jobs.
At the end of the 24-month period, the conditions on your green card will be removed. You and your family members will be permanent green card holders. You can apply for United States citizenship later. This process has a minimum of one year of waiting time but generally lasts two.
What Projects Can I Invest In?
Houston EB5 has a variety of investment projects to consider. Currently, one of our greatest opportunities exists in developing Fredericksburg. This is an area rich with opportunity and growth.
The Frederick project is one of our priority projects. We have set aside 2,000 visas in order to achieve it. The investments are to be used in one of the last areas on the main street of Fredericksburg. There is a need for a hotel, residential area, and retail space. As an investor, you can help achieve this. This project includes 220 rentable family units, 38 condominiums, a major retail space, and 200 hotel rooms from one to three bedrooms each.
If you choose to invest in The Frederick, you can gain priority processing for your EB 5 visa, which may mean a quicker way to a permanent green card. You will also be a part of a project that will bring in a minimum of 820 jobs, with the chance to create 1,230 additional positions to increase the local economy.
Other projects include a luxury development in Houston, TX called The Allen, and a porcelain installation and creation business called Moderno Porcelain. Each of these projects creates more opportunities to invest as well as helps the United States economy thrive. For more information about available projects, visit our projects page or contact us today.
Houston EB5
Houston EB5 is founded and operated by immigrants. We want to help other immigrants make their way into the United States by facilitating the EB-5 visa process. It may feel complicated, but our team members are here to help each step of the way. As an investor, you can enjoy living in the United States while helping develop areas in need.
