In 1990, under section 203(b) (5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. § 1153(ban ) (5), Congress created the fifth employment-based preference (EB-5) immigrant visa category for qualified foreign investors seeking to invest in a business that benefits the U.S. economy by creating or preserving at least 10 full-time jobs. Thus, the EB-5 Program was born. The initial amount required for foreigners to invest is $1,050,000. However, if an investment is in a targeted employment area (TEA) the investment amount is reduced by half to $800,000 dollars.
In 1990, under section 203(b) (5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. § 1153(ban ) (5), Congress created the fifth employment-based preference (EB-5) immigrant visa category for qualified foreign investors seeking to invest in a business that benefits the U.S. economy by creating or preserving at least 10 full-time jobs. Thus, the EB-5 Program was born. The initial amount required for foreigners to invest is $1,050,000. However, if an investment is in a targeted employment area (TEA) the investment amount is reduced by half to $800,000 dollars.
The first step in the EB5 visa program is to contact us and fill out the investor questionnaire. Once filled out we can schedule a meeting to discuss your situation further and give you an in-depth outline of the EB-5 process, our regional center, and the current projects opportunities we have.
Click here to learn more about EB5 eligibilities.
Qualified investors such as yourself who invest through a regional center receive a conditional green card that’s valid for two years. Once the conditional green card is received you can enjoy the same benefits as other lawful permanent residents, such as traveling around the world without needing a Visa to return to the U.S. and discounts on college tuition.
For information on green cards click here. If you have other questions, feel free to contact Houston EB5.
Here you will fill out and file your I-829 application to remove your conditional status. At this point, the regional center (such as Houston EB5) is required to provide proof, on your behalf, that your investment created at least 10 jobs.
Once the conditions are removed at the end of the 24-month period, you and your immediate family members become permanent green card holders and can later apply to become U.S. citizens.
The EB-5 visa program is one of the most flexible paths to a green card available. You’re no longer required to manage the business’ day-to-day operations, you can invest in an existing business or a new business, and you’re not required to live in the region where the investment is made.
So if you invest in one of our Houston EB5 projects and want to live elsewhere, you can!
Additionally, funds may come from any legal foreign or US source; including gifts, loans, and divorce settlements. Loan investment funds qualify if the assets are secured with a collateral.
In 1992, the U.S. Congress created the Regional Center Pilot Program to promote immigration and investment through the EB-5 program and also encourage foreign investment in the United States. The Regional Center Pilot Program allows for a portion of allowable annual EB-5 Visas to be set aside for foreigners who apply through a USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) approved Regional Center such as Houston EB5.
A Regional Center is a private commercial enterprise, corporation, or regional governmental agency with a targeted investment program within a defined geographic region. In many ways, the Regional Center program mirrors other successful, long-standing investment-employment based programs in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
An investor seeking an EB-5 immigrant visa through a designated regional center must make a qualifying investment of $1,050,000 and show that at least 10 jobs were directly or indirectly created through that investment.
However, certain rural and high unemployment areas (TEAs – Targeted Employment Areas) qualify for a reduced capital investment of $800,000. A targeted employment area is an area that has experienced an average unemployment rate of at least 150% of the national average unemployment rate. TEAs may now include cities and towns with a population of 20,000 or more outside of metropolitan areas.
Houston EB5 is a USCIS-designed regional center that focuses primarily on investment opportunities for qualified projects located within targeted employment areas.
Using USCIS-approved job creation methodology, Houston EB5 develops and maintains detailed economic reports to measure and verify direct and indirect job creation for qualified EB-5 projects.
Houston EB5 can help you learn more and walk you through every step of the process. Ready to get started? Simply contact us at 281-326-9349 or online today!
* The information contained herein should not be construed as research or investment advice. No warranty is given as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein, and the above estimates, whilst given in good faith, are subject to change without notice. Official information regarding immigration processing times can be found on the USCIS website.
HEADQUARTERS
2425 W. Loop South, 7th Floor
Houston, TX 77027 United States
NIGERIA OFFICE
24 Sikiru Alade Oloko Crescent
Lekki Phase 1 Nigeria
PHILIPPINES OFFICE
7th Floor of The Ascott
Glorietta 4, Ayala Center Makati City 1224 Philippines
MEXICO OFFICE
Antonio Dovali Jaime 70 Torre B, Piso 10, Santa Fé, 01219 CDMX, México
+52 55.5292.4996
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Copyrights @ 2021 All Rights Reserved by Houston EB5
HEADQUARTERS
2425 W. Loop S, 7th Floor
Houston, TX 77027 United States
NIGERIA OFFICE
24 Sikiru Alade Oloko Crescent
Lekki Phase 1 Nigeria
PHILIPPINES OFFICE
7th Floor of The Ascott
Glorietta 4, Ayala Center Makati City 1224 Philippines
MEXICO OFFICE
Antonio Dovali Jaime 70 Torre B, Piso 10, Santa Fé, 01219 CDMX, México
+52 55.5292.4996
Copyrights @ 2021 All Rights Reserved by Houston EB5