What Do Investors Expect From EB5 Investment Visa
The EB5 Investment Visa has definitely boosted the US economy. The employment opportunities generated by their business ventures have also been very welcome. Foreign investors wishing to explore business opportunities in the US have also made the most of this opportunity.
EB5 Investment Visa is an immigrant visa which welcomes foreign investors to bring their investments to business ventures in the US. The visa has been a topic of discussion since its introduction in 1990. The impact of this visa on the US economy has forced USCIS to take a closer look at the visa and make time to time modifications in its qualification parameters and the permits it grants to the visa holder. The EB5 Investment Visa is meant to benefit both the country and the foreign investor.
To understand how an EB-5 Investor Visa benefits the investor,
it is essential to understand the EB-5 visa in detail.
Understanding the EB-5 Investor Visa
The EB-5 Investor Visa can be availed by any foreign national who wishes to invest an amount of $100,000 or $500,000 in a commercial or business venture in the US. The investment has to necessarily be in the form of cash, cash equivalents, inventory, equipment or any other tangible property. The investment capital cannot be a loan made towards an existing business in the country. However a loan borrowed from an investor on a pre-owned asset can qualify as an investment as long as the investor bears the responsibility of the repayment of the loan.
The amount has to be invested in an area designated as the Target Employment Area or the TEA by the Government. The business or commercial venture has to generate a minimum of ten full time employment opportunities. The invested amount has to be invested in the proposed business venture within a period of two years. Any fees or extra charges incurred by the business cannot be a part of the investment amount. These charges have to be borne by the investor on independent investor funds.
On application for the EB-5 Investor Visa, provided the Government qualifies the investment and the proposed business plan, a two year conditional visa will issued to the investor. After two years if the investment has fulfilled all the parameters, the investor can apply for a resident permit. Upon completing five successful years of commercial investment within the country, the investor can apply for US citizenship.
Expectation about EB5 Investment Visa
Like any other business venture, every investor, naturally invests in a commercial venture with the hope of gaining maximum returns on his or her investment. In case the progress is gradual, the least an investor expects is that he breaks even with his investment capital. An investor looking to invest in the US and applying for the EB5 Investment Visa also expects that after five years he has gotten back the entire amount he has invested in the country.
Most investors want an assurance that when they invest in a commercial venture in the US they are qualified to apply for US citizenship. The assurance of residence and work permits need to be fortified with the promise of a permanent citizenship status.
