The United States is one of the most attractive countries for investors not only because of its reputation and economy but also because of the countless benefits it can provide. Looking for USA investor visas can be exciting but also mind-bending at times.
American visas come with different investment options, some of which can grant you and your family a chance to acquire a green card, and it’s no surprise that many choose to migrate to the country for good.
For those planning to live the American dream, this article can prove quite helpful, as it contains the answers to some of the most pressing questions people ask about getting investment visas to the USA:
1. How do U.S. investor immigration visa programs work?
The short answer is: It depends.
Many investors who wish to move to the U.S., particularly those who plan on launching a new business, usually consider the EB-5 investor immigration program first. This is because it can bring them one step closer to getting a green card.
In fact, a lot of people go as far as calling this program the gold standard of all USA investor visa options.
Still, you should know that there is more than one way to get a U.S. visa; each with its own unique characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks.
For example, the E-2 and L-1 work visas are a suitable choice for start-ups planning to launch their business in the country but have a much lower budget for investment than what is required for the EB-5 program. However, both of these alternatives are non-immigrant visas, which means they will not give you a shot at permanent residence (unless combined with the EB-5 option).
To help make the right choice, look at all the options and compare them to personal needs and investment capacity.
2. What are the available USA Investor Visas?
The U.S. government offers several visa options for investors. However, the following are three of the best possible choices for those planning to immigrate to the country with their family, according to Forbes:
EB-5 Regional Center Investment
For those looking at second passport programs to bring their family to the U.S., the EB-5 Regional Center Investment could be an excellent choice.
Among its top advantages include a low investment requirement and access to a green card. This program also extends residency rights to the visa holder’s legal spouse and any dependent children below 21 years of age.
Within roughly 18 months through the EB-5 Regional Center Investment, one may also gain conditional green cards for the full family. While this will not yet serve as a ticket to permanent residence, it will already allow the immediate family to work, study, and live anywhere in the country. Plus, it comes with no English language, age, or educational requirements.
This is one of the USA investor visas with a drawback, in that somebody else will be handling the applicant’s finances which opposes a risk.
Fortunately, there’s nothing to worry about as the EB-5 program has been running for more than 20 years and has maintained an excellent record thus far.
EB-5 Direct Investment
Like the one above, this investor visa will offer the chance to get a green card for the applicant and their immediate family. The only difference is that EB-5 Direct Investment grants complete control over the applicant’s finances.
In other words, the EB-5 Direct Investment program lets the applicant invest in their own business, which should employ a minimum of ten Americans within at least two years into the process. However, the minimum investment amount is twice as much as the Regional Center Investment (more on this shortly).
Take note that one will also need to demonstrate compliance with the two-year employment requirement of American workers to qualify for green card status.
E-2 Work Visa
If the EB-5 visa is much too expensive or doesn’t suit, a good alternative is the E2 visa. Considered as the fastest way to get into the U.S. to work, this type of visa basically makes the applicants a sponsor and immigrant employee at the same time.
The only catch here is that E-2 is only available to citizens from countries engaged in an E-2 treaty with the United States. Some of the nations included in this program are:
● Albania
● Canada
● Chile
● Croatia
● Grenada
● Italy
● Japan
● Montenegro
● Philippines
● Spain
● Thailand
● Turkey
● The United Kingdom
While the applicant, as a sponsor, needs to come from one of these treaty countries, any employee they bring doesn’t necessarily need to be from the same place. Per the E-2 visa program, that person’s application needs to be petitioned separately, as with family members they bring along.
Besides, as mentioned before, E2 is a non-immigrant program and doesn’t lead to a green card. Still, visas under this program can be granted and renewed indefinitely in five-year periods, so it can be the next best thing.
3. How much do I need to invest in the USA to get a visa?
Besides the pros and cons, the investor visas mentioned above also have different investment amount requirements. Here’s a quick summary of how much an applicant needs to qualify for each program:
EB-5 Regional Investment
For this program, one will need to invest at least $500,000 in a government-sanctioned regional center within five years.
This type of investment entails passive involvement, which means the applicant won’t have to do much to keep money moving. In other words, they’ll just be investing in someone else’s venture, which can come in the form of a residential complex, hotel, or office tower.
The only catch is that their money also needs to employ ten or more Americans within two years. But unlike the direct investment, they’ll have to comply with this green card requirement through the project that’s been invested in.
By the end of the investment period (five years from your arrival date in the U.S.), their money will be returned.
EB-5 Direct Investment
As mentioned earlier, this is one of the USA investor visas that require double the minimum investment amount as the EB-5 Regional Center Investment, which is $1,000,000. The same two-year American worker requirements apply.
However, one might be able to catch a break and still invest in their own business if they choose a high unemployment region in the country for their venture. This can bring down the required investment amount to $500,000, making it the most suitable option for possible franchise scenarios hotel chains or restaurants are engaged in.
E-2 Work Visa
For the E-2 visa program, investments basically need to be “substantial,” but not as much as the EB-5 program. Required investment varies depending on the company and industry the company is in, although the usual range is about $75,000 to $200,000.
Invest in the U.S.
An American visa is more than just a business investment – it can also serve as an asset for the future of the applicant’s family.
NOTE: This information is provided for guidance, please always check for updated information on the government website.
