Golden Gate Global, a USCIS-licensed EB-5 regional center headquartered in San Francisco, California, reports increased interest among H-1B visa holders in the EB-5 investment visa. The EB-5 visa program grants U.S. permanent residence (green cards) to immigrants who invest a minimum of $800,000 for 5 years in projects sponsored by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) licensed regional centers.
The excessive demand for employer-sponsored green cards under the EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories has resulted in prolonged waiting periods spanning decades for applicants from India and China, making EB-5 one of the fastest routes to U.S. permanent residence. EB-5 visa applicants can anticipate receiving their conditional green cards within approximately 24 months.
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act increased the popularity of the EB-5 program by introducing the concurrent filing of Adjustment of Status and Employment Authorization applications. These provisions enable H-1B visa professionals to reside and work in the United States while their EB-5 visa application awaits adjudication without employment sponsorship. The USCIS has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in issuing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to EB-5 investors, with many receiving their EADs in fewer than 90 days.
The gravitation of H1-B visa holders to EB-5 reflects the advantages it offers H-1B professionals seeking permanent residency
Freedom from employment sponsorship within months of filing the EB-5 visa application Prevents children from aging out once they reach 21 years of age Greater access to jobs across the United States Freedom to establish and operate one's own business Eligibility for in-state university tuition Eliminates the need for visa stamping to re-enter the United StatesThe EB-5 program offers a pathway to stability and growth for skilled immigrants and their families.