The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was established in 1990 to attract foreign investment and generate job growth for US workers in exchange for the 'Green Card' offering the right to live and work in the US permanently. For many nationalities, the EB5 visa program may offer the fastest path to a US residency and possibly US citizenship.
In its present form, as of March 15, 2022, this visa requires foreign nationals to make a qualified investment of either $800,000 or $1.05M into a new business or enterprise and such investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. In return, the foreign investor, their spouse, and any unmarried children under the age of 21 (as determined by the US Immigration and Nationality Laws) will be granted US green card, enabling the investor and their family to work, study and reside in the USA. After having a ‘green card' for 5 years the family may become eligible to apply for US citizenship.
To apply for an EB-5 visa, the foreign investor must make an investment of $800,000 in a project or business located in a TEA area (Targeted Employment Areas) or $1.05M in a Non-TEA area (Non-targeted Employment Area). Each investment must create at least 10 full-time permanent jobs for US workers for the investor to be granted their EB-5 visa.