A United States green card may be an investment away from becoming a reality.
The EB-5 visa program allows a foreign national and their dependents to obtain residency by making a $1,000,000 investment in the United States or $500,000 investment in a U.S. designated Targeted Employment Area. This investment may be made in a new or existing commercial enterprise and must either create or preserve a minimum of 10 jobs for U.S. workers and cannot include the investor or their immediate family.
Up to 10,000 visas granting conditional permanent residence status for two years are approved through this program annually. By demonstrating evidence of the completion of the full investment and the maintenance or creation of 10 jobs, visas may be renewed.
The United States is no stranger to seeing growth due to foreign investors. It was the immigrant who helped to build New York City into a thriving metropolis. Today many urban areas in New York may provide ambitious investors with a substantial opportunity due to housing shortages especially in the current atmosphere of urban renewal and development in many neighborhoods.
Existing projects may also provide an EB-5 visa investment possibility. Extell Development Company of New York is seeking foreign investors to raise $200 million to fund the construction of a condominium tower in Manhattan located south of Central Park. This tower is set to be the tallest apartment building in the United States. The EB-5 program may also grant an investor the opportunity to take a more limited management role by investing through an approved regional center. Regional centers may charge an administration fee to manage the investment, but many of the EB-5 program requirements may be fulfilled through utilizing their services. Regional centers will also assume the responsibility to create the required jobs.
When acting as a limited partner, the investor will have the opportunity to live and work anywhere in the United States. Professional assistance with EB-5 immigration benefits and questions is suggested.