Clients looking for permanent US residency can opt for the EB-5 visa. To qualify, applicants must invest in new or at-risk commercial enterprises and create full-time positions for 10 qualifying employees. The U.S. economy benefits most when a place is at risk and the new investor can provide a working establishment with full time jobs. To be eligible for an EB-5 investor visa, applicants must meet three main requirements:
1. Investment of capital
2. Investing in a new commercial enterprise
3. Create jobs for at least 10 qualifying employees.
An investor must prove the capital they provide is their own and has been obtained lawfully by providing documentation. In order for an investment to be approved, there cannot be a guarantee of return — the immigrant investor must place their capital at risk. Repayment is not guaranteed either, which is also known as impermissible debt.
EB-5 investments must be made with the investor’s own funds. If the applicant is the sole proprietor in a non-regional center, funds in their personal bank account do not count as capital for the new enterprise — funds must be in a business bank account.