Each year, qualified applicants are issued employment-based immigrant visas by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which allows them to enter the U.S. to work temporarily. Foreign nationals may qualify for various kinds of employment-based visas under different categories. If you want to obtain a U.S. visa through investment, you can take advantage of the Immigrant Investor program, also known as the EB-5 investor visa. This program enables investors to enter the U.S. to contribute to new commercial enterprises that help boost the U.S. economy by creating jobs and investing capital. To determine whether you meet the requirements for an EB-5 investor visa, contact an adept Essex County Employment Immigration Attorney who can help you understand your legal options.
What are the requirements for obtaining a U.S. visa through investment?
Generally, employment-based visas allow individuals to remain in the U.S. for a temporary period. However, the EB-5 investor visa allows foreign investors to receive a green card, authorizing them to stay in the U.S. permanently. As only 10,000 EB-5 investor visas are issued every fiscal year, applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements set forth by USCIS. To qualify for the EB-5 investor visa, foreign nationals must invest at least $1 million, or $500,000, if the investment is in a rural or targeted high-unemployment area. Additionally, the investment must create at least ten jobs for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other immigrants authorized to work in the U.S. Foreign nationals can invest in a business that creates jobs directly or in regional centers that USCIS has endorsed to promote economic development in particular regions.
How much does the EB-5 visa cost?
The cost of an EB-5 investor visa will differ based on whether you apply from inside or outside the U.S. Typically, the price will range between $4,020 and $4,900. To be considered for this program, you must file Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur. The filing fee is $3,675. If you are applying from outside the country, you must apply through consular processing, which costs an additional $345. If you apply from inside the U.S., you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which costs $ 1,140. You will also have to pay $85 for biometric services.
If you seek to obtain a U.S. visa through investment, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Essex County employment immigration attorney from the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., who can help you determine whether you qualify for this particular visa program. Our firm is prepared to help you navigate this complex legal process. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.
