EB-5 Program
Overview
Lion's helps interested clients become permanent residents of the United States through strategic investments in connection with the U.S. Immigrant Investor Program, "Employment Based Program #5" ("EB-5"). The United States Congress created the EB-5 program in 1990 to allow individuals (as well as their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old) to apply for a permanent U.S. green card with an investment towards a business that will create a minimum of 10 jobs per investor.
Over the last 20 years several changes have been made to the program; it is now easier and faster for interested investors to achieve permanent resident status. Most importantly, the required investment sum has been lowered from US$1,000,000 to US$500,000 if investing in certain “regional centers” in targeted employment areas (TEA). And the processing time for EB-5 cases has been significantly shortened.
Basic Requirements of the EB-5 Regional Center Program:
- The investor must invest US $500,000 (plus fees) in an established business Regional Center in the U.S.
- 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers (direct and indirect) must be created per each investor
Benefits for EB-5 Investors:
- The spouse and any of your unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible.
- The U.S. is home to world renowned universities as well as private and public schools; the investor's children may benefit from lowered tuition and free schooling.
- The only requirement for the investor is that he/she has the required capital.
- No need to speak English or have relevant business experience or educational background.
- Money may be a gift.
- The investor may work, live, or own his/her own business anywhere in the U.S. as well as travel in and out of the U.S. without a visa.
- Permanent Residents are also entitled to a variety of social welfare programs including social security.
- Permanent residents are eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency
Application Process
Click on the diagram below to view it as a PDF.
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