Every fiscal year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides employment-based immigrant visas to qualified applicants, which permits U.S. employers to hire and petition foreign nationals for specific jobs for a temporary period. There are various categories for employment-based visas, one being available to immigrant investors seeking to enter the U.S. to engage in commercial ventures that contribute to the economy via job creation and capital investment opportunities. An EB-5 visa (employment-based 5th preference) investor visa grants permanent resident status to foreign investors, meeting strict eligibility criteria. If you want to apply for an EB-5 investor visa, contact a trusted Middlesex County, New Jersey Business Immigration Lawyer who can help you navigate this complex legal process. Please continue reading to learn about the requirements for obtaining a U.S. visa through investment.
What are the requirements for obtaining an EB-5 investor visa?
Nearly 10,000 investment-based EB-5 green cards are granted to foreign nationals each year. This program creates jobs that significantly benefit the U.S. economy. To qualify for an EB-5 investor visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Invest without borrowing between $500,000 to $1 million in a U.S. business
- Invest in a new commercial enterprise
- Within two years, create full-time jobs for at least 10 U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other immigrants authorized to work in the U.S.
To be considered, you must file Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur. USCIS must approve the Form I-526 before you can apply for an immigrant visa from outside the country.
How much does it cost to apply for a U.S. visa through investment?
The cost will vary depending on where you are filing your application for an EB-5 investor visa. Generally, the total cost will range between $4,020 and $4,900. The first fee you must pay to file Form I-526 is $3,675. If you are applying through consular processing, otherwise, from outside the country, you must pay an additional $345 as a processing fee.
If you apply from within the U.S., you must pay $1,140 to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Additionally, you will have to provide USICS with $85 for biometrics services. Therefore, the total cost will vary depending on whether you apply from within or outside the U.S.
If you are a foreign national who is looking to apply for an EB-5 investor visa, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of a knowledgeable Middlesex County, New Jersey, business immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC, who can help you determine whether you meet the strict requirements. Our firm can help inform you about your options for obtaining an employment-based visa.
