Citizenship by Invest
Citizenship in U.S. by Investing
Understanding the EB-5 Visa Classification
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, launched by the U.S. government in 1990, offers a unique opportunity for foreign investors to secure a green card by making a significant investment in the U.S. economy. You can qualify for this program through two main pathways: either by directly investing in a U.S. business or by investing through a government-approved regional centre. In March 2022, new updates were introduced to the program, reflecting recent changes in the law.
Investment Eligibility
To qualify for the EB-5 program, your investment must go into a new commercial enterprise (NCE) that meets one of these criteria:
- New Ventures: The business must have been established after November 29, 1990.
- Restructured or Expanded Ventures: If the business was established on or before November 29, 1990, it must either:
- Be purchased and restructured or reorganized in a way that results in a new commercial enterprise.
- Be expanded through investment, leading to at least a 40% increase in either its net worth or its number of employees.
It’s important to note that noncommercial activities, like personal residence ownership, do not qualify under this program.
Capital Investment Requirements
What Counts as Capital?
Capital can include cash, as well as any real, personal, or mixed tangible assets that you own and control. The value of these assets is calculated at fair market value in U.S. dollars.
But keep this in mind
Certain types of assets and investments are not eligible:
- Assets acquired unlawfully.
- Capital invested in exchange for debt arrangements.
- Capital that offers a guaranteed rate of return.
- Capital with a contractual right to repayment, except for buy-back options at the discretion of the enterprise.
Minimum Investment Amounts by Filing Date and Investment Location
| Petition Filing Date | Minimum Investment Amount | Targeted Employment Area Investment Amount | High-Employment Area Investment Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Before 3/15/2022
|
$1,000,000
|
$500,000
|
$1,000,000
|
|
On or After 3/15/2022
|
$1,050,000
|
$800,000 (includes infrastructure projects)
|
N/A
|
These guidelines are designed to help you understand the basic requirements for investing through the EB-5 program. Our team is here to help you navigate these details, ensuring your investment meets all necessary criteria and supports your path to U.S. residency.