Two of the simplest ways for a foreign national to obtain US permanent residence (green card) are through love (family-based) or money (investment-based). Although there are other methods available, such as immigrating through employment, these are often more time-consuming and less predictable. Investing in a USCIS-approved Immigrant Investor Regional Center can be an appealing option for the investor who wants to avoid direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of the investment.
Immigration Through Investment
In order for a foreign national to immigrate to the United States with his or her dependents, at least $500,000 USD in a targeted employment area (TEA) or $1 million general investment must be invested. Our firm has an informative website devoted to immigration through investment: www.americainvestorvisa.com. There are specific job-creation and source of funds requirements that are integral parts of the process.
Selecting an Immigrant Investor Regional Center
There are over 500 regional centers available. Choosing the right one can be a daunting task. The immigrant investor’s goals are threefold: (1) approval of the I-526, Petition for an Alien Entrepreneur, (2) approval of the I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, and (3) return of capital.
When all three of these goals have been successfully accomplished, the alien investor and all of his or her dependent family members (spouse and children) will have green cards and their funds returned. This is an appealing option to those who can afford it since it is a swift process that is surprisingly affordable in comparison to other countries’ investment requirements for analogous programs.
It is highly advisable to consult with a business attorney and international tax advisor when pursuing EB-5 through investment. Such professionals can help you select a regional center and advise you on the tax implications of becoming a US permanent resident. An experienced EB-5 immigration attorney, once retained, may also be able to provide you with information on the track records of success of various regional centers to help guide you in the right direction. In the end however, the regional center in which you invest is entirely your choice.
Selecting an Investment Immigration Attorney
The selection of an immigration attorney or firm to represent you and your family for the EB-5 process can be confusing. It is a field that is highly-specialized and involves aspects of both business and immigration law. In addition to ensuring that the attorney you meet has immigration experience, it is imperative to ensure that (s)he has experience specifically in EB-5 matters. From I-526 approvals to I-829 condition removals.
Please visit our firm’s websites at www.immigrantconnect.com andwww.americaninvestorvisa.com.
