In 1990, the United States Congress passed the Immigration Act whose goal was to support the American economy by attracting foreign investment and creating jobs. Pursuant to the provisions of the EB-5 Program, foreign investors are allowed to invest the amount of 1,000,000 USD to open a business in the US, create 10 jobs and receive the opportunity to legally live in the US.

Recently, the immigration policy was revised, allowing an investment of 900,000 USD in a TEA (Incentive Investment Area – with an unemployment rate of 150% or more) or a rural area with a population of about 20,000 people.

In 1993, the US allowed investment through privately managed Regional Centers (RCs) for the purpose of attracting investment funds for certain projects and ensuring each investor met the requirement to generate 10 jobs.

The US government issues 10,000 EB-5 visas annually, each country has a quota of 700 visas (7% for each country). Countries that do not use all of these 700 capacity, the US government is entitled to further distribute it to countries with higher needs.

The return on investment process takes an average of 5 years after the investor submits the application.

INVESTMENT CRITERIA

Invest in a project in the US with an amount of 1,800,000 USD or an investment of 900,000 USD in a project/regional center in a TEA or rural areas with a population under 20,000;
Create 10 jobs (with working hours of at least 35 hours/week, workers must have permits and do not accept hiring family members and relatives);
The applicant is over 18 years old;
No criminal record;
Health insurance;
Income for the last 2 years is 200,000 USD/year (or 300,000 USD if additional proof of spouse’s income is available) and similar income is expected in the current year; or demonstrate a net worth of more than $1,000,000 (excluding the value of the applicant’s permanent residence);
Prove the origin of the investment amount;
Health certification.