Visa Options for Investors & Entrepreneurs

Visa Options for Investors

Investors who gain residency through the EB-5 program will have access to the world’s wealthiest country. From leading universities to lucrative business opportunities and rich multicultural communities, the U.S. dominates as the most in-demand residency option. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a pathway to U.S. residency for foreign investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21.

We invite you to schedule an initial call with one of our highly experienced lawyers who expertly navigate investors through this complex but rewarding immigration process.

In addition to the EB-5 pathway, there may be other avenues and options for investors looking to achieve residency – temporarily or permanently – in the U.S., and there may be options for investors whose preferences or budget are not aligned for EB-5, including guidance on expanding an existing foreign business portfolio into the U.S. Our lawyers can provide strategic advice and expertise with respect to other pathways and options for those looking to invest in an existing or new U.S. business.

We offer the following services:

Minimum Investment Amount

A minimum investment of $800,000 USD in a project within a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), as designated by the government, represents the most cost-effective option in the EB-5 program. These areas are specifically identified by the government to stimulate economic growth through employment, often in regions that are either rural or have experienced high unemployment (defined as at least 150% of the national average unemployment rate).
Should investors decide against investing in a TEA, a minimum investment of $1,050,000 USD is required. Furthermore, investors have the option to adopt a hands-off, passive role by investing in a government-designated EB-5 Regional Center. These centers are organizations tasked with pooling investment funds to finance typically large-scale projects aimed at promoting economic growth within a region. A Regional Center is granted the capability to pool multiple investors together to create jobs in direct and indirect capacities.
Alternatively, investors may prefer to invest in a project where they have greater control and play an active management role, such as starting their own business or acquiring an existing one. This route, known as EB-Direct Investment, does not require pre-approval by the government. When investing directly, the investor makes a direct investment into a job-creating entity and can only record jobs that are created through the direct hiring of employees.
These current minimum investment amounts are set to remain unchanged until the end of 2026, after which the government may adjust them based on inflation and other economic factors.
2-Year Investment Term

By maintaining their investment for a minimum of 2 years from the time funds are deployed into the job-creating entity, investors will have met the investment duration requirement set by the government under the EB-5 program. This contributes to the US economy by funding job creation and supporting business growth. Typically, EB-5 Regional Center investment projects are structured to adhere to this term and allow for the withdrawal of an investment without penalty after this period, this is a part of the due diligence that an investor’s chosen agent and project representative can assist with
Inclusion of Family Members

You have the option to include your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to be granted permanent residency alongside you. Including your family in EB-5 petitions may require careful consideration of your family’s preferences, followed by strategic planning with our team of lawyers at the initial stages of your case.
Access World-Class Education

Once permanent residency is granted, you and your family will gain access to prestigious schools and universities across the US. This may include eligibility for lower tuition fees compared to those charged to international students, often opening doors to top-tier universities and highly rewarding careers that can significantly impact your children’s futures.
Citizenship After 5 Years of Residency

After maintaining residency in the US for 5 years, investors and their families may apply for citizenship. This offers several benefits, including access to all countries the US has visa-free arrangements with, and the flexibility to live outside the US and return at any time that suits them.