Baltimore EB-5 Visa Attorneys
Baltimore Investor Visa Services
The EB-5 visa program is a method of obtaining a green card through investment in the United States. The program was implemented in 1992 to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. EB-5 visas are intended for foreign investors who will create or preserve at least 10 permanent full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Griffith Immigration Law can help investors understand the requirements and assist with the application process.
The EB-5 visa program is capped at 10,000 visas per year. This limit has been reached in recent years, with the program receiving over 7,000 applications in 2016. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements. When the annual cap is reached, the program enters a "suspension period" and will not accept new applications until the following year. When the suspension period ends, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting applications again.
The EB-5 visa program is divided into two distinct categories:
- The EB-5 Immigrant Visa Program
- The EB-5 Regional Center Program.
EB-5 Immigrant Visa Program
The EB-5 Immigrant Visa Program is for foreign investors who wish to obtain a green card by investing in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. The new commercial enterprise must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
The investment must be a minimum of $1.8 million. This investment can be made in a newly established commercial enterprise or an existing business that is expanding. The money can be in the form of a loan, equity investment, or a combination of both.
The investor and their immediate family members (spouse and children under the age of 21) will be eligible for permanent residency in the United States. The EB-5 visa program is distinct from the EB-1 visa program, which is for individuals with extraordinary abilities. EB-5 visas can be renewed every 2 years, whereas EB-1 visas are generally granted for an initial period of 5 years.
EB-5 Regional Center Program
The EB-5 Regional Center Program is for foreign investors who wish to obtain a green card by investing in a regional center. A regional center is a business that has been established to promote economic growth in a particular area. It is not a new commercial enterprise. The new commercial enterprise that the investor is funding must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The investment must be a minimum of $500,000.
The investor and their immediate family members (spouse and children under the age of 21) will be eligible for a green card. The EB-5 visa program is distinct from the EB-1 visa program, which is for individuals with extraordinary abilities. EB-5 visas can be renewed every 2 years, whereas EB-1 visas are generally granted for an initial period of 5 years.
Contact Our Baltimore EB-5 Visa Attorneys
The EB-5 visa program can be confusing. You will need to know how the program works and whether you are eligible. Our EB-5 visa attorneys at Griffith Immigration Law can help you understand the requirements and assist with the application process.
Contact us online or call (410) 883-9157 to schedule a consultation with an EB-5 lawyer near you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the EB-5 visa program?
The EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card by investing in the United States. The investment must create or preserve at least 10 permanent full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The program was established to stimulate economic growth.
What are the requirements to qualify for an EB-5 visa?
To qualify for an EB-5 visa, you must invest at least $1.8 million in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. If investing through a regional center, the minimum investment is $500,000.
What is the difference between the EB-5 Immigrant Visa Program and the EB-5 Regional Center Program?
The EB-5 Immigrant Visa Program requires investors to directly invest in a new commercial enterprise, creating 10 full-time jobs. The EB-5 Regional Center Program allows investors to contribute to regional centers that focus on economic development, often with a lower investment of $500,000.
How many EB-5 visas are available each year?
The EB-5 visa program is capped at 10,000 visas per year. When this limit is reached, the program enters a suspension period until the following year, during which no new applications are accepted.
Can family members of an EB-5 investor obtain green cards?
Yes, the investor’s spouse and children under the age of 21 can also obtain green cards through the EB-5 visa program. They will be eligible for permanent residency in the United States alongside the primary investor.
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