Why Indians are banking on the EB-5 visa for the US? The golden path to green card and who is eligible for it
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The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a US government initiative designed to encourage foreign investment in American businesses that create jobs. Established in 1990, the program allows eligible investors to obtain a Green Card permanent residency ) by making a significant financial investment in the United States To qualify for an EB-5 visa, a foreign investor must invest at least $800,000 (approximately INR 7 crore) in a qualifying US business, according to a report by The Times of India. This investment usually takes place in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), which are rural locations or areas with high unemployment rates. The key requirement is that the investment must create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for American workers.Investors have two main options: they can invest directly in a business or go through a regional centre authorised by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These regional centres manage economic development projects and make it easier for investors to meet job creation requirements.Any foreign national willing to make the required investment and meet the job creation criteria is eligible to apply. The program also allows investors to include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age in the application, offering a path to permanent residency for the entire family.As per the TOI report, recent tightening of student visa regulations by the US government has led many Indian students and professionals to seek alternative routes to permanent residency. EB-5 offers a more secure and direct path, especially for those concerned about the uncertainty surrounding traditional student visas.India receives about 700 EB-5 visas per year, which can lead to long waiting times and backlogs. The high investment threshold means the program is accessible mostly to high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, the US government has proposed a new " Gold Card " program that would require a $5 million investment but eliminate the job creation requirement. This proposal is still pending approval.The EB-5 visa remains a key option for Indian nationals seeking permanent residency in the US, especially as immigration policies evolve. Prospective applicants are advised to consult immigration experts to understand the program's requirements and plan their applications effectively.(With inputs from TOI)
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