Both employment by a business and financial investment can lead to immigration opportunities for those who want to live or work in the United States. Business visas can be an option for those who own or help run a successful company. They can also help those who have the resources to make a major investment.
Perhaps you already have a successful business in the country where you currently live. Maybe you have decided to open a business or invest in a company that will soon expand to the United States. Your investment could have a positive impact on the economy in the United States by employing workers and purchasing from other domestic companies.
In some cases, business investments for operations in the United States can qualify the investor, their spouse and even their minor children for green cards. EB-5 immigrant investor visas can help people who want to enter the United States for business purposes do so with their families. What standards will you need to meet to become eligible for an EB-5 visa?
You need to create jobs
Whether you intend to help expand an existing company or create a new business entirely, your impact on the economy is part of why you may qualify for a visa. Typically, for someone to obtain an EB-5 visa through business investments, they will need to create at least 10 full-time positions at their company. There may be special rules that apply in rare situations involving high-demand industries.
You must invest a substantial amount of money
As of March 15th, 2022, the minimum investment amount to qualify for an EB-5 visa is $1,050,000. In some cases, such as infrastructure projects that will benefit rural communities, the amount of money invested may be somewhat lower but will still be more than three-quarters of a million dollars.
Only those with prior business success or substantial investment capital can typically qualify for an EB-5 visa. Successful professionals in many industries can potentially qualify for employment visas and other immigration opportunities even if they do not currently have the resources to qualify for a green card as a business investor.
Learning more about business visas and immigration opportunities will help those who want to enter the country for business purposes.