In 1990, U.S. Congress enacted The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the EB-5 Visa Program, allowing foreign investors a pathway to the U.S by investing into U.S. real estate. Over 30 years, this program has strengthened the U.S. economy with job creation and investment opportunities while rewarding foreign investors and their qualifying dependents with a U.S. Green Card. The program has become increasingly popular amongst investors in the Middle East due to its transformational benefits and opportunities to migrate to the U.S.
Understanding the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires an $800,000 investment into a government pre-approved commercial enterprise. However, this program is distinctive from other visa programs, such as Portugal or Greece as you cannot invest into any real estate property. The program requires the investor to invest the required amount into a project that will create a minimum of 10 full-time working jobs.
After the recent legal developments by the Reform and Integrity Act 2022 (RIA), Congress now offers applicants a more streamlined and efficient application process with fast-tracking tools such as ‘concurrent filing’. This new process accelerates the filing process for investors, allowing them access to the U.S. within months. While residing in the United States, investors can obtain work and travel authorization while waiting for the approval of their EB-5 petitions.
When discussing what an EB-5 investor looks like, the eligibility criteria is unrestricted. The program welcomes investors from all nationalities and backgrounds to apply for their U.S. Green Card. There is no business experience required or specific language proficiency requirement. However, the investment program necessitates a lawful source of funds with supportive evidence and documentation from the investor in order to migrate to the U.S.
Why are Investors turning to this program?
The U.S. market has demonstrated economic prosperity for many years, with this year in particular arguably being their strongest economic performance. The unemployment rate has been kept low, currently at 3.9%, than the average long-term rate of 5.9%, showing an unprecedented rate. In the last quarter of 2023, the GDP saw a strong 3.4% gain and is continuing to grow this year. There is no question that the U.S. economy is flourishing and is attracting entrepreneurs to take advantage of its success. The conditions of the U.S. market have become an essential factor of the American dream, therefore, there is no better time to invest in the U.S. than right now.
The program is an efficient way for foreign investors to obtain their permanent residency in the U.S., and after 5 years, are eligible to become a U.S. Citizen. Aside from the economic prosperity and favorable living conditions in the U.S, EB-5 investors are offered numerous benefits while residing in the U.S after receiving their conditional U.S. green card.
These benefits are extended to the investor’s family, being spouse and children under the age of 21. Many foreign nationals are opting for this program as they have access to a range of top-tier U.S. schools and Ivy-league universities where they can receive financial assistance and scholarships from the U.S. government. Their application to these schools and universities will be of a ‘U.S. person’, increasing the likelihood of acceptance. After graduation, students are given unrestricted employment opportunities to work with any U.S. employer, unlike the conditions of a H-1B visa, their future in the U.S. is secured.
Expert EB-5 Specialists
When considering the EB-5 Investor Program, it is important to apply with immigration attorneys who are specialized in the field and are familiar with the program’s requirements. This is to ensure that your application process goes smoothly and avoid any delays. At The American Legal Center based in Downtown Dubai, you will find a team of U.S. licensed lawyers that have helped over 500 families in the region invest in a U.S. green card. The director of the firm, Shai Zamanian is a U.S. licensed lawyer and EB-5 specialist operating from Dubai for over a decade. They have filed the most EB-5 applications within the GCC region and a total of 6% of global applications all with 100% approval rate.
