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Who may qualify for an EB-5 investor visa?

On Behalf of | Feb 27, 2022 | Immigration

Investors applying for a United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program visa may use it to pursue American business opportunities. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website notes you may apply for an EB-5 visa if you plan to start and manage a commercial enterprise.

As long as you meet the investment and employment requirements, you could qualify for an EB-5 visa by starting a sole proprietorship. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, you could automatically become a sole proprietor when you begin working at your new enterprise. You will, however, need to apply for a business license and report your income on your personal tax returns as a sole proprietor.

EB-5 business types and investment qualifications

Investors starting and managing qualified businesses in the U.S. may apply for an EB-5 visa. Allowable business types include real estate holding companies and corporations. If you created a partnership or signed a joint venture contract, you may also apply for an EB-5 visa.

An EB-5 visa requires investing at least $1,800,000 in your new enterprise. The business must also create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs. Forbes reports that foreign investors have an advantage when starting real estate development companies. The employees required for construction work and the related expense commitment generally meet the EB-5 requirements.

Direct and indirect EB-5 job creation

As noted on USCIS.gov, when you hire employees to work for your new enterprise, your commercial venture creates direct jobs. If your new enterprise causes other businesses to hire employees to service your venture, it creates indirect jobs. New employees hired by factories to package products for you, for example, help create indirect jobs.

Foreign investors interested in starting businesses in the U.S. may apply for the EB-5 visa program. By meeting the minimum investment and job-creation requirements, you may establish an enterprise in the U.S. and generate income.