Investing is one of the most important decisions you can make to protect your family and ensure their well-being. It’s a decision that requires you to be well-informed, especially if you’re planning to make a real estate investment in Miami. The reason is simple: the U.S. government has created a program to encourage foreign investment with immigration facilitation. Do you know what the EB-5 visa is and why it is an excellent investment option?

The EB-5 visa is an exclusive visa for those investors who want to obtain permanent residence and U.S. citizenship. It is a program that allows you to invest in many areas. For example, in real estate you could consider the purchase of a home, commercial premises or other real estate. It could also invest in manufacturing, trade, tourism, personal firms, among others. In addition, it makes it possible to process permanent residence and citizenship in a relatively safe way for you and your family.

Since the beginning of this program in the 90s, many investors have taken advantage of its benefits, especially those related to immigration status. However, today it is an attractive alternative to protect money and live in a country with a solid economy. Did you know that a total of 10,000 EB-5 visas are issued each year to applicants from different parts of the world?

Here’s a guide for you to become an EB-5 green card holder.

What is the EB-5 visa and how does it work?

It is a preference visa that grants incentives to skilled immigrant investors investing in the United States, as long as they meet job creation requirements. This visa extends to spouses and children under the age of 21 who are unmarried. Once you apply for your EB-5 visa, and are admitted by the competent authorities, you and your family members receive a conditional permanent resident card, for a period of 2 years. If within this period you demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the program, they will be able to become permanent and legal residents of the United States without conditions.

Basic Requirements for Applying for the EB-5 Visa

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the basic requirements to apply for the EB-5 visa are:

  • Capital investment: The investor must contribute money, assets or debts and put them at risk in a new venture. The minimum amount varies between $1,000,000 and $1,800,000. This will depend on whether the investment is made in specific areas of employment or in non-priority areas.
  • Job creation: The investment should create jobs for 10 qualified full-time employees.

Guidelines for Applying for the EB-5 Visa

  1. Locate a project. If you wish to process an investor visa application you should consider the following subcategories and their differences:
  • EB-5 Direct Investment: You can invest in a new business you own. So, to get the green card, you will need to prove the employment of 10 direct workers within 2 years.
  • EB-5 Regional Investment Center: these are investment centers guaranteed by the Government. They have the advantage that they can diversify the investment in several projects decreasing the risk. On the other hand, to demonstrate job creation, both direct and indirect jobs are taken into account.

2. Demonstrate sources of income. You must provide evidence that the capital of your investment was lawfully obtained. For example, business records, tax returns, among others.

Advantages of Real Estate Investment to Apply for the EB-5 Visa

When you participate in an investment program to obtain the EB-5 visa, you must assume the investor’s risks. For example, delays in the execution of projects, capital losses, among others. In this sense, real estate investments are the best option to protect your capital, since they are low risk and, if located in Miami, can have an attractive valuation.

But before deciding, it is best to consult with experts. A real estate professional will be able to help you find a property within the EB-5 program that fits your investor profile. It will also help you understand the tax regulations of real estate investments in the United States. These rules establish taxes such as Firpta, inheritance tax and income tax.

EB-5 Visa Benefits

The EB-5 visa is the safest option for obtaining permanent resident status in the United States. In addition, it offers foreign investors other interesting benefits:

  • It does not require a sponsor, U.S. employer, or possess extraordinary ability.
  • You can apply from countries that do not have economic treaties with the United States.
  • If you consult with experts, you can earn money with a real estate investment of attractive profitability.

The EB-5 visa is the most transparent and secure means of obtaining a permanent resident card in the United States. It can also be the most cost-effective way to achieve this. Now what will be your next step?

References.

Benefits of an EB-5 Visa. (n.d.). United States: Affiliate Network. Retrieved from https://eb5affiliatenetwork.com/eb5-visa/eb-5-benefits/

Grant, H. (2014). Tax Considerations for Foreign Investors in U.S. Real Estate Retrieved from https://www.ghsklaw.com/siteFiles/6397/Inversiones%20Inmobiliarias%20en%20EEUU.pdf

Semotiuk, A. (2014, July 18). 5 BestWaysForInvestorsToImmigrateToTheUnitedStates. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.semana.com/

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (n.d.). Chapter 1 – Purpose and Background. United States: USCIS. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-g-chapter-1

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (n.d.). Chapter 2 – EligibilityRequirements. United States: USCIS. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-g-chapter-2

SGM Law Group (2019) CitizenshipbyInvestment. United States. Retrieved from https://www.immi-usa.com/citizenship-by-investment/