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The U.S. immigrant investor visa, how big fortunes stay in the country: what are the requirements and minimum investment?
Like any other ‘Golden Visa’ program, the US hopes to draw in foreign investment of its own.
The U.S. Immigrant Investor Visa, commonly known as the EB-5 visa, offers a pathway for foreign nationals to gain permanent residency in the United States through investment. This program was established to stimulate economic growth and job creation by attracting foreign capital.
To qualify for an EB-5 visa, applicants must meet specific investment criteria. As of the latest guidelines, the minimum investment amount is $1,050,000 for projects located in non-targeted employment areas. However, if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)—defined as a rural area or one with high unemployment—the minimum requirement is reduced to $800,000.
The investment must be made in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the investor’s admission to the U.S. as a conditional permanent resident. This job creation requirement is central to the EB-5 program’s goal of benefiting the U.S. economy.
How to apply
The application process begins with filing Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Approval of this petition is necessary before applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Upon approval, applicants receive a conditional green card valid for two years. To transition to permanent residency, they must demonstrate that their investment has met job creation requirements during this period.
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Does it actually work?
Data on whether the program actually boosts investment is not available.
However, a fundamental issue is that golden visas transform citizenship from a right of belonging into a financial transaction. They provide wealthy individuals advantages not available to those without financial means and create a system where access to better opportunities is directly tied to wealth.
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