Your Professional Centre

This is where an individual invests US$500,000 in a US Government approved “commercial enterprise.” These commercial enterprises must help to create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years.

Requirements and Information:

• Prove the source of the investment funds

• For main applicant cannot be below 18 years of age

• Applicant does not need business experience, US relatives, or any English ability

• Allows parents to gift investment funds to adult child and only needs to prove that gift of funds is “genuine”

Who gets the ‘green card’?

• Applicant and immediate family (spouse and unmarried children below the age of 18)

• Note: cut-off date for children is the date US government receives application

Conditional ‘Green Cards’

• US government checks to confirm that the investment is still operating after 2 years, if so the green card becomes permanent

Costs

• Minimum US$500,000 investment capital

• Insurance fees

• Attorney’s fees

• Accountant fees

• US government application fees

How are funds handled?

• Investment funds are placed in an escrow account

• Investment funds are only invested if the US government approves EB-5 application

• If EB-5 application is rejected then funds will be returned to the investor

Required Documents

• Biographical information

• Identification documents

• Individual income tax documentation for most recent 5 years

• Corporate income tax returns for most recent 5 years

• Salary verification letter from previous employers

• Proof of ownership in any business

• Salary verification letter from previous employers

• Copies of business licenses for businesses owned

• Personal bank account statements

• Proof of stock or real estate ownership

• Note: If investment funds originate from a specific transaction, documents originating from the transaction are needed

Application Process

• Collect materials and documents

• Accountant prepares report

• Investor Transfers investment funds into escrow account

• Attorney submits EB-5 application (I-526) to the US government

• After receiving EB-5 petition, the US government issues decision letter (I-797) (1-8 months)

• Investors case is transferred to NVC then to the US consulate (2-4 months)

• Consulate schedules interview

• Medical examinations

• Investor and family receive immigrant visas after interview (1 week)

• Enter the US within 180 days after receiving immigrant visas

• Green cards received in mail after entering the US

Process after Green Cards have been received

• One year and nine months after arrival, must apply to remove conditions

• After conditions are lifted, green card becomes permanent

• After 5 years, may become a US citizen

• After conditions are lifted (2 years ), the US government no longer monitors EB-5 investment project

• Most investment projects strive to return investment funds after 5- 7 years

• No requirement for green card holders to remain in the US for a certain number of days per year

• Green card holders are advised to enter the US at least once every 6 months, if this is not possible, may apply for “re-entry permit”

• Green card holders only need to show intent to reside in the US

  • Get social security card

  • Open bank account

  • Get credit cards

  • Purchase/ rent a home

  • Enroll children in US schools

  • File US tax returns

What are the Investment Guarantee’s?

• The US law requires some financial risk associated with EB-5 investment projects

• Investment projects not permitted by law to guarantee return of investment funds

• “Regional center” projects may be structured to minimize risk:

  • Collateralization

  • Strong financial standing