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Introduction

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is seen as the most popular way for foreigners to secure and acquire US citizenship through investment. Generally speaking, this Program is particularly designed for private investors who seek a permanent residence in the United States. The main objective of this paper is to explore the execution of the Program. This work also addresses the particular role of regional centers for the Program. 

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What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program? 

The US Congress established the Immigrant Investor Program in 1990, called the EB-5 Program, intended to attract foreign investors. The Program aims at economic progress owing to the collection of capital investments and job creation. 

For one of our the most read articles see our article on US Citizenship by Investment: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

What is the safest way of getting a Green Card? 

It is critical to note that the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is based on naturalization. Besides, investing in the US may be regarded as the fastest, safest, easiest and the most secure way of acquiring a Green Card (US citizenship and/or US permanent residency). 

What are the main requirements for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program? 

According to internationally established principles, citizenship may be acquired at birth or through naturalization subsequent to birth.

Under the EB-5 Program, investors may be found eligible for a conditional and later permanent Green Card (permanent residence) on the grounds of two ways: 

Firstly, they must invest the required amount of money into a commercial enterprise based in the US, (minimum investment amount  currently 800.000 USD in a Targeted Employment Area), 

Secondly, they should create and preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs. 

What kind of commercial enterprise is necessary? 

Generally speaking, “commercial enterprise” implies for profit entities including: a sole proprietorship, partnership (whether limited or general), holding company, joint venture, corporation, business trust and other public or private entities. Besides, non-profit entities are not considered within the scope of EB-5 visa.

What are the particular roles of regional centers in the implementation of EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program? 

It is of utmost importance in noting that the Program is managed through the efficient studies of government-approved and designated regional centers. The applicants are granted an opportunity to make a direct investment into a commercial enterprise or make an investment through an EB-5 Regional Center. Nevertheless, regional centers play a critical role in carrying out the mandate of the EB-5 Program in matching applicant investors with appropriate investment opportunities. Therefore, the regional center is considered as a much safer and easier way than the previous one. As a consequence, 95% of the investors choose to invest through a regional center.

What kind of benefits are granted with EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program? 

There are several advantages of making an application for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, as outlined below.

a. The Easiest and the Safest Way 

Firstly, it is considerable to reiterate that the EB-5 Program offers the easiest and the most secure way of securing a permanent residence. 

b. Family Members Advantages

Secondly, the EB-5 Program extends to investors, their spouses and unmarried children under 21 of foreign investors by entitling the family members to a permanent US residency (Green Card) and citizenship if required.

c. Visa-Free Travel 

Furthermore, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program gives the opportunity of visa-free international travel to and from the US.  

d. Fast Process 

Fourthly, the permanent residence process through the program works very quickly and ends within 2 years.

e. Freedom of Movement 

Also, permanent residents have a great chance to settle, work and retire anywhere in the US. 

f. Educational Opportunities

Besides, high-level acceptance rates, reduced tuition fees and merit-based scholarship opportunities for universities and schools are possible. 

 g. First Step for US Citizenship

Green card holders may be granted US citizenship after they live in the US for at least five years. It is important to note that after five years of permanent residency, the card holder may apply for citizenship. Therefore, the acquisition of permanent residence through green card is an important step for naturalization to US citizenship.

h. Repayment Chance 

One of the most important aspects of the EB-5 Process is that following the fulfillment of a two-year conditional residency period, the applicant may be considered eligible for repayment. More specifically, the concerned investor is granted a temporary green card for 2 years in return for investment. After 2 years, the investor can be deemed as eligible for a permanent green card by proving that he/she officially created 10 jobs or invested in the United States. 

Conclusion

To summarize, this article makes useful observations about the essential role of regional centers of the EB-5 Program. Considering the increasing strength of foreign currencies including USD in terms of Turkish liras, undoubtedly making a reasonable and safe investment in the US may be very helpful for foreign and local entrepreneurs. Of course necessary procedures for investment types depend on targeted, non-targeted or high-employment areas. It is worth reiterating that the EB-5 Immigrant Program  offers the fastest way of acquiring permanent resident and ‘green card’ status in the US through job creation and capital investment by immigrant investors. Natural and legal persons investing in the US need a comprehensive strategic consultation and solution partners. Regional centers play a critical role in effectively functioning the EB-5 Program. Such assistance and partnership may pave the way for avoiding high-level risks and time-killer factors.

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