United States

The United States welcomes investors from various foreign countries who invest substantially in the economy of development of country, such as bringing jobs and businesses.

New EB-5 changes from Nov 21, 2019

  • The minimum investment in a TEA increases to $900,000 (from $500,000) to account for inflation.
  • The standard minimum investment amount increases to $1.8 million (from $1 million) to account for inflation.

Future investment adjustments will also be tied to inflation (per the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, or CPI-U) and will occur every 5 years. Further important changes include

  • Providing priority date retention to certain EB-5 investors;
  • Increasing the required minimum investment amounts to account for inflation;
  • Reforming certain targeted employment area (TEA) designations;
  • Clarifying USCIS procedures for the removal of conditions on permanent residence; and
  • Making other technical and conforming revisions.

The US has “EB-5 Employment Based Fifth Preference Immigrant Investor Visa Program” is for investors who want to get “Green card” or “Permanent resident” status in the US. Under this scheme, a minimum investment of atleast USD 900,000 is required, which is to be invested in a rural part of the country, by means of creating “commercial business” and this business should create atleast 10 jobs.

For major cities, the investment is no less than USD 1.8 million. It is not a passive investment and the investor must play an active role in management of business and create jobs.

The investment stays for about 4 years and the the processing time is quick under the investor category. Each year a about 10,000 of visas issued of which about 3000 – 5000 visas are are set aside under Regional center category. Investor is allowed to bring family members and dependents, provided the sufficient means of financial support shown.

After 5 years of residence in US and from the date of issue of “conditional” green card, it is possible to apply for US citizenship.

 

EB-5 waiting times for 2019

The processing wait times range from 12 to 20 months, depending on the country you apply from.

  • China – 16.5 years
  • Vietnam – 7.6 years
  • India – 8.4 years
  • South Korea – 2.4 years
  • Taiwan – 2 years
  • Brazil –  1.6 years

 

US taxes on worldwide income, even for resident alients, and to mitigate taxes, many wealthy investors chose L-1 (manager transfer) or E-2 (treaty investor) visas, rather than opting for green card program. A proper tax planning need to done on case by case basis.

We can provide assistance or help you with all the formalities include company formation, real estate, citizenships, tax planning in United States without any hassles.