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Indian Eb-5 Investors: Guidance on EB-5 Visa Program

The EB5 Visa Program is an incredibly popular investor visa program that allows individuals from all countries to gain legal residence in the United States. It requires a significant financial commitment, as applicants must invest a certain amount of money into a commercial venture within the US.

The current minimum investment amount is $900,000 and must be directed towards an approved business, such as a Regional Center or new commercial enterprise. This type of visa can provide great opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses or expand existing ones. Additionally, some of these investments can qualify for a reduced investment amount of either $500,000 or $1,350,000 depending on the location of the business venture.

Applicants to the EB5 program are subject to rigorous review by US immigration authorities to ensure that they meet the criteria and have no record of criminal activity. Those who successfully obtain an EB5 visa will receive permanent residency status in the US and may eventually become eligible for US citizenship via naturalization.

Furthermore, investors are eligible to bring their family members along with them on their immigration journey; spouses and children less than 21 years old may apply for derivative visas associated with the investor’s application.

The EB5 Visa Program provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking permanent residence in the United States as well as those looking to establish their own businesses in America’s dynamic economy. This type of visa has been rapidly increasing in popularity over recent years due to its low risk and high reward potential; not only does it offer a chance at legal residency but also the potential for economic growth through capital infusion into domestic businesses.

For many international investors, this is one of the best ways to live and work in America while simultaneously providing much-needed resources for local communities across America that benefit from increased job creation and economic development.

Benefits of the EB5 Investment Visa for Indian Citizens

With more than 4 million members, Indian immigrants are the second-largest immigrant population living in America today. And they bring with them invaluable skills and talent — many of these individuals have college degrees, meaning a bright future for both themselves and US nation as a whole!

For Indian citizens looking to invest in the United States, there are numerous rewarding opportunities available with a USA Investment Visa. Here we explore some of its most advantageous benefits –

You and your spouse can get permanent residency
You can choose to reside anywhere in the country
With EB 5 green card, you can travel freely throughout the US and to many international destinations
You are eligible for both American citizenship and Overseas Citizen of India status
You can easily get a job or can run own business.

USA EB5 Visa for Indian citizens provides an incredible opportunity to families. Not only do you benefit from a range of amazing perks, but your unmarried children receive permanent residency as well – opening up unrivaled possibilities for education and career growth!

Save up to 300% on tuition fees – compared to other foreign students!
Enjoy a wide variety of scholarship and funding opportunities – unavailable to other foreign students!
Have unrestricted access to job opportunities – no work permit or visa expiration restrictions!
Get a world-class education, without any obstacles related to your foreign student status!

Eb-5 Visa Requirements for Indian Investors

Joining the EB5 Visa Program is no ordinary application process. To qualify, you must make an eligible investment and provide certain forms of supporting documentation before any further steps can be taken – so don’t delay in starting your journey to a brighter future!

Indian nationals looking to gain US residency can opt for the EB5 Investment Visa, which requires an investment of a minimum $1.05 million in a commercial enterprise based in the USA or at least $800,000 to be invested into certain areas with high unemployment rate – thus ensuring generation of 10 full-time jobs within two years.

EB5 Visa Documentation

Submitting your application for EB5 India requires a lot of documentation to prove your eligibility. You’ll need to provide copies of passports, documents that show proof of business ownership and partnership agreements, statements about the position/title you hold within an organization or company along with its responsibilities; tax returns and bank statement from the past five years as well as any other sources proving current capital investments like approved I-526 petitions.

Making sure all these requirements are met will bring you one step closer towards fulfillment!

EB 5 Project Documentation Required

Approved investors are proving their commitment to investing in the US economy by establishing businesses within TEAs and creating jobs for citizens.
Establishing a business in Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
Investment into this regional center has the potential to create up to 10 full-time jobs, both directly and indirectly helping US citizens gain employment.

How We Can Help?

At EB 5 River Oak, we provide expert guidance to investors seeking the prestigious EB-5 Visa Program! Our world class fund management, regional center operations and consulting services ensure you get all the necessary information on minimum investment and job creation criteria – essential for successfully obtaining an EB-5 visa.

Navigating the DS-260 Online Application for an Immigrant Visa

DS-260 is the online application for green card applications from overseas. Applicants must fill out the DS-260 online application. This also signifies you’ve come through an exciting and sometimes stressful process. Once an application for a permanent resident visa is completed, it is generally time to prepare a DS-260 application form online. The following article gives you the basics of the DS260 application process.

What Is Form DS-260?

Form DS-260 is a paper application for an immigration visa for obtaining green card for a person from a foreign country. The application process is conducted by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (UCIS) and the National Visa Center (NVC). Form DSS260 is also called the Online Immigrants Visa application. Apply now for permanent residency in the U.S.

Whether you are applying for a Diversity Visa or hoping to obtain your marriage-based green card from abroad, the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application is an essential tool in realizing your dreams of residing in America. Submitting this online form will bring both individuals and families one step closer to their U.S residency goals.

You may complete Form DS260 online once the National Visa Center approves the final document.

Supporting Documents for DS-260 Application

Below the lists of supporting documents that you or any immigrant visa applicants have to submit.

Passport: submit a clear copy of your passport page that contains your photo, name and passport number.
Birth Certificate: submit a copy of the birth certificate issued by the responsible authority in the country where you were born.
Marriage Certificate (if applicable): submit a copy of your marriage certificate, if applicable.
Divorce Decree (if applicable): submit a copy of any divorce decrees or annulment documents, if applicable.
Police clearance letters: submit police certificates from all places you have lived for more than six months since the age of 16 years old.
Medical Examination Report: provide evidence that you have had a medical examination by an authorized doctor within three months before submitting your application.
Employment Records: provide records showing your employment history for the past five years, including proof of income or salary statements from employers as well as copies of tax returns or pay stubs.
Photographs: applicants must provide two identical photographs taken within 30 days prior to filing DS-260 application form. The photos should be in color with a white background and must meet specific requirements set forth by the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Proof(s) Of Financial Support: include financial support documents such as bank statements, property deeds or other evidence proving that you can financially support yourself during your stay in the U.S without becoming a public charge.
Identity Documents: include identity documents such as driver’s license, national ID card or other government-issued documents that prove who you are and list all family members included in the DS-260 application form too.
Previous Immigration Documents: include copies of any previously issued immigration visas or other travel documents related to past travels to United States, if applicable. This may include copies of expired visas; I-20 forms; I-94 cards; admission stamps etc.

After you submit your DS260, NMV will send you a confirmation (either by mail or e-mail) that you received your DS260, normally the same day. You should submit the necessary documentation to NVC.

The NVC gathers and sends out the required forms to the consular electronic application center for processing your application. The consular officer will schedule and conduct the immunization and immigration interviews and decide the final decision on your petitions.

Starting the Process for Your DS-260 Application With USCIS

You must first file the immigrant visa application with USCIS. USCIS typically sends you the following form:

The U.S citizenship and immigration services reviews the application and makes a determination as to whether or not you need further information.

Your approval process varies according to the visa you apply for.

Consult the immigration attorneys for a specific EB 5 visa deadline. The visa is processed by the USCIS after the approval of your visa application, and the documents are then delivered.

NVC Contacts You to Prepare the DS-260 Immigrant Visa Interview

Once your visa petition approved by United States citizenship and immigration services, they will send all the required documents to the National Visa Center.

Next, the Visa Centre invites the user to complete the DS260 online form. You should wait for their precise instructions. For the first step, you need the NVC case number, NVC invoice ID number and beneficiary ID number.

The NVC team will send you the details regarding the interview date & time. Be prepared for the answers!

Filing Your Form DS 260: What You Need to Know

It’s interesting to get a Green card. If you are eligible for a green card, you welcome more opportunities into your personal or professional life. This journey is also very complex and lengthy.

So when you submit the Form DS-260 you will have worked hard to get green cards.

2023 marks the start of a more streamlined process for those seeking a family-based green card. Though it may require up to 2 months, NVC processing time on DS-260 Forms after the Submit Visa Application is significantly shorter than the 10 -17 month wait associated with this immigration visa pathway. For many applicants, that’s just one part of their journey!

In 2023, the USCIS Immigrant Fee (also known as DS-260) of $220 must be paid online in order to receive a physical green card. Once you’ve entered the US with your visa stamp, this fee allows for an estimated delivery time of three-to-four weeks – so that means soon enough you can have your very own personalized residential permit!

When Do I File DS-260 Online?

The National Visa Center invites applicants to complete the form by email via the Consulate Electronic Application Center.

You can apply for ds 260 application form after NVC begin your case!

Before your visa application is accepted, you and any family members planning to immigrate with you must acquire the necessary civil documents needed as evidence of support. Gather them all now in order to begin this exciting journey!

USCIS Approved EB5 Regional Centers for Immigrant Investor to Apply for United States Citizenship

By creating the EB-5 Regional Centers in 1992, Congress established an innovative program to stimulate economic growth and job creation across the United States. This entrepreneurial initiative provides a unique opportunity for immigrant investors to support development projects throughout our country – offering their cash investments to be put back into U.S.-based companies with approval from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

As such, this investment towards American prosperity is both beneficial for businesses nationwide as well as offers immigrants an impactful pathway of contributing positively towards society.

The EB 5 investor visa is an opportunity for foreign investors and their families to obtain permanent legal status in the United States. All that’s needed? The investment of at least $800,000 towards a new business endeavor located within certain employment areas with plans to employ 10 American citizens full-time!

EB-5 Regional Center: Definition & History

Regional centers are governmental entities approved and regulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. EB 5 regional center allow New Commercial Enterprises (CEEs) in the US to combine the foreign investment of several investment firms in an integrated project.

The NCO is either a public or private company. In 1992 Congress created the Regional Center Program based upon immigrants’ investor program. It was two years before the first federal EB-5 visas were issued for immigrants who promise to promote economic growth by opening a new commercial enterprise & job creation.

Direct vs. Regional Center EB-5 Investments

The Green Card will allow foreign investors who are investing in the United States if their investments in the United States do not exceed the minimum requirement of the EB-5 program and the green card. EB5 investors have two investment options for these criteria.

Direct investments

For those looking to put their money into a business that creates jobs, the emergence of direct investments has opened up exciting possibilities. No longer do you need to go through an owner-operated franchise – now investment can be made into companies with established concepts and goals, allowing them to grow without spreading out ownership too thinly. This model is set for more expansion after June 30 2021 when the Regional Center Program reaches its expiration date!

Regional Center EB-5 Investments

What is the EB-5 Regional Center Securities Compliance?

All regional and project sites must adhere to federal securities laws. These laws serve as a way to prevent unjustified and unprofessional securities sale practices. Securities under the 1933 U.S. Securities Act include stock notes & bonds and direct investment programs as well as investment contracts. Securities are regulated by the SEC and are issued by the SEC. The EB5 Regional Center has 4 security compliance requirements;

Registering Securities– The EB-5 program offers the potential for a lucrative financial success, yet navigating through its registration process is no easy feat. From costly disclosures to meeting USCIS’s stringent timeline requirements, coupled with additional state regulations – it can be an incredibly challenging and time-consuming obstacle course that may leave investors feeling completely drained from their journey towards achieving this investment goal.

Regulation D Exemptions– Regulation D provides a unique opportunity for high-net worth individuals to invest in the EB 5 securities offerings of regional centers. The related private placement memorandum contains important information and disclosures pertaining to the offering, which is open only to accredited investors with at least $1 million net worth or income over $200k/$300k (single/married filers) for last two years. Each investor will have sign an attestation indicating that they meet these requirements before investing.

Securities Laws and EB5 Solicitation– Regional centers and sponsored initiatives seeking EB-5 investors can’t openly market or advertise according to Regulation D, but the SEC has not laid out how this applies. While investment details are off limits for advertising, general information may be shared in a way that does not reference specific info about an offering.

Broker-Dealers and the EB-5 Program– Broker-dealers are a vital part of the 1934 Securities and Exchange Act, connecting EB5 projects with investors. These entities may be individuals, companies or other organizations that must adhere to strict regulations set forth by both the SEC and relevant government securities regulators – including regional centers, migration agents, advertisers and others who facilitate these investments between buyers & sellers.

Direct vs. Regional Center Investment Job Creation Criteria

Investors who have invested directly will have no job requirements to create 10 permanent job opportunities for US workers. Direct jobs are referred to the work in the commercial sector. Investor’s direct employment numbers must be confirmed in the payrolls of the business.

Generally new businesses create comparatively few jobs permanently full time. In contrast to investment at regional centers, investors may count indirectly created jobs in a 10-year plan to meet the 10-job requirements.

Regional center investors can make an even greater economic impact than they realize–not only through direct job creation, but also by stimulating growth in related industries and providing a boost to the local economy from increased spending.

What Are the Benefits of Establishing a Regional Center?

EB-5 investor funding is a key advantage of creating a regional centre. Because there is more flexibility in the requirements for jobs for foreign investors in regional centers, the investment often attracts multiple EB-5 visa applicants.

Consequently, project developers are able to access low cost capital, creating an attractive environment for investment, project developers and communities.

Easy loans for job creating entity
Promoting economic growth
Improved regional productivity
Less Unemployment

USCIS-Approved Regional Centers: Approval is not Endorsement

The United States Department of State is currently accepting 721 centers of interest. Investors must be mindful of the restrictions on approval by the United States government regarding the regional center. The EB-5 approval by USCS is based on no USCIS approval of the regional centers. It also minimizes investment risks.

Here are some lists of USCIS approved regional centers;

Alabama
California
Virginia
Washington
Utah
Colorado
Texas
New York
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois

Those interested in investing should seek professional advice. We at EB 5 River Oak helping immigrants and commercial enterprise with regional center investment for EB 5 programs.

Call us today!

Processing Time for EB5 Investor Program Post Expiry Extended by USCIS for 48 Months

On January 11 and 25, 2023 respectively, the USCIS granted a massive benefit to those who had filed Form I-829 or I-751 – they extended the validity of their permanent resident cards by up to 48 months beyond expiration. This long overdue change will go a long way towards making life easier for many green card holders in America!

What is the EB-5 Investor Program?

EB-5 immigrant investor program allows foreign investors, family members, parents or their children to become legal residents of the U.S. if they: A foreigner who wants to work with the government in the country must spend a minimum of $800k in targeted job areas or $1.0 million in another commercial company to qualify. The EB-5 Visa Program is a federal program which helps attract foreign investors and create jobs through their increase in domestic capital.

Extensions for Green Card Investors

In an effort to combat prolonged processing times for Form I-751 and Form I-829 filings, The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has modified language on corresponding receipt notices. This change in protocol elicited a variety of reactions from members of the EB-5 community: some elated at improved wait time estimations while others remain weary over its potential implications.

USCIS announced they would be issuing new receipt notices to conditional green card with pending cases that have received shorter extensions. These updated receipts, along with an expired Green Card, will allow petitioners the ability to remain in a legal status while their case is being processed—authorizing them work and travel for up to four years after expiration!

Foreign investors attempting to secure I-829 status face an uphill battle, with countless twists and turns. For some the frustration is heightened in cases of job termination or when traveling abroad – a nightmare scenario for many!

EB-5 Green Card Processing Time

If you have a condition permanent resident status and plan to abroad outside the United States, it is essential that you apply for a reentry permit by filing immigrant petition Form I-141. This can easily be done by filing Form I-141 before leaving the United States – just make sure not to miss this step!

With 48 months of processing time for eb5 investor program, an EB-5 investor and their dependents can rest assured that they won’t need to make a trip to the local USCIS field office for any extensions. The I-829 petition will be adjudicated in plenty of time!

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing times for visas are constantly in flux due to the amount of applications that come through. Despite being established nearly three decades ago, it was not until 2017, 2018 & 2019 when the EB 5 Visa Green Card program saw a surge in popularity as more immigrants sought permanent resident status within America’s borders.

Country of Chargeability

Country of chargeability is an essential element of the immigration process. It is key to determining the visa category that a person qualifies for based on how long they have lived in a particular country or region. The country assigned to each case serves as a marker in determining when a person is eligible to apply for immigration, as well as which steps must be taken in order to successfully gain admission into the U.S.

Additionally, it can affect whether or not an individual might qualify for certain status-related benefits, such as indefinite stays or open work authorization rights. To ensure the most accurate answers and timely processing times, it is important to know the laws and regulations concerning the assignment of countries of chargeability for each immigration filing.

Processing time for united states citizenship will depend upon following factors;

Filing the petition.
Waiting for the priority date (determined by country) to be current.
Adjustment of status/going through consular processing.

Great News for the Visa Applicants with Pending I-751 or I-829 Petitions

USCIS is granting extended validity to Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) of those who properly file their Form I-751 and I-829 petitions. This will allow cardholders an additional four years in the United States beyond the expiration date listed on their cards!

If you need any help regarding EB 5 visa investments, we are here to help you! We can assist you with the right financial investment guidance for permanent residency in U.S.

6 Ways For Foreign Investors Can Apply for United States Green Card

What is a Green Card?

Green card is a permanent resident card that provide investors to permanently live & work in the United States. The commonly cited immigration law gives all American citizens rights and protections to a green card holder.

If you want to be a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen, you need to contact the financial Investors to understand the different ways of getting United States citizenship.

Types of Green Cards

Green card categories vary widely. Generally speaking, they are: Those are described more fully below.

Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (Green Card Lottery)

A program called DV provides 55,000 immigrant visas every year. In order to obtain Green Cards, foreigners can apply in a random drawing to get their citizenship. Visit the Diversity Visa Program page for detailed information.

Family-Based Green Card

Family members who are U.S. citizens or have green cards may obtain one. Eligible family member is a spouse, child a parent, and a spouse or child of a married partner if they have a spouse. In these categories, there are also married American citizens who had a married spouse during the period of citizenship.

Those seeking family based green cards must prove their marriage was valid for green cards and have proof they’ll get one from their spouse. Many of the extended relatives — cousin, aunt, uncle and grandmother — are not eligible.

Employment-Based Green Card

In the employment green card categories, multiple subclasses of people can apply and receive permanent resident cards. Some spouses are eligible.

Longtime-Resident Green Card

Persons living in the United States — either illegally (meaning that you are undocumented ) — a year after January 1, 1972. For a green card through the registry, individuals have to meet all a few criteria.

Do Green Card Holders Have to Immigrate?

The green cards allows individuals to permanently relocate the center of their lives into the United States. However, when America’s dream becomes reality, many things can be achieved. The US government understands this and gives Green card holders enough time to move to America a little at a time. In the initial years, a commute between the United States and its native countries is usually no problem.

Nonetheless you can be legally unable or unwilling to remain outside the U.S. for more than 12 months (or 24 months on the application) – unless you are eligible for an additional green card.

What are the 6 Ways to Get a Green Card?

You may apply for a green card to acquire permanent resident status through any number of ways:

1.Sponsorship by a family member or U.S. employer

Becoming a green card holder through a relative’s sponsorship can become an attainable goal for E-2 visa holders with some careful planning. If no family member currently holds one, there are still many options available – such as having your child acquire an advanced degree and then can get a sponsorship by a U.S. employer.

Also, green card applicants can marry a U.S. citizen to get a permanent resident card.

2.Green Card through Investments

An EB-5 direct investment program offers an opportunity for the savvy investor to gain permanent residence in the U.S.: invest a minimum of $1,050,000 into a business venture and hire ten employees over five to seven years – easy as that! Through this lucrative arrangement you can lay down roots while gaining financial security through your commercial enterprise.

With an I-526 immigrant visa petition, nonimmigrants may now stay in the US for a temporary period until becoming legal permanent residents. H1B visa holders and E-2 investors can especially maximize their time in America through this process of getting green cards!

3.Investment in Regional Center Project

Rather than investing in your own business, you can invest $800,000 into an EB 5 regional center project. It’s a safe way to potentially earn big returns on investment of just over one million dollars!

For those looking to obtain a green card, investing in infrastructure, rural or high-unemployment project could be the key they need. By putting their money into infrastructure improvements, applicants can have access to priority processing and bring them one step closer towards becoming U.S citizens!

4.EB-2 National Interest Waiver Program

Do you have the qualifications to become an EB-2 green card holder? If so, apply for your chance at a better future today! To be eligible, one must possess fluency in English as well as a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in their field.

Additionally, applicants need to showcase how they can contribute exceptional ability towards United States’ interests through their project with USCIS approval. Now is the time: seize this opportunity and move closer to achieving those dreams!

5.The Green Card lottery

The Green Card lottery for EB 5 visa program offers a unique opportunity to immigrants who possess the right qualifications. This program allows them to become lawful permanent residents without offering an employer a job, sponsorship or family member in the United States. Qualified individuals can apply for a number of investor visas and therefore drastically speeds up the immigration process.

Additionally, as long as all financial requirements are met, applicants can gain permanent residence at any time reliable on the available space. The EB 5 program stands as an excellent option for those looking to live and work in the U.S. legally with no other strings attached.

6.Inter-Corporate Transferee

Foreign investors with at least one year of foreign employment in the past three years and current U.S. employer may have an opportunity to establish lawful permanent residence via an EB-1C green card application!

Applying from Within the United States

The time to adjust the status is currently between 12–27 months for spouses or immediate family members (parent/child or minor children). If the wife of a US citizen, a foreign national, or a worker is a green card holder, the wait can often extend for at least two years.

Let EB 5 River Oak assist in adjusting your status for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does green card mean in USA?

A green card is an official designation for residing permanently in the US. The procedure for applying for green cards varies by circumstance.

How hard is it to get a green card?

There’s no easy process for getting the green card. It’s quite difficult to get green cards. Doing something wrong will waste many thousands of dollars. The law could even prevent your entry into the United States.

How long does a green card last for?

A USCIS Form 531 Permanent Residence Card. Although some permanent residence-related cards, also called green cards, have no expiry dates, the rest are valid for 10 years. Unless granted conditional permanent residence, your ID can last 2 years.

Even if your Green Card has already expired, there’s no need to worry! If you have a valid Form I-797 Notice of Action showing that you filed either the necessary Forms I-751 or I-829 to remove conditions on your Permanent Resident status, then the expiration date will be extended for whatever period is specified in said form.

To know more on eb5 investor program you can contact our financial investors!