Can you get a Green Card in the USA for real estate investment?
Obtaining permanent residence in the United States can be done through several paths, including an investment in real estate. However, this investment must be structured under specific conditions. We tell you below.
The search for a way to obtain a Green Card in the United States has been a desire shared by many people from different parts of the world. It is an option that has several paths, but many of them have very long waiting times or require too many requirements.
Consequently, one option that has gained popularity in recent years is the EB-5 Program, which offers the opportunity to obtain permanent residence in the US through a real estate investment.
We will tell you in detail how the EB-5 Program works and why it is considered the best option for those seeking to obtain the coveted Green Card through an investment.
What is the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 Program is an initiative established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 1990 to encourage foreign investment in the country and create employment. The program allows foreign investors and their direct family members to obtain a conditional Green Card, which can become permanent, as long as they meet the established requirements.
The program works by assigning a limited number of EB-5 visas each year to investors and their families. Recipients of this program must invest in commercial projects that contribute to job creation and economic growth in the United States.
EB-5 Program Requirements:
To qualify for the EB-5 Program, investors must meet certain key requirements:
a) Investment in real estate:
Applicants must make a minimum investment of $1 million in a new or existing business enterprise in the United States. If the investment is made in a designated “Targeted Employment Area” (TEA), the minimum amount is reduced to $500,000.
The Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is a specific geographic area that has a high level of unemployment or is located in a rural area. The reduced investment of $500,000 was put in place to encourage investment in areas that need additional economic stimulus.
b) Job creation:
Investors must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers within two years of approval of their conditional Green Card.
The jobs created can be direct or indirect. Direct jobs refer to those who are employed directly by the company in which the investment was made. On the other hand, indirect jobs are those that are generated in companies related or associated with the investment project.
Advantages of the EB-5 Program
The EB-5 Program offers a series of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking for a fast and safe way to obtain a Green Card:
a) No Sponsor Required: Unlike other visa categories, the EB-5 Program does not require an employer or sponsor to support the investor’s application. Applicants own their own company and control their investment.
This means that investors have the freedom to make business decisions without being dependent on a specific employer or company in the United States.
b) Access to quality education: Investors and their families can enjoy access to quality education at renowned educational institutions in the United States.
In addition to the ability to live and work in the United States, the EB-5 Program also provides the opportunity to access a highly valued educational system, which can be especially attractive to those who want to provide their children with a world-class education.
c) Freedom to Live and Work Anywhere in the US: Conditional Green Card holders may live and work anywhere in the country with no geographic restrictions.
This means investors can choose where to establish their business or residence in the United States, giving them the ability to explore different opportunities and markets within the country.
Green Card application and obtaining process:
The EB-5 Program application process involves several key steps:
a) Investment Project Selection: Applicants must research and select a suitable investment project that meets the requirements of the EB-5 Program and is backed by a trusted company with a track record of success.
The selection of a strong and well-structured project is critical to the success of the EB-5 application. Investors should consider factors such as the feasibility of the project, the developer’s track record, and associated risks before making a decision.
b) Filing the I-526 Petition: Investors must file a petition with USCIS, using Form I-526, to demonstrate that they meet the established investment and employment requirements.
Form I-526 must be supported by strong documentation demonstrating that the required investment has been made and that the project will create the jobs necessary to meet program requirements.
c) Obtaining a Conditional Green Card: Once the I-526 petition is approved, applicants and their immediate family members can obtain a conditional Green Card valid for two years.
The conditional Green Card allows investors and their families to live, work and study in the United States during that period. It is important to note that this conditional period is an intermediate stage before obtaining a permanent Green Card.
d) Withdrawal of conditionality: After two years, investors must file the I-829 petition to demonstrate that they have met the job creation requirements and that their investment was maintained for the stipulated period. If the petition is approved, they are granted the permanent Green Card.
The I-829 petition must be supported by strong evidence showing that the required jobs were created and that the investment was maintained in the business enterprise for the stated period.
Choosing the EB-5 Program vs. Other Options
The EB-5 Program offers a unique path to obtain permanent residence in the United States through a real estate investment. However, it is essential that applicants carry out extensive research and obtain specialist legal advice before making any decision.
The choice of the investment project and the adequate preparation of the documentation are crucial aspects for the success of the EB-5 process. Additionally, the EB-5 Program is subject to fees and requirements may change over time, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest USCIS regulations and policies.
In summary, if you are looking for a way to obtain a Green Card in the United States through a real estate investment, the EB-5 Program may be the best option for you.
With the right investment and compliance with the established requirements, you can open the doors to a future full of opportunities in one of the most prosperous countries in the world.
Investing in BAI Capital is investing in the United States
With a presence in the real estate sector in the states of Florida, Texas and New York, BAI Capital specializes in generating value from the acquisition of land to the development of mixed-use projects, such as residences for the elderly, student residences, multifamily buildings. for rentals and mixed use, including condos and retail.
Our mission is to safeguard the capital of the partners and the own capital under the minimum risk exposure. With a safe development and going through all the stages: Land purchase, adjustment of urban zoning, commercial vision in architectural development and management of building permits. Then, we take charge of the capitalization, construction and exit with return of the capital and profits to the partners.
In this way, we guarantee fixed and stable returns for your client portfolio. In addition to having a confidential work protocol with encrypted web forms. Use of protected personal data and private meetings with our agents throughout Latin America.
You already know if you can obtain the Green Card in the USA by investment. If you are looking to protect your capital from inflation through investments with returns in dollars, or invest in projects that qualify for the EB-5 investor visa to get a Green Card, complete our form and an agent will contact you.
