EB-5 Minimum Investment
Currently, the EB-5 Program allows for a minimum investment in the amount of $500,000. The funds should be traceable and originate from legitimate sources. While participating in the EB-5 Program involves a risk of a partial or complete loss of the investment, the EB-5 investments are subject to return within several years, depending on a project.
Participation in similar investor immigration programs in other countries often requires considerably larger investments and non-refundable contributions. For example, the minimum amount for an investment visa in the UK starts from $2.5 million and may reach $13 million. Malta investor immigration program mandates a minimum non-refundable contribution of €650,000 in addition to certain qualifying investments. Due to comparatively lower investment requirements, the number of foreign investors who became U.S. permanent residents through the EB-5 Program has increased in the recent years. Permanent resident status allows to apply for the U.S. citizenship in the future.
The U.S. Congress has been considering amendments to the EB-5 Program increasing the investment threshold to $800,000 – $1.35 million. Those investors who apply for EB-5 investor visas before such amendments are enacted may still benefit from more favorable conditions of becoming a U.S. resident.
EB-5 Investment Options
The EB-5 Program offers two main options where foreign investors can (1) start their own business in the U.S. making sure it is qualifying for certain eligibility criteria or (2) invest in a project supervised by one of the EB-5 Regional Centers designated by the USCIS. Since most of the applicants find it burdensome to operate a job-creating company in the U.S., the majority of investments are being made through the Regional Centers.
Attorneys at Dilendorf Law Firm assist clients in choosing and interacting with reputable Regional Centers having a good track record of completed investment projects.
EB-5 Investments with Cryptocurrencies
With the proliferation of cryptocurrencies, large holders of digital assets may also qualify for the EB-5 Program and use their cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to make the necessary investment and receive the U.S. permanent resident status.
The USCIS EB-5 Division Chief has suggested that transfers of cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, could potentially qualify under the EB-5 Program, so long as the general requirements are satisfied. At least one of the Regional Centers announced acceptance of Bitcoin to fund EB-5 investments. But in most cases, investors will need to convert their cryptocurrency into U.S. dollars upon transfer to the U.S., which should be done properly to qualify for the EB-5 Program.
We are consulting clients on participation in the EB-5 Investor Visa Program with the additional cryptocurrency component, including completing the required KYC/AML checks and retaining licensed intermediaries.
Comprehensive EB-5 Visa Assistance
Dilendorf Law Firm provides full legal support to high-net-worth foreign individuals at all stages of obtaining an EB-5 investor visa in the U.S., including:
- Consulting on the EB-5 Program eligibility criteria;
- Analyzing options and providing recommendations on the available investment projects and Regional Centers;
- Preparing documents for the EB-5 application and transfer of the investment;
- Submitting a petition with the USCIS and preparing clients to visa interviews;
- Petitioning to remove conditions on a client’s permanent resident status and, subsequently, to become a U.S. citizen;
- Consulting clients throughout the interaction with a regional center, including in relation to a return of the client’s investment (typically, after 5-6 years from the investment date).
Resources
Summary
Service Type
EB-5 Investor Visa
Provider Name
Dilendorf Law Firm,
85 Broad Street,New York,New York-10004,
Telephone No.12124579797
Area
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Description
Dilendorf Law Firm provides all-round legal support to individuals seeking to obtain U.S. residency and become U.S. citizens through participation in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program.
