U.S. investment immigration is divided into two categories: EB-5 immigration and direct investment immigration. However, because many investors are not very familiar with the U.S. business environment and find starting a business difficult, they generally do not choose direct investment immigration, but instead opt for the EB-5 program. The costs generally include project investment funds, administrative fees, immigration consulting fees, and legal fees. These are often unavoidable, so when considering an investment, other associated costs of investment immigration must also be taken into account.
I. Project Investment Funds
Most individuals who have researched U.S. investment immigration are aware that to immigrate to the U.S. and obtain a permanent visa, one needs to invest $1 million, or $500,000 in a specific area. This is the investment fund you need to prepare. This capital is typically returned to the investor after the five-year investment period expires. According to EB-5 visa rules, an investor may qualify for an EB-5 visa by meeting one of the following requirements: a. Invest $1 million into a business located anywhere in the U.S. and hire at least 10 employees; b. Invest $500,000 in a nationally recognized high-unemployment area and hire at least 10 employees; c. Invest $500,000 in a government-approved "Regional Center."
II. Administrative Management Fees
When searching for a suitable EB-5 investment project, investors must also consider administrative management fees; these fees vary from one Regional Center to another. While some Regional Centers do not require an administrative fee, others may charge as much as $60,000. Generally, most Regional Centers charge approximately $30,000 to $40,000. It is important to note that a high administrative fee does not necessarily indicate a high-quality project.
III. Immigration Consulting Fees
Obtaining an EB-5 permanent visa is a complex process that involves significant professional knowledge and policy provisions; therefore, you must hire an experienced EB-5 investment immigration consultant. Generally, consulting fees for investment immigration range from $10,000 to $15,000.
IV. Immigration Legal Fees
EB-5 investors should be aware that in addition to the above-mentioned costs, you must also prepare legal fees, which are primarily paid to your immigration attorney. These attorneys will use these funds to cover the application fees for your I-526 and I-829 filings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as well as other mandatory government fees. Legal fees typically range from $15,000 to $25,000. Many EB-5 investors contact us under the impression that the total cost for the EB-5 permanent green card is only $500,000. To avoid misunderstandings, investors should keep in mind the series of expenses mentioned above.
The requirements for U.S. investment immigration are quite simple: as long as you are at least 18 years old, possess sufficient investment funds, and can provide a reasonable explanation of the source of your funds, you meet the criteria for immigration. Applicants are not required to have a business background, there are no English language requirements (no need for IELTS), and there are no educational requirements, making this one of the immigration programs with a lower threshold. However, according to regulations, the old EB-5 investment immigration policy is set to terminate on September 30, 2016. At that time, investment costs and policies may change. Therefore, those interested in pursuing U.S. investment immigration should apply as early as possible to avoid being affected by the new policies.