The EB-5 Investor Employment Creation Visa is a green card strategy available to people investing $900,000 or $1,800,000 in a business that creates full-time jobs for at least ten US workers. The lower investment requirement is for businesses in rural areas or locations with an unemployment rate at least 150% of the national average. Investments must be “at risk” and in the form of cash, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, cash equivalents or indebtedness secured by assets owned by the entrepreneur. The investor must also demonstrate that the funds are from lawful sources.
Applicants can avoid having to show direct job creation by investing in a pre-approved regional investment center. Applicants applying through regional centers also do not need to show they are involved in management.
