Foreign citizens may become eligible for a United States visa by applying through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. You could qualify by investing at least $1.8 million in a new commercial enterprise. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, your investment may include capital and equipment.
To fund a U.S. startup company, you could contribute assets such as cash or cash equivalents. Assets may include equipment, inventory or personal properties. If the combined value is at least $1.8 million, you may become eligible for an EB-5 visa through an investment in a qualified business enterprise.
Investment capital may include promissory notes
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program also allows you to contribute capital through promissory notes. You could use your own assets as collateral. If you have the ability to secure promissory notes with a current worth of $1.8 million, you may use them for your U.S. enterprise.
According to USCIS.gov, if you alone have personal liability for repaying a note, a promise to pay may serve as proof of your investment into a new U.S. business. A promissory note’s fair market value must reflect its current present value. Notes must also have a repayment date of no later than two years.
Investors must meet job-creation requirements
In addition to providing capital, eligibility for an EB-5 visa requires that your new enterprise create at least 10 full-time jobs. Each employee hired must show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work and live in the U.S.
By meeting the capital investment and job-creation requirements, investors may apply for an EB-5 visa. The investment into a new American business could serve as a pathway to U.S. citizenship.
