Green Card Options for Entrepreneurs and Investors

1. What are the green card options for entrepreneurs and investors?


Green card options for entrepreneurs and investors include:
• EB-5 Investor Visa – For investors who are willing to invest at least $500,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S., create 10 full-time jobs, and show that the investment will benefit the U.S. economy.

• L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa – For entrepreneurs who own a foreign business and want to open a U.S. branch.

• E-2 Treaty Investor Visa – For investors from countries with which the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation.

• O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa – For entrepreneurs with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

• EB-2 National Interest Waiver – For entrepreneurs whose work will be of significant national interest to the United States.

2. Does an entrepreneur or investor need to speak English to be eligible for a green card?


No, an entrepreneur or investor does not need to speak English to be eligible for a green card. However, a knowledge of English may be beneficial in helping the individual navigate the visa process and establish a successful business venture.

3. How much investment is necessary to qualify for a green card through an investor program?


The requirements and amount of investment necessary to qualify for a green card through an investor program vary depending on the program. For example, the EB-5 Investor Program requires a minimum investment of $900,000 USD or $1.8 million USD depending on the location of the investment business.

4. What documents are required to apply for a green card for entrepreneurs and investors?


To apply for a green card for entrepreneurs and investors, the following documents are generally required:

• Passport

• Proof of investment funds, such as bank statements, letters from investors, and/or documents showing ownership interest in a business.

• Business plan detailing the structure of the company and its goals.

• Income tax returns and financial documents for the past three to five years, demonstrating a consistent flow of income.

• Personal resume or CV.

• Evidence of a qualifying job offer, such as a job offer letter from a U.S. employer.

• Documentation showing that the applicant has the necessary qualifications to be an entrepreneur or investor, such as diplomas or certificates for relevant coursework or experience.

5. Can foreign entrepreneurs and investors get permanent residency through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?


Yes, foreign entrepreneurs and investors can get permanent residency through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The program requires applicants to invest in a new commercial enterprise in the United States and to create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Upon approval, the investor and their family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) become eligible for US permanent residency (a “Green Card”).

6. How long does it typically take to obtain a green card through an entrepreneur or investor program?


The typical processing time for a green card through an entrepreneur or investor program can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the specific program and the individual’s circumstances.

7. Are applicants subject to any type of health examination when applying for a green card through an investor or entrepreneur program?


No, applicants are not subject to any type of health examination when applying for a green card through an investor or entrepreneur program. However, once the applicant has been approved for permanent residence, they will be required to undergo a medical examination by a designated physician as part of the process.

8. What is the difference between the EB-5 Investor Program and the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Program?


The EB-5 Investor Program is a federal program which grants permanent residency to immigrants who invest a minimum of $500,000 in a new or existing commercial enterprise that will create or preserve 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Program is a nonimmigrant visa program designed for nationals of certain countries with which the United States has an investment treaty. This visa allows investors to come to the United States to develop and direct an investment enterprise, but it does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

9. Does an entrepreneur or investor need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for a green card?


No, an entrepreneur or investor does not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for a green card. There are several federal programs available that can help foreign entrepreneurs and investors obtain a green card.

10. Can foreign entrepreneurs and investors start their own business in the United States with a green card?


Yes, foreign entrepreneurs and investors can start their own business in the United States with a green card. However, the green card holder must demonstrate that they have sufficient funding to start the business, as well as meet all of the other requirements for starting a business in the US, such as obtaining business licenses and permits.

11. What types of businesses are eligible for an investor visa or green card?


Businesses that qualify for an investor visa or green card include: startups, existing business, regional centers, and commercial enterprises. To be eligible, the enterprise must show the potential to generate at least 10 jobs and demonstrate capital investment of at least $1 million (or $500,000 in certain targeted employment areas). The business must also comply with the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and regulations set forth by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

12. How long does it take to process an application for an investor or entrepreneur green card?


The processing time for an investor or entrepreneur green card can vary depending on your specific case and processing location. However, it typically takes between 6 and 9 months for a green card application to be processed from the initial filing of the application to the issuance of a green card.

13. Are spouses and children of entrepreneurs and investors eligible for the same green card status?


Yes. Spouses and children of both entrepreneurs and investors are eligible for the same green card status.

14. Are there any age restrictions when applying for a green card through an investor program?


Yes, in order to obtain a green card through an investor program, applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

15. Are there any other special requirements or considerations when applying for a green card as an investor or entrepreneur?


Yes. An investor or entrepreneur applying for a green card is subject to certain additional requirements, such as having a valid business plan, adequate capitalization, a history of successful investments, and the ability to generate enough jobs for US workers. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate substantial investment in a qualifying enterprise and an ability to manage their business.

16. Is it possible to extend or renew a green card obtained through an entrepreneur or investor program?


Yes, it is possible to extend or renew a green card obtained through an entrepreneur or investor program. This must be done by filing Form I-90.

17. Are applicants subject to background check when applying for a green card as an entrepreneur or investor?


Yes. Applicants for a green card as an entrepreneur or investor are subject to background checks. This is done to make sure that the individual does not have any criminal history that would make them ineligible for the green card. In addition, applicants may be subject to other forms of security clearances and background checks depending on their country of origin and other factors.

18. Is it possible to work in other countries while holding an entrepreneurial or investor green card?


Yes, it is possible to work in other countries while holding an entrepreneurial or investor green card. The key requirement is that you must spend a majority of your time in the U.S., as required by the USCIS. Depending on the country in which you plan to work, you may need to meet certain visa requirements in order to do so legally. You should also be aware that any income earned outside the U.S. may be subject to different tax rules in the foreign country, so it is important to consult with a tax professional in order to ensure you remain compliant with all U.S. and foreign tax laws.

19. Can investors apply for permanent residency in the United States through employment-based programs?


Yes. Investors may apply for permanent residency in the United States through employment-based programs such as the EB-5 Investment Visa program. This program allows investors to invest $500,000 or more in a new or existing U.S. business and create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers in exchange for permanent residency.

20. Is the investment amount required by an investor program affected by the location of the business in the United States?


Yes, the investment amount required by an investor program can be affected by the location of the business in the United States. Certain targeted locations may require lower investment amounts, while other locations may have higher requirements. Furthermore, certain states may have their own investor programs with specific requirements.