EB-5 Visa for International Students

The EB-5 visa program was formed to help stimulate the economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. The program offers a unique opportunity for international students to obtain a green card and permanent residency in the United States. Getting an EB-5 visa can provide international students with greater stability and security in their post-graduation plans. Here’s how international students can get an EB5 green card:

Program Requirements

The EB-5 visa program requires a minimum investment of $900,000 in a qualifying U.S.-based commercial enterprise. This enterprise can be a new or existing business seeking capital to expand or improve operations. The investment must also create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the investment.

International students interested in the EB-5 visa program can use their own funds or receive donations from family members or business partners. All investment funds must come from legal sources, such as savings, inheritance, or property sales. If you’re unsure about any part of the investment or visa process, find an immigration lawyer to assist you.

Once the investment is made, the international student can apply for an EB5 green card visa. The application process includes completing Form I-526, a petition for alien entrepreneur status. The application must be supported by proper documentation that shows the investment meets the program’s requirements.

U.S. Residency

After Form I-526 is approved, the international student can apply for conditional permanent residency in the U.S. The conditional permanent residency is only valid for two years. It can be converted to permanent residence if the investor can demonstrate that they have met the job creation requirements.

The EB-5 visa program does not require the investor to have a job offer from a U.S. employer or sponsor to become a resident. This means international students participating in the program can work and live in the U.S. without relying on an employer for sponsorship. They can also start their own businesses and create job opportunities for themselves and other U.S. workers.

The EB-5 visa program is a pathway to becoming a U.S. citizen. After five years of holding permanent residency, the international student can apply for U.S. citizenship. Permanent residence and citizenship offer access to numerous benefits, including working in any industry or profession without immigration-based restrictions. Legal citizens have the right to education and healthcare and can travel in and out of the U.S. without a visa.

EB-5 Visa Advantages

The EB-5 visa program has several advantages over other visas, such as the H-1B and F-1 visas. The H-1B does not allow for immigration but allows U.S. employers to hire workers from foreign countries in specialized professions. This visa has a cap, meaning the number of visas granted each year is limited. H-1B visas are only valid for three years and can be renewed for up to six years. After that, the worker must leave the states or start the application process for a different visa.

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to study in the United States. F-1 visas have enrollment and employment limitations. They require students to maintain full-time enrollment and limit the amount of off-campus employment the student can undertake.

The EB-5 visa program offers international students greater flexibility in employment and business opportunities. It also provides a faster route to permanent residency than other programs. While the processing time for the EB-5 visa application can vary, it typically takes between 18 and 24 months. This is faster than the processing times for other employment-based visas.

Apply for an EB5 Green Card Today

The EB-5 visa program is an excellent opportunity for international students to obtain permanent residency in the United States. With an EB-5 visa, international students can enjoy greater stability and security in their long-term plans and increased flexibility in their employment and travel options. EB-5 investors can bring their family members to the United States as dependents, allowing them to experience the benefits of living and studying within the country. 

Explore the websites of EB-5 regional centers near your desired area of study to discover the types of projects they offer. If you believe this visa program is right for you, find an immigration attorney and start your application today.

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].