We have a 100% approval rating for every EB-5 petition we’ve ever submitted; we have successfully processed work-based Visas and Green Cards for top multinational enterprises; and we have united numerous families by successfully filing family-based Green Card Petitions.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, foreign investors can apply for a Green Card if they: (1) invest in a new commercial enterprise in the United States, and (2) plan to create ten permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
There are two options for a prospective EB-5 investor: (1) either by direct investment or (2) formation of a Regional Center. Depending on the option chosen, $500,000 is the minimum requirement for investment in the TEA (targeted employment area) and the $1,000,000 is for the non-TEA. Each option makes the EB-5 investor’s spouse, and their unmarried children under age 21, eligible to receive a Green Card.
SKT has earned its reputation by providing guidance on EB-5 Regional Center designations and amendments, investor Visas for Regional Centers, stand-alone projects, and direct investment opportunities. Filing EB-5 Petitions includes I-526 Petitions, I-829 Petitions, and I-924 Applications – all of which SKT has successfully enjoyed a 100% approval rating.
Direct Investment
A direct EB-5 investment is best suited for an investor who wants to own and be directly involved in the operation of the new commercial enterprise. Since this option requires more time and effort, the investor should be well-versed in business practices, and should also formulate a business plan that will project the creation of ten jobs for qualified U.S. workers within two years after becoming a conditional lawful permanent resident. A qualified U.S. worker is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee. Jobs created for non-immigrant workers or members of the EB-5 investor’s family do not qualify.
Regional Center Investment
EB-5 requirements for an investor who has invested in a Regional Center project are essentially the same as a direct EB-5 investment. The only difference is that these investments are affiliated with an economic unit known as a “Regional Center”. A Regional Center is a business entity that coordinates foreign EB-5 investments within an area in compliance with EB-5 statutory, regulatory, and precedent decision framework.
A Regional Center investment is best suited for an investor who would rather participate in the policy-making activities of the business, instead of managing the day-to-day activities of the business. Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies have generally been recognized as appropriate investment vehicles under the EB-5 program.