6 Steps to Gain US Citizenship by Investment via EB5 Visa
Getting US citizenship through EB-5 program can be challenging but certainly not as tedious as going through a conventional process. If you meet the requirements, you are qualified to apply for a green card. So, if you’re opting for a US citizenship through an EB-5 visa, you need to follow certain stages which takes from five to seven years.
Let’s look at the six steps to gain US citizenship by investment.
1. Search for the Right Project
An investor needs to find a suitable company or a regional project to invest into. They can even open their own business.
2. Invest
When a citizenship applicant chooses a project, they need to invest in it. Transferring money to a company account is an example of investing. While investing a certain amount in a targeted employment area counts as a valid investment, the amount may vary depending on several factors.
3. Submit a Petition
The investor(applicant) needs to submit an I-526 petition to USCIS to get the EB-5 visa. The investor would be needed to talk about themselves and their family and business in which the money is invested. They need to attach a documentary evidence of investment and legality documents along with a business plan attached to the petition. A US immigration lawyer can help you with the legalities involved.
4. Temporary Green Card
In the initial two years, the investor’s green card has a temporary or conditional status. During this tenure, the applicant will need to fulfill the program requirements by maintaining and creating 10 jobs and being in the country for over six months in a year. In case the green card conditions are violated, you won’t get the green card or it will be cancelled.
5. Permanent Green Card
Once you live over a year and nine months of living in the United States, it’s time to file an I-829 petition with USCIS. This will change your status and you’ll receive a permanent green card. You need to ensure that the business is working, it meets all requirements and jobs are saved and created.
6. Apply for Citizenship
Usually, after you live in the country for five years, you can receive a permanent green card. However, one of the perks of applying for citizenship with an EB-5 visa is you can apply for citizenship after three years.
In conclusion
So if you want US citizenship by investment, these steps mentioned in the article are required. If you need more help with this or want to know about US immigration, contact US immigration attorney in India or a company like Ajmera Law Group. They can help with the information you need.