If you are interested in the EB-5 investment visa, the biggest decision you will make during the process is choosing between a direct investment and a pilot program regional investment center. When making this decision, it is vital that you understand the major differences between these two paths and which is right for you. It is important to understand that neither path is “better” or “worse” than the other – they cater to different people with different goals and different needs. Let’s take a closer look at the major differences between the two EB-5 investment options:
In an EB-5 direct investment . . .
- You must invest one million dollars in a project.
- The business must be a new enterprise – or an enterprise in an underdeveloped area.
- The investor must be present at the inception of the enterprise.
- The investor must be active in the day-to-day operations of the business.
- Direct employment creation must take place for your investment to be considered successful.
In an EB-5 regional center investment…
- You must invest $500,000 in a pre-approved regional center.
- You do not have to invest in a new business.
- You do not have to be present at the inception of the business.
- Your role in the business can be largely symbolic – you do not have to be involved.
- You can create new jobs in an indirect manner.
As you might guess after reading about these two programs, many more investors are attracted to the EB-5 regional center investment because it generally comes with fewer requirements. However, foreign business people who want a more hands-on approach and who look forward to starting their own enterprise may find that a direct investment is right for them.
Perhaps the best way to discover which path to an EB-5 visa is right for you is to speak with a California green card lawyer about your hopes and dreams about life in the United States as well as your investment wishes. Call Jatoi & de Kirby, APC today to set up a free, confidential appointment with an experienced visa attorney.
