subject: Difference between E-2 treaty investor and EB-5 visa [print this page] Difference between E-2 treaty investor and EB-5 visa
Each year 10,000 EB-5 visas are issued to qualified applicants on the basis of their investment in a new business. The EB-5 visa is an immigrant visa. It provides a path to US lawful permanent residency based on investment. All you need to do is invest in a business in the US. You need not be the sole owner of the business. You can investment with other investors. You need not be involved with the day to day operations of the business. You can even be a minority stakeholder in the business. Out of the 10,000 EB-5 visas issued each year, 3000 are set aside for applicants who invest in regional centers. Regional centers are areas identified by the USCIS for investments by immigrant entrepreneurs.
People from all walks of life can qualify for an EB-5 visa professionals, retirees, businessmen, investors. There are no restrictions on employment. The EB-5 visa provides you the freedom to do what you want in the United States. The EB-5 visa is often the best and cheapest option if you want to obtain a green card and not actively manage a business. You spouse and unmarried children will also be eligible for a green card under the EB-5 visa program.
The EB-5 visa is different from the E-2 treaty investor visa. The E-2 or treaty investor visa is non-immigrant visa. Only nationals of treaty countries can apply for this visa. To be eligible for an E-2 treaty investor visa you must make substantial investment in the US. There is not set minimum amount for investment. Ideally you should invest $200,000 or more. The amount of investment must be sufficient to justify your presence in the US. A major portion of the investment must be made before making an application for the E-2 treaty investor visa. Your purpose of entering the US must be to develop and direct the investment. The investment must be in an operating business.
An EB-5 visa has many advantages over an E-2 treaty investor visa. First of all, an EB-5 visa is an immigrant visa. If your petition is approved, you will be issued a conditional green card. You can subsequently apply to have the conditions removed and obtain lawful permanent residency. An E-2 treaty visa on the other hand is a non-immigrant visa. Your investment in an operating business for the purpose of an E-2 treaty investor visa will not qualify for a green card based on investment.
If you want a green card based on investment please consult with proven experts to assist you with the investment and process of obtaining an EB-5 visa for you and your family.
