subject: Find Out The Costs Typically Associated With Investors' Visas [print this page] The eb5 visa is one such type, as it requires an investment of $500,000 if you choose to use a regional center, and $1 million if you do not. However, these are not the only costs associated with investors' visas like the eb5. Consider the possible upfront costs before you even start the process, especially if you have plans to take your entire family with you to the U.S.
One of the first steps to take is to get legal representation. The fees for an immigration attorney definitely vary. However, they usually are not over $15,000. Sometimes they are less, and in some cases, they could be more expensive. Just remember that cost does not always correlate with quality, so a more expensive immigration attorney might not necessarily be better than a cheaper one, and vice versa. Some lawyers might also have certain rules as far as when you can pay them the money, so be sure to get the financial details worked out upon meeting with him or her.
There are also other fees associated with getting investors' visas like the eb5. For example, you will need to pay a filing fee to the USCIS. The exact amount could change with time, but it is around $1400 per family. You and each of your immediate relatives that you plan to bring with you will need a medical exam. Those age 15 and over usually need to pay $145 each, and those under 15 cost about $125. Additionally, many regional centers also have separate fees, so it is important to understand the process and its costs before you sign on with a particular center.
Of course, in many cases, you will be visiting the United States before you are approved. This is especially true if you want to check out the area in which you will be living prior to the big move. Therefore, you will need to make plans to pay for travel fees. These include plane tickets, hotel costs, and rental car charges. Obviously if you plan to take the train or drive your own car, the costs will be different, but either way, plan accordingly so that you have enough to have some fun while exploring the area.
In general, most people using investors' visas have some money put away or they would not be able to afford this kind of entrance to the United States. However, if you are one of those who has scrimped and saved every penny for years in order to have this opportunity, just be sure to plan ahead for other expenses, as well. This will ensure that you and your family are less stressed out during the eb5 visa process.
