If you’re an international investor with a vision for expanding your horizons and exploring immigration avenues, the United States’ EB-5 Investor Program is a prospect to explore. This visa program, designed to stimulate the American economy through foreign investment and job creation, offers more than just a pathway to a Green Card, it’s a chance for your family to live, work and study within the United States of America. The EB-5 Investor Program also gives you the ability to travel visa-free to 150 countries.
We take a closer look at how you can benefit when investing in this visa.
1. United States residency for you and your family
One of the most significant benefits of the EB-5 visa is the ability to obtain United States residency. Upon approval, you and your immediate family (spouse and children under 21) receive conditional Green Cards. This status allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States, providing a stable foundation for your family’s future. With the introduction of concurrent filing, approval times have become faster to apply for permanent resident status. EB-5 investors already in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas can now apply to adjust their status along with their EB-5 application.
2. Pathway to United States citizenship
The EB-5 visa does grant you conditional residency, but it is also a pathway to United States citizenship. After holding a Green Card for five years, you can apply for United States citizenship, gaining the rights and privileges that come with it, including the ability to vote and travel with a United States passport.
3. Access to top-tier education
The United States is home to some of the world’s leading educational institutions. With an EB-5 visa, your children can take advantage of high-quality education from primary through higher education levels. Your children have access to over 4000 higher education institutions in the USA to choose from, and let’s not leave out the top ranked Ivy League colleges specialising in private research and academic excellence.
This educational advantage can significantly enhance their future and bolster their career prospects.
4. Business and investment vantage
The EB-5 program is designed to encourage investment in the United States economy. As a successful investor, you will be able to scope and explore the thriving business market with numerous ventures. Whether you’re interested in real estate, technology, or other sectors, the United States offers a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs and investors.
5. Quality of life
Living in the United States provides a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a diverse cultural landscape. The country’s climates vary from sunny Florida to snowy Alaska, which complement the different lifestyle needs. The world-renowned attractions and safe neighbourhoods with walkable commutes make it an appealing destination for many families.
6. Networking and professional growth
The United States is a global hub for networking and professional development. As an EB-5 investor, you’ll have the chance to connect with industry leaders, attend exclusive events, and expand your professional network, which can open doors to new ventures and collaborations.
7. Investing in the United States Dollar
While the primary goal of the EB-5 program is to secure United States residency, your investment allows you to hedge your capital in one of the strongest currencies in the world. For South African investors, you will be able to invest from Rand to Dollars. 12 Star Capital has a number of completed and successful EB-5 investor projects and new developments have been launched to provide further opportunities.
8. Enhanced travel flexibility
Holding a United States Green Card allows for enhanced travel flexibility. You can travel in and out of the country with greater ease compared to other visa types. This makes it simpler to manage business operations and family commitments across different countries.
The EB-5 Investor Program offers more than just a route to United States residency. It unlocks a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth, and enhanced quality of life for you and your family.
For more information about the EB-5 visa program and how it can work for you, feel free to reach out to our dedicated team. Your journey to new opportunities in the United States is streamlined and efficient as we tap into our extensive expertise and diverse partnerships with industry leaders in immigration, tax and finance.