What is the U.S. Golden Visa?

In recent years, the United States has seen a surge in interest from those seeking permanent residence there.

Official data shows that the U.S. issued just over a million Green Cards in 2022, an increase of nearly 38% from the previous year. As of January 2023, 12.7 million permanent Green Card holders were living in the U.S.

One avenue for those wanting to secure a Green Card is the EB-5 investor visa program, otherwise known as the U.S. golden visa.

This program offers foreign investors and their families the chance to become permanent residents in the U.S. by investing in the country's economy.

This guide explores the U.S. golden visa, including how it works and the benefits it can offer foreign investors

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What is a golden visa?

A golden visa is the name given to either a residency or citizenship by investment program.

They allow foreign nationals to become citizens or residents in a country by investing in its economy. The type of investment depends on the scheme but can include:

Real estate investments
Government bonds
Other investments tied to economic growth

What is the U.S. golden visa

In the U.S., the golden visa is known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

The EB-5 Visa is run by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is designed to stimulate economic growth through foreign investment and employment creation.

Through the EB-5 Visa Program, foreign investors can secure permanent residency status, otherwise known as a Green Card. This also extends to the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21.

How does the U.S. golden visa work?

Investors must satisfy specific criteria to qualify for the U.S. golden visa, also known as the EB-5 Program. This includes:

Investment requirements

The minimum investment amount for the EB-5 Visa is $1,050,000 or $800,000 if the project is in a targeted employment area (TEA). A TEA is either a rural area or one with an unemployment rate of at least 150% of the national average.

There are two primary EB-5 investment options:

Direct investments
Investing through an EB-5 regional center

Application process

Part of the EB-5 application process requires investors to submit an I-526 petition. Form I-526 shows that the investor is eligible for the EB-5 Visa and that the investment requirements have been met. Once approved, investors will become conditional Green Card holders.

Job creation

Investors must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years of receiving their conditional green card.

Removal of conditions

Within 90 days of the conditional Green Card expiring, an I-829 Petition can be filed with the USCIS. Once approved, the residency conditions are removed, and permanent residency is granted.

Benefits of the U.S. golden visa

The U.S. golden visa offers several advantages for investors. These include:

Permanent residence

Investors and their immediate families can become permanent residents in the U.S. This allows them to live, work and study anywhere in the country

No sponsorship required

Unlike other employment-based visas, the EB-5 program does not require sponsorship from an employer or family member.

Access to a world-class education

Seven of the top ten universities in the world are based in the U.S. Investors and their children have access to these universities, often at a lower rate than international students.

Business opportunities

Investors can pursue business ventures and investment opportunities in the thriving U.S. economy.

A route to U.S. citizenship

After five years of permanent residency, investors can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Secure your U.S. golden visa with Holborn

The U.S. golden visa, better known as the EB-5 visa program, offers a unique pathway for foreign investors to gain permanent resident status.

Download our factsheet to learn more about the EB-5 Visa. Here, you will find key information on all areas of the program. Alternatively, speak to one of our specialists.

Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas. Our team provides expert advice and end-to-end service to support you throughout the EB-5 process.

We are part of the wider Holborn Assets Group, a leading, award-winning financial advisory company with over $2 billion in assets under management (AUM)

Book a consultation with one of our advisers to learn how we can help you secure your EB-5 visa.

Frequently asked questions

The U.S. Golden Visa program, or EB-5 Visa, offers foreign investors and their families a pathway to obtain permanent residency (green card) in the U.S. by making a capital investment and creating jobs.

The minimum investment for the U.S. golden visa is $1,050,000 or $800,000 if the project is in a targeted employment area (TEA).

The benefits include:

· Live, work and study anywhere in the U.S.

· Gain the ability to self-sponsor

· Apply for citizenship after five years

The processing time for a U.S. golden visa can vary, but the average processing time is around 12 months. Speak to one of our experts to gain a more accurate understanding of the processing time.

Investments can be made in new commercial enterprises. This can include creating a new business, expanding an existing one, or restructuring a troubled one. Additionally, investments must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years.

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