The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain U.S. residency by investing in a qualifying U.S. business, such as a real estate project, that creates jobs for American workers. At JP Property Investment, we work closely with experienced lawyers to guide foreign buyers through the EB-5 process. Below is a straightforward, step-by-step guide on how we can help you secure an EB-5 visa through real estate investment in South Florida.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Investment Strategy
The first step is to schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss your investment goals and explain the requirements of the EB-5 visa program. We will help you identify qualifying real estate projects that meet the program’s criteria for job creation and investment amounts.
- Investment requirement: A minimum investment of $1,050,000 or $800,000 if the project is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
- Job creation: The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Step 2: Selection of an EB-5 Eligible Real Estate Project
We will help you identify EB-5 eligible real estate projects that fit within the program’s guidelines. These projects are structured to meet the job creation and investment thresholds required for EB-5 approval. Working closely with our network of real estate developers, we will present investment opportunities that align with your financial goals and satisfy EB-5 requirements.
Step 3: Legal Assistance and Documentation Preparation
Once you have selected a qualifying investment project, we will connect you with trusted immigration attorneys who specialize in the EB-5 program. The lawyers will assist you with preparing the necessary documentation to demonstrate that your funds are from a legitimate source and that they will be used for a qualifying investment.
Key documents include:
- Proof of source of funds (bank statements, tax returns, etc.).
- Business plan for the chosen real estate project.
- Investment agreements and contracts.
Step 4: Filing the I-526 Petition
After your investment has been made and all documentation is ready, the immigration attorneys will file the I-526 petition on your behalf. This petition is submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and serves as your official application for the EB-5 visa. It includes all necessary evidence, including details of your investment and the project’s job creation plan.
Step 5: Approval of the I-526 Petition
Once the I-526 petition is approved, you will be granted conditional permanent residency (a conditional Green Card). This allows you and your immediate family (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to live, work, and study in the U.S. for two years.
Step 6: Filing the I-829 Petition to Remove Conditions
At the end of the two-year period, you must file the I-829 petition to remove the conditions on your residency. This petition demonstrates that your investment created the required number of jobs and that the project is still active. Once the I-829 petition is approved, you and your family will receive permanent Green Cards, granting full residency in the U.S.
JP Property Investment works closely with immigration lawyers to ensure that foreign buyers meet all the requirements of the EB-5 visa program. By following this step-by-step process, you can secure U.S. residency through real estate investment in South Florida. From project selection to petition filing, we are here to guide you through each stage of the EB-5 process.