United States of America is considered a country of immigrants. Many foreign nationals move to the United States every year to fulfill their American Dream. While the path to becoming the immigrant may differ, the consensus is that green card leads to more opportunities than a student visa or a work permit. An EB-5 visa investment is an excellent way to secure U.S. permanent residency for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). Unlike other international citizenship programs, EB-5 visa does not require any professional skill, educational or language qualification. Here are some of the reasons why HNIs from around the world have secured a green card for their families and for themselves.
No Sponsorship Required
EB-5 visa does not require family or employment sponsorship. An EB-5 Investor can sponsor himself and qualifying dependents which include spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21. Employment based visas such as H-1B, L-1B and L-1A are very restrictive. H-1B visa holders find it hard to switch jobs as they can only work for H-1B sponsoring employers. Life is more difficult for L-1B and L-1A visa holders because they are completely restricted to the sponsoring entity. A successful EB-5 visa application results in a green card, this allows EB-5 investors and their qualifying dependents to pursue education without the need of a student visa, profession without the need of employment sponsorship and even establish their own businesses. In addition, green card holders no longer are exposed to political changes or fluctuating job markets.
If you are inclined to start your own business, you can do so without restrictions. Namely, there is no need to apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, which only allows you to stay for up to five years and limits your ability to participate in outside ventures other than the one you were approved for. Moreover, E-2 visa requires frequent renewals with proof of existence of business in order for the E-2 visa holder to live and work in the United States.
COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. Holders of student visas and work permits found themselves stuck in the United States worrying about their families overseas. Among those who were brave enough to travel outside the United States to visit their family, many were stuck overseas because they were unable to get visa stamp to re-enter United States because of U.S. consulate closures in many countries. This led to some of the H-1B visa holders being fired from their jobs and being barred from entering the United States unless they found alternate employment.
Access to Quality Education
Upon successful completion of the EB-5 visa process and receipt of green card, the EB-5 investors and the qualifying dependents can pursue education in the United States without a student visa. This increases the number of schools they can apply to as not every school admits international students. Further, as a green card holder, EB-5 Investors and their qualifying dependents may be able to take advantage of lower tuition for in-state residents and can apply for financial aid programs like FAFSA. In addition, they are not subject to the restrictions international students face and can therefore work while studying, participate in internship programs, and pursue postgraduate positions.
Ease of Travel
Green card holders are free to live and work anywhere in the United States. Further, a green card gives visa free access to Canada and Mexico. Green card holders can also apply for an American passport after meeting the requirements. U.S. has travel treaties with the European Union (EU) and other developed nations which allows for visa free travel to many countries for U.S. passport holders. Further, Green card holders have certainty of re-entering the United States as far as they have not abandoned their permanent residence status, whereas visa holders are not guaranteed re-entry in the United States. Under certain circumstances, H-1B visa holders have been stuck overseas for long periods of time because they are unable to get a consulate appointment to get their visa stamped to re-enter the United States.
Access to the World’s Largest Consumer Market and Ease of Doing Business
United States is the world’s largest consumer market. U.S. boasts the world’s highest per-capita income. U.S. is also home to the largest network of angel investors. Further, U.S. legislature and judiciary are very aggressive in protecting intellectual property of the creators. All these factors make U.S. a very attractive place to establish a business. After attaining a green card, EB-5 investors may find it easy to establish their start-up, attract funding, and grow their business.
Access to Advanced Medical Health Care Services
Four of the top ten hospitals in the world are located in the United States. The Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital are known for their medical research and innovation.
Stability and Certainty
Along with the numerous benefits listed above, political and economic stability may be a central consideration for EB-5 investors and their dependents. With its democratic government, strong infrastructure, innovative health care system, and high-quality education institutions, permanent residency in the United States makes it easier for international investors to achieve their American Dream.
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