Why not buy the green card via $500k investment?
Have been reading a lot of complains around huge wait times (10+ years) for people born in India. I was wondering, if you and your spouse work in tech and are getting $500k in total comp (this is likely in Bay Area and Seattle at least), why not one of you apply under EB5 and just buy the damn thing. Sure, this could be worth years of savings, but you are not throwing that money, you are investing it, and may be later be able to profit from it. I am looking into it since I want to do my own start up and be able to work on it, own it etc. Thoughts?
I think investor visa means that you not only need to invest 500k, but to actually create a business corporation that creates at least 10 jobs for Americans. So it's not just about the investment, it's being involved with creating a startup that can pay 10 salaries as well.
True, but you can do investment in some company’s business, where there are multiple investors and still get this GC.
No. If you are investing through a regional Development Center, all you have to do is give them money. You don't have to involve yourself in creating jobs etc. They will take care of the rest. You will be paying them 20k eb5 fees +50k attorney fees for all that management.
That's sounds true as well. Startups are defined as risky investment so I understand why people wouldn't want to risk losing their life savings to a failed startup.
Although, it's not a bad idea to start buying real estate rentals under an LLC.... And employ a "property manager" per property. After 10 properties (some can be cheap to buy with 20 percent down) you employ 10 people, have 10 investment properties and can get a green card! 😊
See, there are ideas 💡
Pretty certain that is not how it works.
This is definitely doable for folks working in Seattle/SF area who have very high base+Stock compensations. Maybe you will have to clear off some of the stocks but it is manageable.
Just a second, the green card that you get for 500k is temporary I think 6 years, you have to invest a million (or is 2 ) for the permanent one.
You initially get 2 years conditional residency but then you file I829 to remove these conditions and become permanent resident. Details here: https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-fifth-preference-eb-5/eb-5-investors
$500k is the minimum investment. My startup is looking for investors. https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-fifth-preference-eb-5/eb-5-investors
You can't start a startup on a visa
You can but you can’t work for it, you can own it though. But not being able to work on your own startup is a huge problem.
Nope, you can't start one either. If caught, that's grounds for deportation
It also depends on what country you are from. You will have to wait several years before filing the application if you are from India or China.
Really? Didn’t know that. The priority dates are current for EB5 for India and China, just checked that. Do you have any link for this info?
What are the chances of getting back the principle on that investment?
That’s very subjective and will vary case by case basis. You will have to figure that out yourself.
Have you consulted a lawyer on your idea?
Most people don’t have $500k laying around probably
Well if they are able to buy 2 million dollar house with 20% down (I know someone who did), they sure have that much.
They only have that much after earning high salaries here awhile..... renter I take it?