The American Legal Center

A foreign investor invests in a US business. Ten jobs get created. In return, that investor and their immediate family can apply for a green card. That's the short version of the EB-5 investment visa , and it works without an employer, a job offer, or a family member already living in the country. What Is the EB-5 Investment Visa Program, and How Does It Work? The program dates back to 1990, when Congress wanted a way to pull outside capital into the US economy. A foreign national invests in a qualifying business and receives a US investment visa once USCIS reviews and approves the case. It sounds simple on paper. In practice, most of the work happens before the money ever moves, since the investment amount and the source of funds both need documentation. Here's what USCIS actually requires: ●       $800,000 if the project sits in a targeted employment area (TEA), or $1,050,000 anywhere else ( Source ) ●       Documentation s...

Interest in the proposed Trump Gold Card Visa has been growing among high-net-worth investors exploring pathways to U.S. permanent residency. The concept has generated significant curiosity globally, including among investors in the UAE and GCC evaluating the EB-5 program as a route to U.S. residency. The Gold Card proposal suggests that investors could obtain U.S. residency by making a substantial financial contribution to the U.S. government. Early indications suggest the required contribution could be around $1 million or more per applicant. However, the program is still largely conceptual and many key elements remain undefined. In recent developments a Trump Gold Card website and online portal have reportedly been launched allowing prospective applicants to register their interest in the program. Some prospective investors are even paying retainers to advisors and law firms in an effort to be first in line should the program formally open for applications. At the same time, the pro...