Citizens of commonwealth countries often express a strong desire to seek employment in the US , primarily driven by the prospect of better wages and enhanced opportunities . Citizens of India in particular , have chosen to pursue the path of the EB-5 visa due to the prevailing visa backlogs on other employment-based visa categories such as EB2 and EB3 . For this reason , Indian nationals have increasingly turned to the EB-5 program as it provides a more straightforward path to obtaining a greencard in the United States , bypassing the lengthy visa queues that can span over a decade for certain visa categories .
" Indian nationals have increasingly turned to the EB-5 program as it provides a more straightforward path to obtaining a greencard in the United States ."
However , the appeal of the EB-5 program extends beyond Indian-born nationals and encompasses citizens of other commonwealth countries as well . This program offers a range of benefits , one of which is the freedom to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship or reliance on the highly competitive H-1B visa lottery system . Green card holders , on the other hand , enjoy the privilege of working anywhere in the US for any employer of their choosing . It is important to add that individuals currently holding a valid immigration status , such as an E2 visa , H1-B or even F1 visa , have the ability to adjust their status alongside their I-526 application and receive a work permit and a travel document , enabling them to avoid consular processing and continuing living and working in the US under their pending EB-5 application .
Individuals holding green card status through the EB-5 program have also the opportunity to establish their own business within the US . Notably , citizens from select commonwealth countries , including Britain , New Zealand , Australia , Canada , and others , can currently open and operate a business under the E2 visa , a non-immigrant visa category . However , it ' s important to note that the E2 visa often imposes limitations , such as allowing opportunity to run only one business , the inability of the main applicant to be employed full-time and finally , lacking a direct path to immigrant status . Additionally , the children of E2 visa holders are considered dependents only until they reach the age of 21 , thereafter they must seek another status to remain legal in US . In contrast , the EB-5 route offers distinct advantages as an immigrant pathway . Individuals pursuing the EB-5 program can open and operate multiple businesses without such restrictions once they become green card holders . If f the investor ' s children are under 21
years of age at the time of application , they will be included as dependents and receive green cards alongside their parents , granting their access to the numerous benefits and opportunities afforded by permanent residency in the US . The EB-5 program thus provides a comprehensive and appealing avenue for investors seeking long-term business prospects and the accompanying advantages for their families .
EB-5 AS A PATH OF CITIZENSHIP AFTER FIVE YEARS
A further compelling advantage of pursuing the EB-5 visa route is the potential to acquire an additional citizenship . Upon holding green card status for a period of five years , which includes the two-year conditional green card period , investors will have the opportunity to apply for US citizenship , provided they fulfil the residency requirement . This pathway offers a remarkable prospect for investors to not only establish a solid foundation in the US but also to potentially become citizens and enjoy the many benefits of being a US citizen such as travelling visa-free to over 186 countries . Other benefits of obtaining US citizenship include the privilege of voting , the ability to sponsor other family members and bringing them to the US ( eg : parents and siblings ) as well as gaining the right to spend extensive time outside of the US without losing the right to come back and live in the country .
It is not surprising that many citizens from Commonwealth countries have chosen to pursue permanent legal residence in the US , and this trend is continuously on the rise . The US offers a range of opportunities and benefits that appeal to Commonwealth citizens . Its robust economy , diverse industries , and entrepreneurial environment provide a great ground for professional growth , job opportunities and business ventures . The American education system is also highly regarded globally , with numerous prestigious universities and colleges that offer world-class educational programs . Commonwealth citizens often consider sending their children to study in the US , recognizing the quality of education and the potential career prospects that come with it . The EB-5 program , therefore , offers the investor and their family a straight route to enjoy all of the benefits United States has to offer .
Joana Fernandes is the US country manager at EB5 BRICS LLC , where she educates international investors regarding the complete EB-5 visa process . With profound experience in immigration law and business , she leverages her knowledge to offer guidance to investors encompassing both immigration law and the investment aspect of the EB-5 investor immigrant visa .
22 EB5 INVESTORS MAGAZINE