Introduction to EB5 Visa Program
Lately, we have seen that many students return from the US after concluding their studies, mostly due to not being able to acquire a job opportunity or sponsorship for their visa. The reason for this could be attributed to the H1B visa regulations, which make it hard for employers to offer visa sponsorships.
But what can be done to ensure that your child can remain in the U.S. even after their studies? It is quite easy to get them a Green Card by investing in the EB-5 visa program.
The EB5 visa program is an investment based residency program established by the US Government which offers a golden opportunity to foreign investors and their spouses and children up to 21 years of age to acquire US Permanent Residency, popularly know as the Green Card.
The EB-5 visa program requires a minimum investment of $1,050,000 in a commercial project in the US. However, this reduces to $800,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area(TEA), i.e. areas where the unemployment level is 150% above the national average or Rural Areas. Along with the investment, the foreign investors are also required to facilitate the creation of ten full-time jobs for U.S. citizens.
How Your Child Can Benefit From EB-5 Visa?
Better chance of admission to top universities
Start your own Business/Profession
Lower Fees*(Subject to certain conditions)
Better Internships and Placements through campus
Switch jobs and shift to various parts of the US for better opportunities.
Just take a break after studies and continue staying in US
Benefits of the EB5 Visa Program
1. The EB-5 visa program allows students with F1 visas to change their status from a temporary resident in the U.S. to a permanent one seamlessly.
2. Students with Green Cards are treated at par with US residents. They can get admission into top universities much easier than international students for whom only a limited number of seats are available.
3. Additionally, Green Card-holding students also have the advantage of in-state tuition fees, which are much lower than international Tuition fees, which makes the otherwise expensive education for foreign students in the U.S. affordable.
4. While they are studying, they stand a better chance of getting internships as well as jobs with the help of campus placements.
5. After completing their education, they can freely apply for jobs based on their career aspirations without worrying about sponsorships and H1 B Visas, thereby eliminating dependency on their employers. They can also switch jobs to pursue better opportunities freely or even start their own business or profession.
6. Travel becomes easy with a Green Card as they do not have to deal with the hassles of stamping visas when entering the US. Moreover, once they get US citizenship and a Passport, they can travel Visa-free to over 170 countries.
7. US Citizenship also entitles them to Government jobs, thereby widening their career prospects.
8. With the stability and security which come with US residency/Citizenship, your children can plan their future with certainty and enjoy a prosperous life.
The recent changes in the EB-5 program now allow you to apply for concurrent filing for Adjustment of Status (AoS) immediately upon filing your EB-5 Petition. This is a big bonanza for those already in the U.S. on an F1 or H1B visa, as you can start reaping the benefits of being a permanent U.S. resident almost immediately.
EB-5 Visa for students presents an excellent opportunity to secure U.S. residency without relying on employer sponsorship thereby ensuring stress free job security for students. You can obtain your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) which is an open work permit, as well as a Travel Document, usually within 3 months of filing your EB-5 application. This means you can stay and work freely in the U.S. without dependence on an employer for sponsorship. Also, with the Travel Document, you can travel in and out of the U.S. without stamping your visas.
New Benefits to F1/H1-B Visa Holders in the US
If you are a student on F1 Visa you can
- Continue to live in the US even after your F1 Visa expires
- Take up employment or start your own business/ profession (on receipt of EAD)
- Travel freely (on receipt of a Travel Permit) into and out of the US
If you are an employee working on an H1-B Visa,
- No dependency on your employer to stay in the US
- Freely change your job (on receipt of EAD)
- Start your own business or profession (on receipt of EAD)
As you can see, the EB-5 Visa program, in its new avatar, with benefits like concurrent filing not only provides immediate protection to F1 and H1B visa holders in the U.S. against the uncertainties and insecurities associated with the job situation but also offers a direct pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship. This ensures a prosperous, stable, and secure future in the U.S.
Take the first step to secure your children’s future in the U.S. Explore the EB-5 Visa program today. To learn more, visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel, or fill out the form and contact us.
About Acquest Advisors
Acquest Advisors is a trusted immigration consultant agency specializing in Business Immigration and Residency/Citizenship by Investment programs across the U.S., Europe and UAE.
We offer comprehensive, end-to-end support, assisting clients with source of funds planning, investment selection—whether in projects, property, or business—as well as documentation, business plan preparation, and foreign remittance. Our dedicated team ensures a smooth and hassle-free immigration journey.
With an in-house team of experts and a network of professionals, including top attorneys, bankers, chartered accountants, regional centers, developers, fund managers, and business sellers, we provide tailored solutions for investors. As an experienced EB-5 visa consultant, we guide clients through the EB-5 visa process, helping them achieve U.S. residency with confidence and clarity.
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FAQs
The EB5 visa program is an investment-based residency program that provides international investors, along with their spouses and children up to age 21, with an opportunity to obtain a U.S. Permanent Residency. To qualify for the EB-5 visa program, a minimum investment of $1,050,000 must be made in a U.S. commercial project. This drops to $800,000, though, if the investment is undertaken in a Targeted Employment Area. In addition to making the investment, the foreign investors must help create ten full-time jobs for Americans.
The EB-5 Visa program is an investment-based residency program established by the U.S. government in 1990. It provides foreign investors a pathway to permanent residency in the United States through investment and employment development. Candidates must have specific qualifications, one of which is making a sizeable financial investment in a newly established business. This program aims to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment from foreign nationals.
The recent changes to the EB-5 Visa program now allow for concurrent filing for Adjustment of Status (AoS) immediately upon filing the EB-5 petition. For individuals who are currently in the country on an F1 or H1B visa, this is a huge benefit since it allows you to begin enjoying the advantages of permanent residency in the country nearly right away. In 3-6 months, you can obtain your travel document, work permit, and Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This implies that you are no longer dependent on your company for sponsorship, allowing you to remain and work freely in the U.S. You can also enter and exit the U.S. using the Travel Document without getting your visas stamped.
To learn more about the EB-5 Visa program and how it can secure your family’s future in the U.S., you can:
- Visit Our YouTube Channel: Watch our videos for an overview of the program and its benefits.
- Schedule a Consultation: Contact us for personalized guidance on requirements, investment options, and the application process so you can make wise decisions.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or to book your consultation.
Yes, you can apply for the EB5 Visa if you are already in the U.S. on an F-1 or H-1B visa. The recent changes allowing concurrent filing for Adjustment of Status can significantly speed up the process of obtaining U.S. residency and citizenship.
To stay updated on changes to the EB-5 Visa program, you can:
Monitor official government websites and news sources
Visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel or contact us by filling out the form
Consult with experienced immigration attorneys and advisors
Join industry forums and discussion groups
Attend seminars and workshops on the EB-5 Visa program
Under the EB-5 program, the primary investor’s immediate family members, including their spouse and unmarried children under 21, qualify as dependents. This means they receive a U.S. Green Card along with the investor. However, due to processing times, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may help certain children who turn 21 during the process retain eligibility. Acquest Advisors can guide you through the details.
Under the EB5 visa program, a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is a designated region that qualifies for a reduced investment threshold. TEAs include rural areas or locations with high unemployment—defined as at least 150% of the national average unemployment rate. Investing in a TEA allows EB-5 applicants to qualify with a lower minimum investment amount of $ 800,000 , making the path to U.S. residency more accessible.
The EB-5 program provides a pathway to U.S. permanent residency but does not guarantee a Green Card. Investors must meet all program requirements, including investing at least $800,000 in a qualifying commercial enterprise and creating at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Approval depends on USCIS adjudication, compliance with regulations, and project success. Acquest Advisors can help navigate the process effectively.
The EB5 visa program allocates 10,000 Greencards annually globally. This includes primary investors and their dependents. Out of this a portion is reserved for specific categories like rural areas (20%), high-unemployment areas (10%), and infrastructure projects (2%) as per the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA).
Furthermore out of the 10,000 global greencards available under EB-5 there is a country specific limit of 7% meaning India is allocated 700 greencards and so are other countries. These limits can impact processing times, so staying informed and working with experts like Acquest Advisors can help streamline your EB-5 journey.