Investor Visa USA: Complete Guide Overview

The United States offers limitless potential for economic growth through international trade, innovation, and networking. Foreign nationals looking to invest in a US business via the EB-5 and E-2 Visas can become eligible for an Investor Visa. This, in turn, grants successful applicants and their immediate family members either permanent residency or non-immigrant status.

Stick to learn about:

• What is the Investor Visa USA?
• Financial requirements
• Required documents

What is the Investor Visa USA?

The Investor Visas in the United States are programs divided into two categories: EB-5 Visa and E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. These programs are promoting economic growth and allow successful applicants to move and work in the US in exchange for a qualifying investment.

EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 Visa (immigrant visa), which some may refer to as the USA Golden Visa, is an investor visa that leads to a Green Card (permanent resident status). Applicants must provide a capital investment of $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise or $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs).

The EB-5 Investor Visa application requires a scalable business plan to boost job creation and create ten full-time jobs for US workers. Immigrant investors can invest in a bona fide commercial enterprise, regional centers, or a troubled business.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 Investor Visa is a non-immigrant investor program for foreign nationals of a treaty country. The E-2 Visa grants a non-immigrant status, so visa holders can move to the US and start their own business.

Applicants must make a capital investment in a US business or entity. There is no set minimum investment amount, but the qualifying investment must be at risk and sufficient to ensure successful operation. The commercial enterprise must be “bona fide” and a non-marginal enterprise, aiming to create more funds than just a minimal living for the visa holder.

The processing time for the E-2 Visa varies based on your home country. The United States maintains a commerce and navigation treaty with over 80 countries. Some of the countries eligible for an E-2 Visa are Canada, Egypt, and Costa Rica.

Financial Requirements for the Investor Visa USA

There are two distinct financial requirements for the USA Investor Visas. The EB-5 Visa has higher financial thresholds, requiring a capital investment of $1,050,000 or a reduced investment of $800,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), often made in a new commercial enterprise. However, EB-5 Visa holders can become lawful permanent residents.

The E2 Treaty Investor Visa requires a lower capital investment. While there is no set minimum amount, successful applicants have gained an E status with as little as $80,000 and $100,000 of investment. But many foreign nationals aim higher.

Additional expenses

Other than the initial qualifying investment, there are non-refundable fees you pay directly to the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and the Department of State (DOS).

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor program has appropriate fees at different stages of the process. This includes filing fees for the initial immigrant petition, the application for permanent residency (Green Card), and a later petition to remove conditions and receive a lawful permanent resident status.

For the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, government filing fees vary depending on whether the applicant is seeking a change or extension of status within the US through USCIS or applying for the visa at a US embassy or consulate abroad. An additional fee is also available for optional premium processing, which can speed up the adjudication of the petition.

The E-2 is a non-immigrant petition, granting the visa holder a temporary E status to invest and manage a business in the present or future capacity. If specifically requested, the E-Visa status can be extended in increments of up to two years.

Other expenses may also apply, such as legal services, document translation, the number of family members included, and the supporting documents needed.

Benefits of Investor Visa USA

Eligibility Criteria

To become eligible for the Investor Visa USA and thereby qualify for both investment programs, you must:

• Be a foreign national
• Be over 18 years of age
• Prove legal source of funds
• Have no criminal record
• Have a valid passport

Should you and your family members become lawful permanent residents, you can become eligible for US citizenship. Green Card holders can obtain citizenship through naturalization after three to five years of obtaining permanent resident status.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Investor Visa USA

Required Documents for the Investor Visa in USA

The Investor Visa application process is complex and requires extensive documentation and supporting documents. These include:

• Valid passport
• Proof of source of funds
• Proof of a clean criminal record
• Proof of residence
• Payment of application fee
• Business plan
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Completed application forms
• Business and investment documents
• Qualification certificates

An immigration lawyer or attorney can provide further information and specialized knowledge about immigration law. They help foreign nationals collect the necessary documents and meet the visa requirements. Legal experts can support your case with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Can you buy a US citizenship?

No, it’s impossible to buy citizenship in the United States, as you can in other countries such as Austria, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda. There is no USA Citizenship by investment program. Instead, the government offers Residency by Investment (RBI) through the EB-5 Investor Visa.

According to the GCS Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report, the United States remains one of the top destinations for RBI programs. Driven by sustainable economic growth and innovation-driven companies, many investors and entrepreneurs choose to open a new commercial enterprise via the US Investor Visa.

Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.

• We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. We have a team of immigration lawyers, and immigration advisers specialized in US immigration.
• Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
• Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
• All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
• Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
• The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Investor Visa USA

What is an Investor Visa for the USA?

Immigrant investors can pursue investor visas via the EB-5 Visa or an E2 Visa. EB-5 provides a path to a Green Card and permanent resident status through investment in a business, commercial enterprise, or practice to boost job creation. E2 is a non-immigrant visa for foreign investors who prefer to actively manage a US business.

How to get USA Investor Visa?

To get an EB-5 Visa, foreign investors must provide a minimum investment amount, often in a new commercial enterprise. The capital funds should create a stable foundation for direct job creation, or at least ten full-time jobs for American employees. This investment project allows the investor to become a conditional permanent resident.

How much money is required for an Investor Visa in USA?

It depends on the E-Visa you select. The E-2 has no set minimum investment amount, other than that the investment funds must ensure successful operation. The EB-5 requires a minimum investment of $1,050,000 or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). Congress created the E-Visa process to boost economic growth through innovation, business creation, and substantial trade investments.

Which is the best US Investor Visa for entrepreneurs?

The EB-5 Visa is the best US investor visa for those seeking lawful permanent resident status. You must invest, or actively be in the process of investing, $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a rural or high-unemployment area) in a new commercial enterprise that will bolster the US economy and generate at least ten jobs for employees.

What is the difference between EB-5 and E-2 Investor Visas?

The two main Investor Visas in the USA are:

• EB-5: This leads to permanent residency (Green Card) through capital investment and job creation.
• E-2: This is a non-immigrant (temporary) visa for foreign nationals of a treaty country that requires a substantial investment in a US business and active management. But it doesn’t grant a permanent resident status.

How do I apply for an Investor Visa in the United States?

You first must qualify for a specific Investor Visa, such as EB-5 or E-2. You then collect the necessary documentation, such as civil documents, and build your case for the consular officer. Foreign nationals typically submit their applications online, followed by interviews with further communication often through e-mail.

Is the USA Investor Visa a path to citizenship?

The United States doesn’t have a citizenship by investment program. But if you are granted an EB-5 Visa through the Immigrant Investor Program, then you can, after a number of years of living in the country, request naturalization and gain citizenship.

Can I get a US Green Card through investment?

Yes, you can get a US green card by making a minimum investment of $1,050,000 or $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) through the EB-5 Visa. Rural locations with high unemployment rates often get priority processing.

What are employment-based immigrant visas in USA?

Employment-based immigrant visas are separated into five different categories. These include: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. The EB-5 is the only employment-based visa category that requires an investment to become a permanent resident and receive a Green Card.

What is the Investor Visa USA processing time?

The total processing time for the EB-5 Visa varies case by case. But it often takes from 30 to 61 months for Form I-526 applicants. The E2 Visa processing time ranges from 22 months to a couple of years. But, it also varies case by case.

Does an Investor Visa USA grant immediate permanent residence?

No. The EB-5 program grants Conditional Permanent Residence status. After two years and meeting certain criteria, EB-5 immigrant investors can apply to become lawful permanent residents. They can also sponsor family members, like spouses or unmarried children, to accompany them to the U.S.

What is the E2 Visa for essential employees?

The E-2 visa for essential employees allows individuals from the treaty country to work for an E-2 treaty investor’s US business. The essential employee must share the same nationality as the principal investor and possess specialized skills. The treaty investor has invested a substantial amount of capital in the business and maintains operational control.