U.S. green card holders are able to reside, work, and retire anywhere in the United States, lawfully and permanently. Additional benefits include hassle-free entry and exit from the U.S., the ability to apply for federal education aid, and Social Security and insurance benefits. Permanent residents may also sponsor their relatives for green card applications.

The United States government created the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in 1990 in an effort to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth. For many years, the EB-5 investment amount was $500,000 for projects located in TEAs and $1 million for non-TEA projects. As of 2022, eligible foreign nationals can invest either $800,000 in a TEA-qualified project or in an infrastructure project, or $1.05 million in a standard investment. When investors demonstrate that their investment has created at least ten jobs for U.S. workers, they may receive green cards for themselves and their families. Prospera Connect offers investment opportunities to meet these criteria.

A TEA is a geographical area that is considered rural or has an unemployment rate of at least 1.5 times the national average. When EB-5 Visa applicants invest in a TEA, they can invest $800,000 rather than $1.05 million.

EB-5 Regional Centers are organizations authorized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to receive and manage EB-5 investor funds. Regional Centers promote economic development and job creation within a specific geographic area.

Each EB-5 Visa investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, lawful permanent residents, or immigrants authorized to work in the United States. Job creation must occur over a period of two years. By pooling funds with other investors in a Regional Center, investors receive the benefit of indirect job creation.

The I-526E petition is the initial visa application as part of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Prospective investors and their attorneys file this petition with the USCIS and include documentation demonstrating the investor’s eligibility.

The I-829 petition is the final step in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Investors and their attorneys file this petition with USCIS and provide evidence that the investor has successfully fulfilled all of the program’s requirements, particularly that investor funds resulted in the creation of at least ten jobs. Upon approval of the petition, investors and their family members receive permanent green cards.

The USCIS issues conditional green cards after approval of the I-526E petition. These green cards last for two years. Investors receive permanent green cards upon USCIS approval of the I-829 petition.

I-526E petitions are most commonly rejected due to the applicant’s failure to demonstrate that investment funds were lawfully obtained.

Upon application approval, the investor and family are eligible for a green card. This includes the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, including adopted children.

Investors and their attorneys must submit the I-829 petition within 90 days of the conditional green card’s expiration. Upon the I-829 approval, the conditions of the initial green card are removed, and investors and their family members can become permanent U.S. residents.

Yes. Green card holders are taxed in the same way that U.S. Citizens are; green card holders are subjected to federal tax on worldwide income as of the date they become residents.