If you have $1,000,000 or $500,000 and you want to invest in the United States, you and you family members will get green card.  This is the investor's visa created by the U.S. immigration law.

How much to invest in the United States?

The amount of capital necessary to make a qualifying investment depending on what areas the investment is located: Generally $1 million is needed in most areas.  Only $500,000 is needed if the investment is in the "targeted" areas, such as remote rural areas or highly unemployment areas. Check with the local state government for the targeted areas before deciding the required investment capital.

What requirements?

1. Have $1,000,000 or $500,000 to invest during a two-year period.

2. The investment must create 10 full time positions for lawful U.S. workers, excluding the visa applicant, his or her spouse, sons and daughters.

3. The applicant must be actively involved in the management of the business.

4. The capital for investment must be obtained, directly or indirectly, through lawful means.  Money obtained through drug trafficking or other criminal activities may not be used for such application.

What exceptions are there?

a. The applicant does not have to be a school or college-educated.  He or she can qualify for this visa even though he or she did not receive any schooling.

b.  The required amount of capital does not need to be actually invested at the time of filing the application.

c.  The required amount of capital does not have to be cash or money.  equipment, inventory, other tangible or intangible property may also qualify.

d. The investment does not have to create 10 full time positions if the investment is made in a "troubled business."  A "troubled business" is one that has been in existence for at least two years and has incurred a net loss during the previous twelve or twenty-four month period.

How many visas are available to investors?

There are 10,000 visas allocated each year for this category. 

How can the investor get green card?

We will prepare the petition and file with US INS.  Upon approval of the petition, a conditional green card will be issued to the applicant and his or her family members (the spouse and all unmarried children under the age of 21 years).  Such condition can be removed after two years of business operation.

How does the investor obtain the "permanent" green card?

After two years, the investor must demonstrate to the INS that he/she has complied with the requirements.  Basically, the United States government wants to see if the conditions have been satisfied and the investment is real.

Application for the investor immigrant visa is quite complex.   It is wise to consult an immigration attorney when the applicant decides to put that large amount of investment at risk in order to obtain U.S. permanent residence.  If you have any question, please contact us.