Under U.S. immigration law, qualified individuals seeking permanent residence on the basis of their engagement in a new commercial enterprise can do so by applying for investor visas (i.e., EB-5 visas).

Eligibility

Permanent resident status based on EB-5 eligibility is available to investors, either alone or coming with their spouse and unmarried children. Eligible application will need to meet the following requirements:

• Establishment of a business.
• Active involvement in the business.
• Investment of at least $1 million in the business ($500,000 is acceptable in certain designated areas) which can be in cash, equipment, inventory, etc.
• Benefiting U.S. economy.
• creation of full-time employment for not fewer than 10 U.S. workers

Permanent Residence

Qualified EB-5 investors are subject to "conditional" permanent residence for a two-year period. During the two year's conditional period, the EB-5 investor must continuously meet the legal requirements for EB-5 investors. 90 days before the second anniversary of the EB-5 investor's admission to the U.S. as a conditional permanent resident, Form I-829 must be filed to remove the condition.