Can I buy a home to get a green card? - EB5Investors.com (2024)

FAQs

Can I buy a home to get a green card? - EB5Investors.com? ›

Purchasing a house will not grant you the green card. However, as an example, if you purchase a house for $2 million dollars, you can take out a mortgage for the investment amount and use these as your personal investment funds. Based upon the facts you present you can invest in an EB-5

The closest way to get a green card through real estate investment is through the EB-5 visa. Even through the EB-5 visa process, you still must make sure that your investment meets the definition of a “new commercial enterprise” and that you satisfy the job creation requirements of the EB-5 visa.

One of the most common questions we get from our foreign clients is whether buying an American property will give them the legal right to live in the United States. Unfortunately, our first answer is always no.

No, simply purchasing property in the US does not guarantee or automatically qualify you for a visa. Immigration and property ownership are separate matters in US law.

The good news is that yes, non-permanent residents may be able to buy a house in the United States — however, there might be more steps to take and more documentation to present.

Each EB-5 Visa applicant must invest a minimum of $1,800,000 in a job-creating venture. If the business receiving capital is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) – defined as a rural area or a region with high unemployment – the minimum investment amount is reduced to $900,000.

How much should I invest in US to get green card? To be eligible for an EB5 investment Green Card, you will need to invest at least $800,000 in a new commercial enterprise in a Targeted Employment Area, or at least $1,050,000 in a non-TEA new commercial enterprise.

The Million-Dollar Green Card

The investment may consist of the contribution of various forms of capital, including cash, equipment, inventory, property or other tangible equivalents. An investment amount of $1 Million is generally the minimum.

After subscribing and investing, your attorney will file an application for a conditional green card. The processing times vary based on USCIS' adjudication process, but based on prior cases, adjudication of I-526Es may take anywhere between 12 to 24 months upon filing the I-526E.

The process involves selecting a qualifying project, investing the required amount, and filing an EB-5 petition (I-526). Upon approval, an investor can file for adjustment of status to obtain a conditional green card, which becomes permanent after conditions are removed (I-829 filing).

Can you take a loan for EB5? ›

One of the ways in which you can fund your EB-5 investment is through a loan. This loan can come from a family member or friend, a banking institution, in the form of an unsecured loan, or any other legitimate source.

Owning property in the US does not grant any right of residency. If you get a US B1/B2 visa in your passport, whatever your nationality, CBP will ordinarily allow a maximum stay of six months, and no working or studying.

Administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the EB-5 Program, also known as the Immigrant Investor Program, allows qualified foreign investors who meet specific capital investment and job creation requirements, to obtain their permanent residency and become proud contributors to U.S. ...

Essentially, investing in a business or buying a property in the U.S. could give you permanent residency. Of course, you have to fulfill the EB-5 program requirements first, like investing at least $800,000 or $1,050,000, depending on the location. As well as create at least 10 full-time jobs.

In addition, there aren't any extra taxes, stamp duties or special restrictions for foreign buyers of U.S. real estate. However, it's important to note that owning property in the U.S. doesn't give you immigration status or the right to live here.

Fortunately, in many cases, applicants are allowed to stay in the U.S. during this period, thanks to a provision known as “Adjustment of Status.” Adjustment of Status allows individuals who are eligible for a Green Card to apply for it from within the United States, without the need to return to their home country.

The EB-5 visa is an ideal option for anyone seeking to obtain a U.S. green card through an investment in the USA. As with other employment-based immigrant visas, the number of EB-5 green cards is limited.

Residency And Citizenship Requirements for a Real Estate License in California. You do not have to show proof of legal presence in the United States to be a real estate agent in California. Nor do you need to be a state resident to apply for or obtain a real estate license.