Improving Your Life Through Immigration Since 1974
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U.S. Investor Immigration Comparative Chart
E-2 work visa Advantages
- Quick processing times - few months
- Investment - perhaps $200,000 U.S. or less
- Control of Funds - no “due diligence” required
- Travel flexibility - less concern about maintaining domicile
- Immediate permission to work in the USA
- spouse can work anywhere
- children can got to school and college at internal resident rates - Low legal Cost - Roughly $10,000 - $20,000
- Possible tax advantages - as an nonimmigrant resident
- Less paperwork- more flexible treatment of investor on compliance with rules
EB-5 green card Disadvantages
- Slow processing time – can be two years or more
- Investment - $500,000 U.S
- No control over funds invested - heavy “due diligence” required, Risk of money loss
- Need to maintain “domicile” and rigid enforcement of rules
- Waiting abroad for approval from Immigration - possibly two plus years
-
High cost approximately - $50,000-
$ 70,000 or more in fees - Possible clouded judgment of promoters and advisors due to considerable financial rewards for finding EB-5 investors
- More paperwork - severe enforcement of rules
E-2 Disadvantages
- Must work - passive investment not enough. Therefore must speak at least some English
- The immigrant investor’s U.S. presence is tied to the business
- Must renew the visa every 3 - 5 years
- No clear route to green card/ U.S. citizenship
- Dependent on business success
EB-5 Advantages
- Permanent resident status
- No work requirement
- No English requirement
- Long term certainty
- Path to U.S. citizenship
