A visa set to boost the US economy holds the power to change the conditions of all international students who seek growth more than just plain education. With more than 25% of the Indian student population residing in the USA, the EB5 visa emerges as a gateway for ample career growth and residency opportunities for all. The EB5 visa was designed to boost the US economy, it is given to people who invested a certain amount in the economy of the US through rural and urban businesses and created or preserved at least 10 full-time job opportunities for the US workers.
This program was also termed an Investor immigration program. It paved the way for international students especially Indian students who dream of US citizenship and permanent residency via a green card. This visa program is designed to help the US economy but benefits both the investor and the country simultaneously.
Key Points of EB 5 Visa
- The minimum qualifying amount that must be invested in the US must be around $900,000 in rural areas and under-employed areas of the US or $1.8 million if the investment will be in an urban commercial area.
- The business investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time job opportunities within a specific time of 2 years.
- Investments may be directly or indirectly commercial or regional ventures
Benefits of EB5 Visa for Indian Students
EB5 is significant for Indian International Students and supports education, residency, financial help, scholarships, employment, return on investments, and future stability. Here are some of the benefits of EB5 visa for Indian students:
- Permanent Residency Opportunities:
The most important benefit of an EB5 visa for Indian students is a green card. This will allow the student to get permanent residency status in the US. This will enable the student to have free travelling and mobility in the country, with no need for residency renewal as long as they abide by the law and enjoy social security, medical care, and health benefits. Permanent residency with a green card for a minimum of 5 years will also help them become a permanent citizen of the country.
- Investment in Education:
With an EB5 visa, the students get to take advantage of many financial benefits in the US. Permanent residency status and a green card will make students eligible for cheaper in-state tuition rates, and better financial scholarships. These tips will help the EB5 visa student to have a lower cost of education compared to other international students. A green card will allow the student long-term stability in education and career. The student will be free to choose any internship and employment option without any restrictions. - Better Work Opportunities:
Unlike an immigrant student who needs Optional Practical Training or Curricular Practical Training to work after their studies and get chances in limited work organizations, an EB5 visa holder student can work in the organisation of their own choice without such training or permits. Students with EB5 visas get open work opportunities in various organizations and have access to all job markets and locations, allowing them to get higher salary packages and better working jobs. Unlike students with general visas, EB5 visa students can start working right after their graduation. - Foundation to Citizenship:
If an EB5 visa holder student has a green card for more than 5 years, they are eligible for permanent citizenship in the United States. If all the citizenship requirements are fulfilled, the student can get citizenship and use all the rights of a common US citizen. This will allow the student to enjoy all the legal rights, get better educational opportunities, get employment choices, protection from any deportation, tax benefits, and overall stability in living a life in the States
How to apply for an EB5 visa:
- Make Investment:
You need to invest at least $900,000 if the investment will be in a targeted employment area or $1.8 million if the investment will be in a commercial area. This investment must save or create at least 10 full-time job roles for US workers.
- Documents:
Make a plan for your investments and show that all your money funds will be legally collected and how the investment will create jobs.
- Form I-526:
Fill out form I-526, It is submitted by the investor to get the EB5 visa and it is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Processing Time: 29 months to 61 months.
The investor will get the EB-5 visa after their I-526 petition is approved and they give a successful interview in the US embassy.
- Green Card:
Once Form I-526 is approved, investors in the US must submit Form I-485 for permanent resident status, while those outside the US must file Form DS-260 for an immigrant visa.
Processing Time: 6 to 12 months.
After the approval of Form-485, the investor and their family will get green cards that will be valid for 2 years.
- File Form I-829:
The investor must submit form I-829 before their green card expires to ask to remove the conditions on permanent residency status.
Processing Time: 36 to 60 months.
After approval of form I-829, investors will be able to work, study, and live independently in the United States.
Conclusion
EB5 is not just an opportunity to get residency or citizenship in another country, it is a golden opportunity to expand your networking and create a better future for yourself and your family. EB5 visa has unparalleled benefits for the investor and opens up a bright market for the best education, financial help, better-paying jobs, and rightful citizenship in the USA with the stability of living and security of the best resources. Think of an EB5 visa as an investment today for a brighter tomorrow, not just for a few years but for a lifetime of benefits and success.