There are many categories of US visa programs; every visa has advantages and requirements from the point of view of Indian immigrants to the US. Not every visa program guarantees the accompanying the family or companion with you to the US. However, some visa programs have been planned so that they pay a path to Indian immigrants and family or companions too. One such instance is the US Investor Visa Program for Indians.
The US Investor Visa program has grown popular among Indians seeking to live and establish business overseas. One of the primary benefits of this program is the ability to bring family members together with the investor visa holder. However, understanding the eligibility criteria for family members of US investors is critical to ensuring a smooth and successful application process. In this article, we will look at the Indian Investor Visa family advantages and who can accompany the US investor visa applicant. Understanding the criteria allows you to make informed decisions and maximize the program’s benefits for you and your family.
What is an Indian-US investor visa?
An Indian-US investor visa, also known as the EB-5 visa, is a program that allows foreign investors, including Indians, to obtain permanent residency in the United States by investing in a qualifying business or project. The minimum investment requirement is $900,000 for targeted employment areas or $1.8 million for non-targeted areas.
What are the benefits of an Indian-US investors Visa?
The benefits of an Indian-US investor visa are numerous.
Firstly, it provides a pathway to permanent residency in the US, including the right to live and work indefinitely.
The investor visa also extends to spouses and unmarried children under 21, eligible to join the Indian US investor as dependents.
Another benefit is that the Indian investor can work and travel freely within the US without additional visas or work permits. Additionally, the Indian investor and their family can access high-quality education, healthcare, and other benefits available to US residents.
The Indian US-investor visa also allows investment in a US-based business or project, which can lead to a significant return on investment for Indian investors. Moreover, the Indian US investor may be eligible to apply for US citizenship after meeting the required residency and other criteria.
An Indian-US investor visa offers a range of benefits for investors looking to make a long-term commitment to the United States and secure a stable future for themselves and their families.
Who is eligible for a US Investor visa?
An individual must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a US investor visa or the EB-5 visa. These include:
Investment requirement: The investor visa applicant must invest at least $900,000 in a US-based business that creates at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. The investment amount increases to $1.8 million for non-targeted areas.
Source of funds: The investment funds must come from a lawful source, such as earnings from a business or employment, inheritance, or a gift. The applicant must provide evidence of the source of funds, including tax returns, bank statements, and other financial documents.
Eligibility to work: The applicant and their dependents must be eligible to work in the US.
Health and character requirements: The applicant and their dependents must pass a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates to demonstrate good character.
Who can join an Indian Investor in the US?
As for who can join an Indian investor in the US, the Investor visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 to accompany the Indian investor as dependents. The spouse and children can also apply for work permits in the US. Other family members, such as parents or siblings, cannot join the Indian investor under the investor visa program. However, they may be eligible for other types of visas or immigration programs.
The process to obtain an Indian Investor Visa.
The process to obtain an Indian US-Investor Visa, also known as the EB-5 visa, typically involves the following steps:
Finding a qualifying investment: The Indian investor must find a qualifying business or project to invest in and receive documentation to show that the investment will create at least ten full-time jobs for US workers and meet other required qualifications.
Filing the I-526 petition: The Indian investor must file Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition provides evidence of the investment and the source of funds.
Consular processing or adjustment of status: Once the I-526 petition is approved, the Indian investor must either go through consular processing at a US embassy or consulate abroad or file for an adjustment of status if they are already in the US on a non-immigrant visa.
Conditional permanent residency: If the investor and their dependents are approved for the visa, they will receive conditional permanent residency status, valid for two years.
Filing the I-829 petition: Within 90 days of the second anniversary of receiving conditional permanent residency, the Indian investor must file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, to demonstrate that the investment has been sustained and the job creation requirements have been met.
Permanent residency: If the I-829 petition is approved, the Indian investor and their dependents will receive permanent residency status, which allows them to live and work in the US indefinitely.
Documents required to obtain Indian Investor Visa.
Evidence of investment funds: The Indian investor must provide documentation to show that the investment funds came from a lawful source, such as bank statements, tax returns, and business records.
Business documentation: The Indian investor must demonstrate that the investment is in a qualifying business or project and will create at least ten full-time jobs for US workers.
Identity and travel documents: The Indian investor and their dependents must provide valid passports and other required documents.
Medical examination and police clearance certificates: The Indian investor and their dependents must undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates to demonstrate good character.
Other supporting documents: The USCIS may request additional documents to support the application, such as employment records, educational certificates, and tax returns.
What are the different types of Indian Investor Visas and their respective benefits?
There is only one type of Indian Investor Visa: the EB-5 visa.
However, there are different investment options within the EB-5 program, including direct investment and investment through a regional center.
Direct Investment: With direct investment, the Indian investor personally manages and operates a business in the US. This option requires more involvement from the investor but offers more control over the investment and potentially higher returns.
Regional Center Investment: A regional center is a designated entity that manages investment funds on behalf of the investors. Regional center investments typically involve less direct involvement from the investor and may offer the opportunity to invest in large-scale projects. This option may also offer more flexibility in terms of job creation requirements.
Benefits of the Indian Investor Visa, regardless of the investment option chosen, include the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the United States for the investor and their dependents, the ability to live and work in the US without additional visas or work permits, access to high-quality education and healthcare, and potentially significant returns on investment.
Exploring additional resources to help with your application process for an Investment Visa to the US
Exploring additional resources to help with the application process for an Investment Visa to the US can be helpful. Here are some resources to consider:
Consult with an immigration attorney: An immigration attorney can help navigate the complex EB-5 visa application process and provide guidance on eligibility requirements, investment options, and document preparation.
Research Regional Centers: If choosing the regional center investment option, researching the reputation and track record of the regional center is crucial. This information can be found on the USCIS website, as well as through online resources and industry publications.
Attend EB-5 seminars and conferences: EB-5 seminars and conferences can provide valuable information on the EB-5 program and investment opportunities. These events often feature industry experts and provide networking opportunities.
Work with a trusted investment advisor: An advisor can guide investment options and risks and help with due diligence on potential investments.
Final note.
The Indian Investor Visa, or EB-5 visa, provides a unique opportunity for Indian investors to obtain permanent residency in the United States for themselves and their families. The visa program offers significant benefits, including access to high-quality education and healthcare, the ability to live and work in the US without additional visas or work permits, and potentially significant returns on investment. By understanding the eligibility requirements, investment options, and application process, Indian investors can take advantage of this opportunity and bring their families to join them in the US.
