The U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa is the shortest path for Vietnamese investors seeking residency to obtain a U.S. green card. So, what is the process? Let’s explore the details with IMMIGRATION GLOBAL in the article below.
Step 1: Identify an EB-5 Investment Project
The EB-5 applicant must first find a suitable U.S. investment project. EB-5 investment projects can be new business investments or projects under Regional Centers approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our immigration lawyers will assist you in selecting the best EB-5 investment project.
Step 2: Prepare Investment Funds and File Form I-526E
After selecting a project for U.S. residency investment, the applicant must prepare the investment funds appropriate for the project’s required amount. This amount is typically transferred through an escrow account. Then, you need to find a lawyer or service office to help prepare documents and fill out Form I-526E – the EB-5 investment visa application to submit to USCIS. Within 6 months (*) to 6.5 years (based on current timelines), USCIS will notify the applicant of the result. Most Regional Center projects will refund the investment if the EB-5 visa application is denied.
For priority projects linked with Immigration Global, processing time is approximately 2 years instead of around 5 years for regular projects.
Step 3: Procedures at the National Visa Center (NVC) and Interview at the U.S. Consulate
Once approved by USCIS, the file will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC will complete the file and schedule an interview at the U.S. Consulate in Vietnam. You are required to undergo a medical examination, vaccinations, and bring the results to the interview.
Project Management Fee: $60,000 – $80,000
Minimum investment funds transferred to the project’s escrow account: $800,000
Includes:
- USCIS Form I-526E processing fee: $4,675 (upon filing Form I-526E).
- Immigrant visa issuance fee: $345 (after USCIS approval, $345 per person).
- Medical examination fee: $275 (after USCIS notifies for the medical exam).
- $275 per adult
- $240 per child under 15 years old
- Status adjustment fees in the U.S.: $1,225 (for investors with children studying or living in the U.S. without a permanent green card)
- $1,140 per person
- $750-1,140 (for children under 14 years old)
- $85 biometric fee per person
- USCIS Form I-829 processing fee (10-year green card): $3,750
These fees may be changed and adjusted by USCIS without prior notice.
Step 4: Conditional Green Card (2-year green card)
If the EB-5 investment visa application is approved, the applicant will be granted a visa to the U.S. and, upon arrival, will receive a conditional green card (2-year green card). This means that after 2 years, this green card will expire, and the holder must apply for a permanent green card (10-year green card). The EB-5 investment visa allows the principal applicant’s dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to accompany them and also receive a 2-year green card.
Green card fee payable to USCIS: $220 per person
The EB-5 immigrant visa, like most other immigrant visas, is typically valid for 6-12 months. The applicant and their family must arrange their affairs to move to the U.S. before the visa expires. After moving to the U.S. and receiving the green card, the applicant must maintain permanent resident status in the U.S. Although it is possible to leave the U.S. and return with a green card, one should not live outside the U.S. for more than 6 months to 1 year. If one stays outside the U.S. for more than 1 year without a re-entry permit, they cannot re-enter the U.S. as the green card will be invalidated after an absence of more than 1 year.
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Green Card (10-year green card) and Form I-829
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires the applicant to maintain their investment for 2 years and prove the benefits of this investment to the U.S. within those 2 years. Therefore, the EB-5 investment visa applicant must file for a permanent green card after the 2-year conditional green card expires. Form I-829, the application for a 10-year green card, requires the applicant to demonstrate that they have met the requirements of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program to be granted a permanent green card.
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Immigrationglobal Law Firm (in VietNam):
· Address: 177 Hoài Thanh street, Bắc Mỹ An ward, Ngũ Hành Sơn district, Đà Nẵng.
· Telephone number : (+84) 942 67 55 67
· Email: immglobal2002@gmail.com
· Fanpage: Immigration Global – Văn phòng luật sư Mỹ
