A Guide to Applying for an EB-5 Visa in Mumbai

As the world becomes more interconnected, people are looking to expand their horizons and explore new opportunities abroad. The EB-5 visa program offers an exciting opportunity for investors to gain permanent residency in the United States by investing in businesses and creating jobs. If you are a resident of Mumbai looking to apply for the EB-5 visa, this article is for you. We will take you through the step-by-step process of applying for an EB-5 visa in Mumbai.

 

What is the EB-5 Visa?

The EB-5 visa program is a United States immigration program that allows foreign nationals to gain permanent residency in the country by investing in businesses that create jobs. The program was created by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to stimulate the economy through job creation and capital investment.

Why Choose the EB-5 Visa?

There are several reasons applying for an EB-5 visa in Mumbai is a popular choice for investors. Firstly, it offers a pathway to permanent residency in the United States for the investor, their spouse, and their unmarried children under the age of 21. This means that the investor and their family can live, work, and study in the United States without any restrictions.

Secondly, the EB-5 visa program offers investors the opportunity to invest in their own business or in a regional centre. Regional centres are designated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and are private entities that promote economic growth in a specific geographic area. Investing in a regional centre allows investors to participate in a larger project and benefit from the economic growth of the entire region.

Eligibility Requirements for the EB-5 Visa

  • To be eligible for the EB-5 visa program, the investor must meet the following requirements:
  • Invest at least $900,000 in a commercial enterprise located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.8 million in any other area.
  • Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the investor’s admission to the United States.
  • Be in good health and of good moral character.

How to Apply for the EB-5 Visa in Mumbai

Finding a Regional Centre

The first step in the EB-5 visa application process is to find a regional centre. Regional centres are private entities that are designated by the USCIS to promote economic growth in a specific geographic area. There are over 800 regional centres in the United States, and investors can choose to invest in any of them.

Making an Investment

Once the investor has identified a regional centre, they must make an investment. The minimum investment amount is $900,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.8 million if the investment is made in any other area.

Filing the I-526 Petition

After the investment has been made, the investor must file an I-526 petition with the USCIS. The petition must include evidence that the investor has invested the required amount and that the investment will create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Attending the Consular Interview

After the I-526 petition has been approved, the investor must attend a consular interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mumbai. During the interview, the investor will be asked questions about their investment and their intention to live in the United States.

Conditional Permanent Residence

If the investor is approved for the EB-5 visa, they will be granted conditional permanent residence for two years. During this time, the investor must show that they have invested the required amount and that the investment has created or preserved at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Removing Conditions on Permanent Residence

At the end of the two-year period, the investor must file an I-829 petition to remove the conditions on their permanent residence. The petition must include evidence that the investor has fulfilled the requirements of the EB-5 program, including creating or preserving 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Advantages of Using an EB-5 Visa Lawyer when applying for an EB-5 Visa in Mumbai

Applying for the EB-5 visa can be a complex and time-consuming process. An experienced EB-5 visa consultant can guide investors through the process and ensure that their application is filed correctly and on time. A investment specialist can also help investors find the right regional centre and investment opportunity to maximise their chances of success.

FAQs -Applying for an EB-5 Visa in Mumbai

How long does the EB-5 visa application process take?

The EB-5 visa application process can take several years, depending on factors such as the processing time of the USCIS and the availability of visas.

Can I invest in any business to qualify for the EB-5 visa?

No, the business must be a commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Can my family members also get permanent residency through the EB-5 visa program?

Yes, the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can also get permanent residency through the program.

What happens if the investment does not create the required number of jobs?

If the investment does not create the required number of jobs, the investor may not be able to remove the conditions on their permanent residency.

How much money do I need to invest to qualify for the EB-5 visa?

The minimum investment amount is $900,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.8 million if the investment is made in any other area.

Benefits of Using an EB-5 Investor Visa Specialist in Mumbai

The EB-5 visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, and the requirements for eligibility can be challenging to navigate. Working with a specialist in EB-5 investor visa applications can be highly beneficial.

These specialists have extensive knowledge and experience in the EB-5 program and can guide investors through the process of applying for an EB-5 Visa in Mumbai, ensuring that their application is complete, accurate, and filed correctly and on time.

They can also help investors find the right regional centre and investment opportunity to maximize their chances of success. By working with a specialist, investors can increase their chances of obtaining their EB-5 visa and achieving their goal of permanent residency in the United States.

Conclusion

The EB-5 visa program offers a unique opportunity for investors to gain permanent residency in the United States while investing in businesses that create jobs. If you are a resident of Mumbai looking to apply for the EB-5 visa, the process can seem overwhelming at first. However, by following the steps outlined in this article and working with an experienced EB-5 visa specialist, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your dream of living and working in the United States.

applying for an EB 5 visa in Mumbai