4 Green Card Alternatives to the EB-5 Program for Immigrants

4 Green Card Alternatives to the EB-5 Program for Immigrants

The introduction of the EB-5 program has seen several immigrants enjoy quick citizenship in the United States, instead of being subjected to long waits before the processing of the visas. Despite the benefits, the EB-5 program comes with its fair share of challenges from capital expenses, backlogs for individuals from China and India, and an overwhelming number of investors applying under the program.

According to the EB-5 program, entrepreneurs and their families (spouses and unmarried children under 21 years), enjoy green card privileges after investing $500,000 to $1,000,000 in a commercial enterprise within the United States and create permanent employment for ten qualified U.S workers. However, an entrepreneur may be unsuccessful in business during the two years where he is under scrutiny, and the funds to keep the company running may be limited. For this reason, RunRex would like to present alternatives for you and your family to choose.

• EB-1A Extraordinary Ability 

The EB-1 provides an excellent alternative for immigrants that experience backlogs with the EB-5. In this category, applicants should establish extraordinary capabilities in their respective fields, be outstanding professors or researchers. The USCIS requires that applicants meet 3 out of the ten criteria they have provided. 

The application process can apply to an entrepreneur if they can prove the success of their business, and how their managerial and executive positions have seen them become panel judges, and receive national and international awards. Entrepreneurs can also show their association to organizations that require outstanding achievements among members, and how their businesses, command a high salary and remuneration. As long as you meet the requirements, the EB-1 is a cheaper alternative for successful entrepreneurs, and for this reason, RunRex urges you to explore this option before rushing for the EB-5 program.

• EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive

The application in this category requires employment in a U.S. firm. According to the USCIS, applicants should have been employed outside the United States for three years before the application and for at least one year in a firm or corporation in the U.S. where the services are to be continued. The USCIS further requires that the alien hold the position of manager or executive in the company, an affiliate, or subsidiary of the same employer.

If you wish to apply for citizenship in this category, remember that the corporation, affiliate or subsidiary in question should be based in the U.S. and have been in business for more than one year. RunRex provides adequate legal advice throughout the application process for both the employer and employee to decide if the EB-1C category is the best alternative to pick.

• EB-2 National Interest Waiver 

The EB-2 NIW category is an alternative for entrepreneurs with exceptional skills that will have an economic impact in the United States. In this program, applicants seek that the Labor Certification be waived because it is in the interest of the U.S. that they work there. Applicants are also self-sponsored (You do not require an employer to sponsor you).

Though the jobs that qualify for the EB-2 NIW category are not stated, the USCIS has a list of criteria to be met by applicants. If you choose to go through the EB-2 program, ensure that you have at least ten years of experience in your field, command a high salary, a member to professional associations, licenses, and recognition for your achievements. Through RunRex, you can evaluate each of your documents to ensure that they meet the required criteria before proceeding with the application process. 

• L1-A

An entrepreneur holding an executive or managerial position may also petition citizenship under the L1-A. In this category, the USCIS requires that the employer have an affiliate, subsidiary, branch or parent company within the U.S., be in business with the U.S. and also provides for the creation of a startup company if the subsidiary, branch or affiliate is non-existent.

Immigrants are expected to continue holding the managerial or executive position once they enter the United States, and continue working for the company that sponsors the application. However, the employee should also have worked for one consecutive year as a manager or executive, during a three-year period before the application process. The employer is also expected to secure sufficient premises to house the new office.

Notice that the L1-A visa does not require prior investments or provision for permanent employment of 10 U. S citizens. With proper guidance from RunRex, you can easily apply for permanent residency over the years and also invest in the United States. RunRex will also guide you through the renewal program to ensure that both the employer and employee operate within the law. 

Conclusion

The EB-5 program can be expensive for entrepreneurs who may not afford the $500,000 or $1,000,000 investment requirement. With additional backlogs for individuals in countries such as China and India, applications under the EB-1A, EB-1C, EB-2 NIW, and the L1-A should also be considered. Consult RunRex today for quality immigration services.