How to Get an EB5 Visa as a Chinese Citizen
How to Get an EB5 Visa as a Chinese Citizen
Thousands of Chinese people have migrated to the U.S. over the recent past, and much more are seeking citizenship. There are several ways to become a U.S. citizen as a Chinese. However, for Chinese people with some money to spare, the ideal channel of entry is through the EB5 visa program.
It is easy to qualify for citizenship if you follow all the guidelines to the letter. Here is a guide on what you need to do to get an EB5 visa.
- Identify an investment opportunity
The EB5 visa program is built on the need to grow and expand the U.S. economy. Applicants are required to invest in businesses across the country.
As such, start by finding a worthy investment opportunity. The project that you decide to invest in should be located in one of the designated locations – these are central locations with low economic growth situated mostly outside major towns or in targeted commercial areas (TEA). To safeguard your investment, ensure that the business is viable – an unviable company will cost you not only money but also the chance to become a citizen.
There are many organizations and individual businesses that are always looking for Chinese investors interested in the EB5 visa program.
- Invest in your chosen project
Once you have identified the ideal plan, proceed to establish a contract and make the investment. The minimum amount required for investment is $500,000.
EB5 visa investments are mostly made through escrow accounts. It is necessary to liaise with an immigration attorney to establish proof of the payments. The immigration attorney will file an I-526 petition and present it to the USCIS as proof of the payments. It will take the USCIS 12 to 18 months to approve or deny your application.
If your application is approved, then you can begin your process to becoming a permanent resident and eventually a citizen. If it is denied, however, then your money will be refunded within a period of 1 to 2 years.
- Move to the U.S., Temporarily
Once your I-526 petition is approved, you can proceed to relocate temporarily to the U.S. However; you will be required to fill one of two requests depending on your legal status.
If you already have lawful status to reside in the country, then you will be required to file form I-485 and present it to the USCIS – this form will upgrade your status to condition residence. The process is longer if you do not have legal residency. You will be required to fill form DS-230 and present it to the National Visa Center. Since you will be filling it from China, you will have to liaise with the U.S. embassy.
These forms are not easy to fill if you are new to it. As such, it is advisable to work with an immigration attorney to avoid any costly mistakes.
- Upgrade to Unconditional Permanent Residency
Your conditional residency status will run for two years, during which period you will be monitored. If you meet all the requirements, then you can proceed to upgrade to permanent residency by filling the I-829 petition.
The I-829 petition should be submitted to the USCIS at least 90 days before the second anniversary of your conditional residency. It takes USCIS about 6 to 8 months to issue a green card as the agency has to verify that all the requirements have been met. What’s more, you can upgrade to a U.S. citizen about 5 to 6 years after getting your unconditional permanent residency – the period has been becoming longer and longer as more and more Chinese investors get in line.
Once approved, the USCIS will also grant your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 with unconditional permanent residency.
Take the Easy Route
Undertaking each of these steps by yourself will be difficult. Fortunately, you don’t have to as many companies and organizations handle most of the work involved in the EB5 visa application. These law firms and agencies have teams of attorneys who specialize in immigration, and they manage more than just the legal work as they also scout for viable investment opportunities.
One of the most popular firms that aid with EB5 applications is Top Pins Law Firm. The company handles virtually everything needed for the use, and it is ideally suited for Chinese people. It has a dedicated team of agents who have a good command of Mandarin and Chinese culture. The agents will find legitimate and viable investment opportunities to get you started, and they will work with USCIS and a wide range of other agencies to get your applications through as fast as possible.
Top Pins Law Firm has been handling immigration petitions for over 40 years now, and it has facilitated the citizenship of thousands of Chinese immigrants. It follows all requirements to the letter so that your application’s approval is guaranteed.
