High university fees for international students in the US make the EB-5 investment visa a more viable option for parents who want an American university education for their children.
Add in that international students are by no means guaranteed a green card after they graduate, and the investment visa becomes an even more attractive option.
American universities may be some of the best in the world, but they are also known for the huge amounts of money they ask in tuition fees for international students.
US EB-5 Investment Requirements
- An EB-5 investor must invest in a new commercial enterprise.
- The investor must invest at least $1 million when investing in a general area of business or at least $500,000 when investing in a targeted employment area (“Regional Centres”).
- Within two years of admission as a Conditional Permanent Resident, the investor must create or preserve at least 10 full-time, direct or indirect jobs belonging to qualified US workers.
- See Tax Implications of Gaining Permanent Residence Through US EB-5 Visa
Then, upon graduation, students must find an employer sponsor in order to stay in the country. They have a limited status which also means they cannot start their own businesses.
Under the EB-5, provided the job creation aspect is met, investors get a green card for their immediate family (spouse and children), which passes on through the generations.
This means they pay tuition fees at the same levels as U.S. citizens and have the benefit of permanent residence status when they graduate. They are free to live and work anywhere in the country.
US EB-5: Which is the right strand of investment for you?
| Direct Investment | Regional Centre Investment |
| Investment amount | |
| US$1 million | US$500,000 |
| Investor profile | |
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| Other points | |
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| Job creation | |
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