There are many ways to obtain a U.S. green card and secure a brighter future for you and your family. Not only does this card allow you to live in the country, but it also gives you a number of other benefits available to U.S. citizens.
One of the most popular methods for getting your green card is through the EB-5 Program, an investor-based model that helps foreign nationals start a business in the United States.
This program requires foreign nationals to make a qualifying investment into projects that will help boost the U.S. economy in exchange for a conditional green card valid for two years. EB-5 Visa holders can then apply for a permanent green card after two years.
Not only is the program a great way to start your journey to U.S. citizenship, but it also has additional benefits when you apply to become a lawful permanent resident in the country.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key benefits of a U.S. green card and the specific advantages you’ll have if you apply through the EB-5 program.
Green Card Benefits and Key EB-5 Advantages You Should Know About
- 1. Permanent residents face no employment restrictions
- 2. The children of permanent residents can access the U.S. public education system
- 3. U.S. residency improves the likelihood of college admission
- 4. Green card holders have access to technologically advanced U.S. healthcare services
- 5. Permanent residents can travel freely domestically and abroad
- 6. Green card holders qualify for additional support when they retire
- 7. Permanent residency benefits the entire household
- 8. The United States is a safe haven for immigrants from politically or economically unstable countries
Why Should You Apply For a Green Card Through The EB-5 Program?
Start the Journey to U.S. Permanent Residency with EB5AN
Download Summary of the Key Benefits of Holding a U.S. Green Card
Green Card Benefits and Key EB-5 Advantages You Should Know About
1. Permanent residents face no employment restrictions
U.S. green card holders are free to work in any industry anywhere in the country because they don’t have any binding visa restrictions. However, many foreign nationals without a green card are forced to look for jobs outside their area of interest in order to meet immigration rules.
They may also face geographic limitations when searching for work and are ineligible for government positions. Those without green cards constantly need to monitor and adjust to changes in immigration rules, which makes it difficult for them to settle down.
When you receive your EB-5 visa, you also obtain a conditional green card. This means that you won’t need to worry about looking for an employer willing to sponsor you, and you can even start your own business.
All of this makes the EB-5 visa a particularly attractive option for individuals with an L1 or H-1B employment visa because it allows them greater career flexibility. These benefits also extend to the children of EB-5 immigrants who will qualify to become lawful permanent residents.
Immigrants who secure permanent residency through the EB-5 program have the option of applying for U.S. citizenship after holding a green card for just five years. This makes them eligible for government employment opportunities.
2. The children of permanent residents can access the U.S. public education system
The U.S. education system is known for providing a holistic education, focused on children’s overall well-being and development. Permanent residents can attend U.S. public schools for free, allowing them to receive a U.S. education without the cost of international exchange programs. In addition to giving them the opportunity to learn excellent skills in English, children develop a strong, valuable peer network and will be better prepared for the U.S. college system.
Since you receive a conditional green card with a successful EB-5 application, investors can immediately secure visas for their unmarried children below the age of 21. All they need to do is file their family’s I-526 petition.
This allows investors to secure a better future for their children through improved employment opportunities and access to high-quality education. They may also benefit from access to private schools, in-state tuition rates, and financial aid that may not be available to immigrants without a green card.
3. U.S. residency improves the likelihood of college admission
University applicants who hold green cards are not considered international students. Because of the limited number of positions available for international students, applying as a domestic applicant increases a student’s chances of admission.
Green card holders also benefit from reduced college tuition because they can qualify for in-state tuition, financial aid, and scholarships. They aren’t subject to the same restrictions as international students, meaning they can also work while studying, complete internships, and apply for postgraduate positions.
4. Green card holders have access to technologically advanced U.S. healthcare services
According to a 2020 analysis conducted by Newsweek, the United States boasts some of the best hospitals in the world. U.S. medical facilities are also known for their cutting-edge research and innovation.
This is great news for immigrants from countries where medical services lag behind those in more developed areas. Green card holders will have the same universal access to healthcare as most U.S. citizens.
With a green card, you’ll also be eligible for access to Medicare and other healthcare programs that can provide valuable medical coverage and emergency services.
5. Permanent residents can travel freely domestically and abroad
The United States is characterized by a diverse climate, geography, and lifestyle. Permanent residents can choose where they want to live and work, whether they prefer the beaches of California or the mountains of Colorado. They’re also free to travel to any part of the United States for tourism purposes.
If a green card holder needs to leave the United States for business or leisure, they can leave and enter the country without fear of being denied reentry. Certain countries also allow U.S. residents and citizens entry without a visa, making international travel much easier.
Depending on the type of immigrant visa you apply for, certain international travel restrictions may apply. This can make it difficult to explore new places or visit your family members who aren’t in the U.S. yet.
However, when you obtain your conditional green card through the EB-5 program, you have far fewer restrictions, which gives you more flexibility to travel compared to what other visas are able to offer.
With an EB-5 visa, you can generally travel internationally for longer periods of time as long as you continue to maintain your investment and meet the program requirements while you are away.
6. Green card holders qualify for additional support when they retire
U.S. permanent residents are eligible for additional support through retirement. Retired green card holders can access their pensions earned both abroad and in the United States. They may also qualify for Medicare and other social welfare programs even when retired.
7. Permanent residency benefits the entire household
When you obtain a green card, your family also qualifies for citizenship in the United States. This means they can have all the benefits usually reserved for lawful permanent residents, including the ones already mentioned in this article.
Under the EB-5 program, the investor’s family members—spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21—are immediately eligible to accompany them to the United States. This allows them to apply for conditional permanent resident status at a much quicker pace compared to other immigrant visas.
8. The United States is a safe haven for immigrants from politically or economically unstable countries
For many people across the world, political instability and economic uncertainty are parts of everyday life. They are often forced to deal with issues like corruption, infrastructure problems, a lack of access to education and health care, and similar problems.
The United States offers a haven because of its economic stability, democratic government, and strong infrastructure. While permanent residency may have some travel restrictions, green card holders can apply for citizenship after five years.
After you obtain citizenship, you can spend as much time as you want between your country of origin and the United States.
Why Should You Apply For a Green Card Through The EB-5 Program?
An overview of the program
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers foreign investors with the required capital and their immediate family members a simple path to securing a better future in the United States.
The program is open to anyone who can meet its requirements. To participate, an investor must make a qualifying investment of between $800,000 and $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise (NCE) or targeted unemployment area (TEA).
This investment must create 10 full-time, permanent jobs for U.S. workers for at least two years. EB-5 program applicants don’t need specific knowledge, skills, or experience to make an investment.
When your investment is successful and your EB-5 application is approved, you obtain conditional permanent residency—also known as a conditional green card.
After a certain period of time—usually two years—the investor will have to file certain documents and petitions to have the conditions placed on their temporary residency removed. This typically happens around 90 days before their two-year residency period expires.
These petitions must demonstrate that the investment met all of the requirements of the EB-5 program and any rules set out by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s recommended that you make use of professional immigration attorneys when filing these documents, as this helps you to avoid errors that may cause a delay in your application.
Download Summary of the Key Benefits of Holding a U.S. Green Card
Specific benefits of obtaining a Green Card through EB-5
In addition to the benefits you’ll get with a U.S. green card, obtaining citizenship through EB-5 also has its advantages. These may include:
- Business opportunities: EB-5 investors have the flexibility to start and manage their own businesses in the U.S., potentially creating job opportunities for themselves and others. This may give them access to additional federal benefits.
- Tax benefits: EB-5 investors are subject to U.S. tax laws and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations. However, they can benefit from various deductions and credits available to residents when they file income tax returns. This may potentially reduce their overall tax liability.
- Diversity visa backlog avoidance: In some countries, the EB-5 program provides a quicker route to U.S. immigration than other family or employment-based visa categories, helping individuals and families avoid lengthy wait times.
- Access to Social Services: Green card holders have access to various social services, such as Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance, and retirement programs, which can provide financial security.
Remember that you will also have fewer travel restrictions, quicker access to U.S. schooling, and won’t require an employment sponsorship when you obtain a conditional green card through the EB-5 program.
Start the Journey to U.S. Permanent Residency with EB5AN
The EB-5 program offers a clear path to obtaining a valid green card for a wide variety of investors. However, the application process can be challenging to navigate, which is why EB5AN is here to help.
Our team of experienced immigration attorneys is ready to assist you in streamlining your visa application to ensure a smooth start to your journey to U.S. citizenship.
Contact EB5AN today to learn how you can become an EB-5 investor and protect your investment funds while successfully completing the immigration process.
