Entering the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program has never been easier or more secure. Step Global’s Dubai-based specialists will walk you through the visa process from application of your initial green card (I-526 application) to removal of conditions (I-829 application).
EB 5 Program – Benefits
For those wanting to become permanent residents of the USA and who may even want eventual citizenship, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a route through investment for you, your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21.
EB 5 Visa – Requirements & Costs
The requirements for the program are that you make an investment of $800,000 USD into an approved EB-5 project within the United States. Step Global has exclusive projects in a variety of categories including infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, residential, agriculture, and more. Some of these projects will qualify for priority processing under the new regulations as of March 2022.
EB 5 Processing Time
Please note that visa processing time may vary but typically initial applications are approved within 60 days and can take up to six months to process. See below for the full EB-5 process and contact us today for details on costs with a free consultation with our lawyers and specialists.
| Investment Amount | USD $800,000 (can be paid in parts) |
|---|---|
| Investment Type | US EB-5 Approved Project |
| Spouse | Yes |
| Children | Yes (Under 21 years of age at time application is submitted) |
| Parents | No, but can be sponsored after Citizenship |
| Processing Time | 24 to 36 months (average) 12 months (Expedite Projects) |
| Physical Residency Requirements | Land once every 6 months to maintain residency. Live 2.5 out of 5 years for Citizenship |
| Length Of Status Received | Non-expiring green card/permanent residency |
| Permanent Residency | Immediately |
| Citizenship | After 5 years of Permanent Residency |
| Specific Program Requirements | Must show the legal source of funds |
| Nationality Disqualifications | No |
| Dual Citizenship | Yes |
Basic costs for EB-5 investors based in the UAE are the same for those in other countries and are as follows:
Please contact Step Global directly to find out about project sponsorship fees and legal fees.
Priority dates for visa processing are based on the birth place of the applicant.
The EB-5 Visa for UAE investors (those born in the UAE) is on “current” status as per the October 2022 visa bulletin released by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). “Current” status means that there is no backlog (retrogression) of EB-5 Visa for UAE investors born in the UAE.
Projects should be studied on a case-by-case basis to understand how secure the investment funds will be for all investors including UAE Investors. Things to consider when looking at projects include: background and history of the Company or Regional Center where you will be investing.
A targeted employment area (TEA) is a region in the United States defined as meeting 150% of the national unemployment rate at any given time. In these areas the minimum EB-5 investment required is $800,000 (2,938,432 AED) for investors to qualify for the EB-5 Visa.
Yes, the United States is among the top investment destinations for UAE investors.
The foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UAE to the U.S. was $45 billion in 2020.
Although an EB-5 attorney will have no control over government processing times, delays from processing errors and incomplete documentation can be prevented by working with an experienced EB5 Visa Attorney.
The EB-5 Program is currently the fastest and easiest way for UAE investors to obtain a green card and access to the United States.
Yes, UAE investors can use loans for their EB-5 Visa application. At the moment, USCIS is accepting both secured and unsecured loans. These include things like personal loans, loans from family, or mortgage loans. Check our page on Loan for EB5 Visa for more information.
The EB-5 Visa and the E-2 Visa are the two investment immigration visas available in the United States.
The E-2 Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in a US business. A treaty country maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US. Determination of eligibility based on treaty country goes by nationality or passport rather than place of birth. UAE does not have an existing treaty with the United States meaning those holding a UAE passport cannot apply for the E-2 Program. Therefore, UAE investors can apply for the E-2 Visa by obtaining a passport from a treaty country of the US. Treaty countries include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, Turkey, and Grenada.
The E-2 Visa does not have a direct path to a green card, unlike the EB-5 Visa. A substantial investment of at least $150,000 (550,956 AED) is required for an E-2 Visa investment. There is no requirement for minimum job creation for the E-2 Visa.
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