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Demand For EB-5 Visa On The Rise

Demand For EB-5 Visa On The Rise

At a time when H-1B visa rules are being tightened, there is growing interest in the EB-5 visa program.

The number of EB-5 visas issued to Indians touched a record 174 between October 2016 and 2017, up from 149 in the corresponding year-ago period.

Under the EB-5 visa programme, also dubbed as ‘cash for visa’, individuals can apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States (this is not citizenship) for themselves, their spouse and children below 21 years, if they make the necessary investments andcreate atleast10 permanent full time jobs for US workers.

The current minimum threshold investment limit is US$1 million (which translates to Rs 6.5 crore). A reduced investment of $500,000 is permitted for business operations in specified rural areas or those with higher unemployment limits–known astarget employment areas (TEAs).

Mark Davies, chairman and managing attorney of Davies and Associates, New York City told media, “Two years back, most people were not aware of the existence of the EB-5 program. However, nowthe awarenesshas skyrocketed, and therefore, the number of applications has increased enormously.”

Vivek Tandon, CEO of EB-5 BRICS, an advisory firmin California, said, “The EB-5 visa program has been in existence since last 30 years. Since 2015, there have been many proposals to increase the investment amount.”

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