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The EB-5 program is one of the most popular and accessible ways for investors worldwide to obtain a Green Card for the United States. In this article, we’ll cover how the program works, the requirements for investors, and the steps involved in the entire process from start to finish.

Who I Am and Why You Can Trust Me

My name is Denis Karasev, and I have been working with the EB-5 program for over 12 years. During this time, I’ve helped more than 100 investors obtain a Green Card and have brought over $75 million in investments into more than 30 projects. From 2018 to 2023, I served as Vice President for EB-5 operations in the CIS and Middle East for a major New York investment firm. Today, I head DKI, a company based in Dubai, and collaborate with one of the leading U.S. immigration law firms.

If you and your family are considering relocating to the U.S., the EB-5 program can be one of the most convenient and reliable pathways to achieve this goal.

What is the EB-5 Program?

EB-5 is a U.S. government program that allows foreign citizens to obtain a Green Card for themselves and their families by investing at least $800,000 in U.S.-approved commercial projects. Established in 1990, the program was designed to stimulate the American economy through foreign investments and is particularly popular in Asia, India, and the Middle East.

Key Benefits of the Program:

• No requirement to know English or have a higher education.
• Anyone capable of proving the lawful origin of their investment funds can participate.

Requirements for Investment Sources:

To participate, you must provide documentation that proves the lawful source of your investment funds. Possible sources include:

• Business income
• Dividends or bonuses
• Salary
• Real estate sales or inheritance
• Bank loans (provided the loan’s legitimacy is proven)

EB-5 Investment Options

The EB-5 program offers two main investment paths:

1. Starting Your Own Business in the U.S.

You can create and develop your own business in the U.S. as part of the program. This option requires in-depth knowledge of the U.S. market, as well as substantial expenses for legal support. The business must create a minimum of 10 jobs for U.S. citizens or Green Card holders, and compliance with program requirements is critical. Successfully launching your business can not only help you and your family obtain a Green Card but also generate profits.

2. Investing through Regional Centers (Most Popular Option)

More than 95% of program participants opt to invest through Regional Centers—officially registered intermediaries that work with large-scale U.S. projects. Regional Centers typically partner with American developers or investment firms, handle all project documentation, interact with government agencies, and meet compliance requirements. You simply invest in a project through the selected center.

Advantages of Investing through Regional Centers:

• You don’t need to manage or monitor the project directly.
• You can focus on your own interests, start a separate business, or even choose not to work in the U.S. if you have another source of income.

Disadvantages:

• Low investment returns (typically from 0.25% to 1% annually).
• Your investment is outside of your direct control, so if issues arise with the project, you may risk losing both your funds and your Green Card. It is crucial to select a reliable Regional Center and vetted projects.

Step-by-Step Process for Participating in the EB-5 Program

Step 1: Consultation

The first step is a free consultation where we discuss your goals and assess your eligibility for the program. If you qualify, the next meeting will be with an immigration attorney who will assist with document preparation.

Step 2: Selecting an Immigration Attorney

You may choose any immigration attorney, but we recommend top attorneys with whom we’ve collaborated for years. Attorney fees are comparable across the field, but by choosing the best, you gain access to high-quality support.

Step 3: Document Preparation

Once the attorney contract is signed, the document preparation process begins. We support you at every stage, helping to resolve issues and overcome challenges.

Step 4: Choosing a Regional Center and Project

Together, we select a suitable Regional Center and project, ensuring these are reputable companies with experience in large-scale projects in the U.S. We arrange video calls to meet with the representatives of the center and the project.

Step 5: Transferring Funds and Filing the Petition

After completing the legal process and signing all documents, you transfer your funds directly to the selected Regional Center. Your immigration attorney then files the I-526 petition. Approval typically takes between one and one and a half years.

Special Conditions:

If you already hold a visa for the U.S., you may apply for a status adjustment and await approval within the country.

Step 6: Obtaining Your Green Card and Removing Conditions

Once the I-526 petition is approved, you and your family will attend an interview at a U.S. consulate to receive investor visas. The Green Card is initially issued for two years, during which the project must create at least 10 jobs. After two years, your immigration attorney files a second petition to remove the temporary condition, making your Green Card permanent. After five years, you can apply for U.S. citizenship, and you may expect to recover your investment around the same time.

Costs of Participating in the Program

The total cost of the program is approximately $915,000–$920,000, of which $800,000 is your refundable investment. The remaining amount covers administrative fees, attorney services, and government fees.

Note: By working with us, you’ll receive a discount of up to 20% on the administrative fee and will not be charged for our services. Our team will support you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Our goal is to guide you through every stage of the EB-5 program, ensuring a smooth and transparent process. We are ready to help you take this important step for the future of your family.

If you are considering the EB-5 program, reach out to us for a free consultation: info@dkinvest.org.