I have friend in New York who claims that he will be getting a green card within two years because he has purchased a house for around $500,000. I did some research and I found that I can apply for EB-5 while on H1-B and get a green card if I invest around $500,000 and create 10 full-time jobs. But what I found online seems to contradict what my friend told me. Is there any scenario where I could be eligible for EB-5 if I purchase a house?
Answers
Ed Beshara
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyPurchasing a house will not grant you the green card. However, as an example, if you purchase a house for $2 million dollars, you can take out a mortgage for the investment amount and use these as your personal investment funds. Based upon the facts you present you can invest in an EB-5 regional center project.
Julia Roussinova
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyUnfortunately, this is not true. A home purchase is a passive investment and does not qualify for the EB-5 green card.
Salvatore Picataggio
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyHe may be using the house as collateral for a loan, which can be an acceptable source of funds, as long as all other conditions are met. Please consult with an immigration attorney, who will be able to use their experience and expertise in reviewing your specific circumstances and goals.
John J Downey
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyNot really, this matter was discussed in the early stages of EB-5 and not allowed because of maintaining 10 jobs. It is not really an investment visa, but rather a job-creation visa.
Lynne Feldman
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyMost unlikely, as you have to show your investment will generate 10 new full-time jobs.
Jinhee Wilde
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyThis is one of the biggest scams by real estate brokers. EB-5's benefit is for investors who invest in U.S. business/projects that will create 10+ full-time permanent jobs. It is not available to people who are merely investing in passive investments, such as buying a house, stocks and bonds, etc. Thus, you are correct and your friend is wrong. Also, as H1-B is a dual intent category visa, you definitely could apply for the EB-5 program while in H1-B status.
Vaughan de Kirby
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyYour friend is incorrect - there is no program affording a green card for the purchase of real property.
Bernard P Wolfsdorf
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyThe purchase of a home will not help qualify for a green card.
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