There is one thing everyone wants to know when considering emigration to the United States though business or investment- how much is all of this going to cost me?  The answer is that it depends on what you want to do. Let’s take a quick look at the options starting with the least expensive and then moving up the scale.

 

1. L visa

What is it? A transfer of an executive or manager from an existing business overseas to a new or existing business in the United States.

How much will it cost me?  Very little! The L visa requires no minimum investment at all. You simply have to prove that you are coming to the United States to act as an executive or manager or person of specialized knowledge.

How long does it take? Normal processing times are about 2-4 months however; you have the option of paying the United States immigration authorities to premium process your case in which case, you’ll have a decision in 1-2 weeks.

Can I bring my spouse and children? Yes! Spouses and children under 21 can come along.

Does this ever lead to residency? Your company can file an immigrant visa petition for you. An added benefit of L visa status is that L visa holders can often avoid lengthy labor certification processes when applying for a visa.

2. E-1 and E-2

What is it? Citizens from certain countries are eligible to apply for Treaty Trader or Investor visas .

How much will it cost me? Once again, there are no minimum amounts. Treaty Traders who plan to trade between the US and their home countries are not required to show any minimum investment. Investors are required to show that their investment is “substantial” and that it is likely to generate more than an average living for the visa holder. The minimum amount to be invested depends on the type of business.  I have obtained E-2 investor visas for individuals who have invested as little as $60,000 in a franchise. It is conceivable that even lower investments would qualify depending on the type of investment that was being made.

How long does it take? About 90 days.

Can I bring my spouse and children? Yes! Spouses and children under 21 can come along.

Does it ever lead to residency? No.

3. EB 5- Regional center

What is it? Individuals who invest $500,000 in regional investment centers  can obtain a green card. (contact me if you’d like the names of some good regional centers [email protected])

How much will it cost? $500,000 plus an extra $20,000 or so in administrative fees. You’ll eventually get all of your money back but you won’t make much of a return on your investment. The real return is your green card.

How long does it take? About 8 months.

Can I bring my spouse and children? Yes! Spouses and children under 21 can come along.

 

4. EB 5- personal investment

What is it? Individuals who want to invest $1 million in their own venture and guarantee to create employment opportunities for Americans can obtain a green card.

How much will it cost? At least a million dollars.

How long does it take? About 8 months.

Can I bring my spouse and children? Yes! Spouses and children under 21 can come along.