Why Canadians Choose EB-5 Visa Over Other US Immigration Options
EB-5 Visa offers foreign nationals and their families (spouse and unmarried children under 25) a lawful permanent residency in the US by investing a certain amount in a business venture. EB-5 stands for Employment-Based Fifth Preference Visa. To qualify for the EB-5 Visa, you must invest $1.05 billion and $800,000 in a Target Employment Area (TEA). The investment must create ten full-time jobs for US workers within two years. In return, the investors will be able to obtain green cards for themselves and their families. EB 5 Visa holders can sponsor their families to move from Canada and live lawfully as permanent residents within the US.
If you are a Canadian and planning to explore US Immigration through investment, understanding the EB-5 Visa cost in Canada is essential. In this blog, we are going to provide you with complete information about why the EB-5 Visa is more popular among Canadians. Continue reading the whole blog to learn the step-by-step procedure!
We at Canada Shaws can help you navigate through the complex immigration process. Book a FREE ORIENTATION with our immigration experts!
What Is the EB-5 Visa Program?
EB-5 Visa is a visa program launched by the US government in 1990 to stimulate the US economy and bring foreign investment to the US. The EB-5 visa program is best for those who are global investors and are seeking to gain US residency. Investors have to invest the amount specified by the US Government and create 10 jobs for US workers. That’s how they contribute to the US economy, and in return, they obtain US residency by gaining a green Card. Unlike other visa programs, this visa program does not bind them to one employer or sponsor. Also, they can start a business in the US without business immigration control.
How the EB-5 Visa Leads to a Green Card
The main attraction of the EB-5 Visa is that it offers a path to a US green card. An investor has to invest an amount of $1050000 or $800000 if investing in the Target Employment Area (TEA). The investment must create 10 full-time jobs for US workers. After the requirements are met, the investor and eligible family members (spouse and children under 21) will be given a conditional green card for two years. If the invested amount shows sustained benefits for two years, the applicant and the family can further apply ( Form I-829) to remove conditions. After the investor has received the permanent green Card and all the conditions are met, the EB-5 repayment process can begin.
Every investor must need to know the EB-5 Repayment Plans. Click here to explore.
Do you not know the complete procedure and want legal guidance? There is no better place than Canada Shaws. Our team of Licensed Immigration Experts and Lawyers will help you with any difficulties along the way by coming up with the best solutions.
Wondering how to get a green card from the right investment? Here is the step-by-step guide.
The Benefits of EB-5 Visa for Canadian Citizens
Understanding the EB-5 Visa benefits can help you decide if this option aligns with your goals. Some of the EB-5 visa benefits include:
- EB-5 offers a direct pathway to US residency.
- This visa is unique among other US visas because its main attraction is the Green Card.
- It offers tax benefits to the investors.
- EB-5 Visa is a self-petitioned path, and there is no employer dependency.
- The children of EB-5 investors can enjoy quality education, paying the same tuition fees as US citizens.
- Canadian citizens have to pay lower taxes in the US as compared to Canada.
- Canadian Investors have the freedom to live and invest in any business of their choice across the US.
- EB-5 Visa processing time for Canadians is relatively fast because there is no backlog for Canadian citizens, unlike in China and India.
- EB-5 Visa offers a more secure and permanent solution, unlike other temporary visa options.
EB-5 Vs. Other US Immigration Options for Canadians
Here is a comparison of different employment-based visas. Employment-based visas are meant for foreign nationals to live and work in the United States based on their skills, educational qualifications, and investment. The key purpose behind employment-based visas is to attract global talent, support US businesses, and encourage investment and job creation in the US economy.
| Visa | Category | Key Features | |
| EB1 | Priority workers | For individuals with extraordinary abilities. This visa has a high eligibility standard and does not require labor certification. | |
| EB2 | Advanced degree holders/ Exceptional ability | For individuals with a master’s degree or higher and those with exceptional skills in science, arts, and business. It also requires labor certification. | |
| EB3 | Skilled workers, professionals, and others. | It requires employer sponsorship and labor certification. It is more accessible but processes are slower due to the backlog. | |
| EB5 | Immigrant Investor | For global investors who can invest $800000-$1050000 in US business and create 10 job opportunities for US workers. It’s a pathway to US residency. | |
You can find detailed information about all the employment-based visas on the official USCIS Website.
Who is the EB-5 Visa Best Suited For?
Wondering if the EB-5 is the right suited for you or not? You can book a free consultation call with us to find out or read some below tips to decide:
- Those who have capital to invest and are looking for US residency.
- Those who are entrepreneurs and want to enter the US market.
- Those individuals who want US education for their children.
- Those individuals who want to move to the US along with their families.
A Step-by-Step EB-5 Process for Canadians
Before moving towards the first step of an EB-5 visa, seek some legal guidance. EB-5 visa requirements are designed to attract global investors who want to contribute to the US economy by investing and creating jobs.
At Canada Shaws, we have a team of Legal Experts who can turn the complexities of EB-5 Visa investment into a smooth process. Our financial and legal experts can guide you about everything related to EB-5 Visa requirements.
Step 1: Make your EB-5 Visa Investment
To begin the EB-5 visa process, the applicant must make a qualifying investment. There are two investment thresholds:
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$1,050,000 – Standard minimum investment amount
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$800,000 – If investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is an area with high unemployment
The $800,000 option is popular among Canadian investors due to the lower capital requirement. Applicants can invest in either:
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Through a USCIS-approved regional center, or
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Directly in a new commercial enterprise
In both cases, the investment must be “at-risk,” meaning there is a potential for both profit and loss.
Note: You must prove that your funds are lawfully sourced. Acceptable documentation includes bank statements, legal records, wire transfer documents, and other forms of verifiable financial history.
Two Investment Options
1. Direct Investment
You can invest directly in a new commercial enterprise by:
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Starting a new business
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Acquiring an existing one
This option requires active participation in managing the business. You must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. This path is ideal for experienced entrepreneurs and business owners.
A “new commercial enterprise” may include:
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Sole proprietorship
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Partnership
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Holding company and its wholly owned subsidiaries
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Joint venture
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Corporation
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Business trust
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Limited liability company (LLC)
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Other publicly or privately owned entities
- Non-commercial activities do not qualify.
2. Regional Center Investment
Alternatively, you can invest through a USCIS-approved regional center. This option does not require active involvement in daily operations. The regional center handles the business and job creation responsibilities on your behalf.
You can find the current list of approved regional centers on the official website.
Step 2: Documents checklist for Form I-526E
Once the EB-5 investment is successfully made, you can file a petition (I-526E). To support your application, you have to attach the following documents.
- Bank wire transfer receipts ( showing the transferred amount)
- Bank statements from both sending and receiving accounts.
- Acknowledgment from New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) or the Regional Center confirming the receipt of funds.
- A complete proof of the sources of funds, including employment income, business earnings, real estate sales or other, etc.
- Provide complete proof of the loan and whether funds were sourced via loans.
- Tax records showing the lawful validity of the funds.
A complete and accurate record of the documents mentioned above will increase the likelihood of a smooth process. Canada Shaws collaborates with financial advisors to help you keep USCIS-compliant fund records.
Step 3: File Form I-526 E
Once the investment is made, you will file Form I-526 E. Your petition must show that your investment was successful and that you have successfully created 10 jobs for US workers.
Step 4: Timeline to conditional and permanent green Card
Application approval time for Canadian citizens is faster because of a lower backlog.
- If you are already in the US, you will file form I-485 with the US Department of State.
- If you are in Canada (outside the US), you will file DS-260 with USCIS.
Once these applications are approved, you will receive a conditional 2-year green card. This period of two years is crucial to get a green card. The applicant has to prove the creation of 10 successful full-time jobs for US workers. After the approved success of the investment, the applicant can file the petition l-829 to remove the conditions. He can file this petition within 90 days immediately before the second anniversary of your adjustment of status or admission to the United States as a conditional permanent resident. If USCIS approves the petition, the applicant can attain the status of a permanent resident.
Note: EB-5 Visa price is not limited to $800000 or $1050000 investment. There are additional costs involved, such as USCIS filing fees, regional center administrative fees, etc.
Seeking Help? Get Real Answers from Canada Shaws Experts!
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Conclusion
EB-5 Visa offers a unique pathway to US citizenship. Unlike many other visa options, EB-5 offers exceptional benefits. This is the most suitable option for those Canadians who have capital to invest and want to settle in the US. For those high-net-worth individuals who wish to access a better quality of life, business opportunities, and quality education for their children, an EB-5 Visa is the best option.
The EB-5 visa process involves a strict documentation procedure regarding investment and job creation. However, it also offers long-term benefits for the individuals and their families. With the right legal and financial guidance, an EB-5 Visa can be a life-changing option for those who meet the requirements. Also, the application processing time for Canadian citizens is even faster.
Careful planning and essential guidance are significant for any immigration program. Choose the right immigration partner and book a FREE ORIENTATION with Canada Shaws.
Frequently Asked Questions
1:How hard is it for a Canadian citizen to get US citizenship?
You must be at least 18 years of age. You must have been a permanent resident in the US for at least 30 months in the past 60 months. If you gained residency through marriage, this time duration should be at least 18 months in the last 36 months.
2: Is it worth moving to the USA from Canada?
The US economy offers growth opportunities in many sectors, such as health, manufacturing, finance, and technology. Canadians moving to the US can find diverse growth opportunities, high-paying jobs, and access to industry-leading companies.
3: What is the minimum investment for EB-5?
- $80,000- For the Targeted employment area ( Area with high unemployment/ Rural area)
- $10,50000- For the Non-Targeted Employment Area
- The funds for the investment should be lawful.
4: Can Canadians buy property in the USA?
Yes, Canadians can buy property in the USA. In fact, everyone in the US may own property regardless of citizenship. However, you still have to abide by the laws regarding the duration of your stay in America.
