What should you know about investor visa options?

Securing a way to live in the U.S. as an investor is an attractive prospect to many people. Securing an investor visa allows many people every year to reach financial milestones, achieve their goals and enjoy life in their target country.

Understanding investor visas can allow an applicant to get a leg up over the competition and avoid getting disqualified or denied for easily avoidable reasons or mistakes.

Types of investor visas

The U.S. Department of State discusses investor visa options. Many options exist, such as L-1, E-2 and EB-5 which all serve different purposes. First, understand which option serves which type of investor. For example, E-2 visas allow for people to apply with just a business idea or an intention of buying a business. L-1 visas, on the other hand, focus on the jobs and economic growth an investor can create.

The requirements to fulfill

Next, it is important to understand the requirements. Prospective recipients can invest no less than $1 million in a qualifying enterprise. But investments in areas with low employment rates or high rural levels may qualify at $500,000, as an exception. Investors also cannot borrow to meet these limits.

Other qualifying requirements include creating up to 10 full-time positions in 2 years, not counting children or spouses. A person must then file a petition, pay associated fees and include documentation like civil documents, a passport and proof of finances. An interview and medical exam also happen.

On a whole, it is an involved and somewhat stress-inducing process. This is why many people feel more secure after speaking to someone who understands the ins and outs of it.