Investing in the US: Comparing EB-5 and L1-A Visas for Permanent Residency and Business Expansion. Which US Visa is right for you? Let’s take a look…
The United States of America is a land of opportunities, and it is no surprise that people from all over the world want to live and work there. However, navigating the complex world of visas can be challenging, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the different types of visas available. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between two popular visas: the EB-5 and L1-A visa.
EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 visa is a popular choice for investors who want to move to the United States permanently. This visa allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency by investing a minimum of USD 1 Million in a business in the United States that creates at least ten full-time jobs for American workers.
Benefits of the EB-5 Visa:
The EB-5 visa is a great option for those looking to move to the US permanently and invest in a new business. it does not require any sponsorship from a US employer. This means that investors can start their own businesses in the United States and obtain permanent residency, provided they meet the investment and job creation requirements. However, it can be a time-consuming process, and the investment must meet specific criteria for job creation.
L1-A Visa
The L1-A visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer executives and managers to their U.S. offices. To be eligible for this visa, the foreign national must have worked for the company for at least one year and be coming to the United States to work in a managerial or executive capacity.
One of the primary benefits of the L1-A visa is that it is dual intent, which means that the visa holder can apply for permanent residency while still on the visa. Additionally, the L1-A visa does not have any minimum investment requirement, making it an attractive option for companies looking to transfer key employees to their US offices.
Benefits of L1-A Visa:
- No upper limit on how many L1 visas can be granted in a year. The Government has no reserved quotas or set limits for the same.
- Fast processing time – ranges between 3-6 months and conversion ratio goes up to 75%
- Can immigrate family on L2 Visa – Spouse can work for other employers in the US
- No capping on the minimum investment amount. Even small to medium-scale enterprises are eligible for applying
- Transition to Green Card
- Tax benefits
Differences between EB-5 and L1-A Visa:
The EB-5 and L1-A visas have several key differences, including
| L-1A | EB-5 |
|---|---|
| Non-immigrant visa | Leads to conditional residency |
| No minimum investment required | Minimum investment of USD 1 million or USD 8,00,000. Beginning of 2023 the investment limits are to be hiked every year |
| 5-6 employees are enough | Create 10 direct full-time jobs |
| Less restrictions and more freedom | More restrictions such as investment only in rural areas, high unemployment areas, or infrastructure projects |
| For Green card – working office for 1 year and if that is successful, the company can apply for Green Card. Can take the EB-1C route in a few cases where the US office has been operational for more than a year and meets the ability to pay US wages. | Direct application for a 2-year Green Card |
Conclusion
Before choosing between EB-5 and L1-A Visa, it is essential to consider your personal and professional goals. While the EB-5 and L1-A Visas both offer unique benefits, they differ significantly in terms of eligibility, investment criteria, job creation, and permanent residency. It’s recommended that you seek professional guidance to help you choose the visa that best suits your specific needs and requirements.
