EB-5 Program Gains Traction Among International Students Seeking US Residency
The EB-5 investment program in the US, which grants a Green Card in exchange for investing in a commercial enterprise, is gaining traction among international students and families. This strategy, combined with education planning, offers long-term immigration benefits and is spreading rapidly. The high investment threshold starting at $800,000 and the time-consuming process have not deterred applicants seeking residency for stability and mobility.
The EB-5 program requires a minimum investment of $800,000, which can rise to $1.8 million depending on the location of the enterprise. Despite this, the allure of obtaining a Green Card and its associated benefits is driving interest. Residency is increasingly seen as the 'new passport to opportunity' for international students.
Students are drawn to the stability and freedom a Green Card offers. It allows access to in-state tuition fees, more scholarship opportunities, and unrestricted work options. US universities are witnessing a rise in applicants with permanent residency status, ready to engage fully in the student experience. Political unrest and economic turmoil in home countries are pushing families to seek residency in stable countries like the US.
The EB-5 program, along with similar residency programs in countries like Canada, Australia, and Europe, is becoming a popular strategy for international students and families. While the investment threshold is high and the process time-consuming, the long-term benefits of stability and mobility are driving interest. The trend suggests that securing a Green Card before university is an attractive option for many international students.
