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EB-5 Program Allows Brazilians to Obtain a Green Card in the U.S. With a Minimum Investment of US$ 800,000 and Job Creation.
Obtaining a Green Card, the highly sought-after permanent residency visa in the United States, is a goal for many Brazilians.
Among the various options available, the EB-5 visa has stood out as a viable and increasingly sought-after alternative.
With a minimum investment of US$ 800,000, around R$ 4.48 million, the program offers the possibility to live and work legally in the U.S., with access to various benefits.
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What Is the EB-5 Visa
Created in 1990 by the U.S. government, the EB-5 was developed to stimulate the American economy and create jobs.
The program allows foreigners to invest in projects in the U.S. and, in return, obtain a Green Card.
To be eligible, the investment must be made in areas defined by the U.S. government, and the project must create at least ten full-time jobs for American workers.
The current minimum investment is US$ 800,000, equivalent to about R$ 4.4 million.
This amount can vary depending on the type of investment and the chosen area. Although high, the amount is considered more accessible compared to other modalities, such as the new “Gold Card,” which is still under discussion.
Two Investment Modalities
The EB-5 program offers two distinct forms of investment. The first is Direct Investment.
In this modality, the investor has full control over the business, being able to allocate capital in a personal company or a specific project.
However, this path requires greater involvement in the company’s management, along with direct responsibility for creating the necessary jobs.
The second option is Indirect Investment in Regional Centers. Regional centers are U.S. government-approved programs that allow the investor to participate more passively.
In these cases, job creation can be indirect or induced, which offers greater flexibility and fewer daily management requirements.
Types of Businesses Recommended for EB-5
Among the types of enterprises that fit the EB-5 criteria are self-owned shops, such as markets, restaurants, convenience stores, and others. However, these businesses require detailed planning to ensure compliance with the job creation requirement.
Franchises also appear as a viable and attractive option. Since they already have validated operating models and ongoing support, they offer greater operational security.
As long as the number of jobs and the investment amount align with the program’s requirements, franchises can be an interesting alternative for those seeking the Green Card through EB-5.
More Accessible Than the New “Gold Card”
Recently, Donald Trump announced the proposal to create the “Gold Card,” a new investment visa for those wishing to live in the United States.
The initial idea requires a minimum investment of US$ 5 million, an amount considerably higher than that required by EB-5.
So far, there are no official details regarding the criteria, deadlines, or advantages of this new model, making EB-5 a more concrete and accessible option.
The combination of a still viable investment with the possibility of legally residing in the U.S. makes the program quite attractive.
The Profile of Brazilians Seeking EB-5
Brazilians interested in EB-5 come from various backgrounds. Many are executives wishing to leave positions in large companies to seek new opportunities in the United States.
Others are entrepreneurs who see a more stable business environment to expand their ventures. There are also families aiming for a better quality of life, safety, and access to education.
For many, immigration through EB-5 represents a life and career project that is strategically structured.
However, like any investment, the program involves risks. Choosing the right project is vital to ensure compliance with the rules and avoid future immigration problems.
The Risks and Requirements of EB-5
In addition to the financial investment, the EB-5 program requires the investor to prove the legal origin of the funds used. All money allocated to the project must have documented provenance, following the criteria established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency responsible for immigration processes.
Another point of attention is compliance with the job creation requirement. If the project fails to create the necessary ten jobs, the Green Card application may be denied.
Therefore, it is essential to conduct a careful analysis and seek professional guidance before starting the process.
Other Types of Merit Visas
In addition to EB-5, there are other U.S. visas aimed at qualified foreigners, such as EB-1 and EB-2. The EB-1 is directed at professionals with international recognition in their fields, such as renowned professors, researchers, and artists.
The EB-2 is intended for professionals with established careers in strategic areas. In some cases, EB-2 can be obtained even without a formal job offer, through the National Interest Waiver (NIW), provided that the candidate can prove that their activities bring substantial benefits to the United States.
The Advantages of the Green Card
The Green Card is an important step for those wishing to build a life in the United States. It allows legal residency, work, and study in the country.
Moreover, after five years of residency, the holder can apply for U.S. citizenship. For those married to U.S. citizens, this period is reduced to three years.
With the Green Card, foreigners have access to public schools, public services, and can move freely within the U.S. However, only U.S. citizens can vote or hold public office.
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