US Golden Visa: Residents of the UAE and neighboring GCC countries can now benefit from the recent reforms to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, popularly known as the US Golden Visa. Established in 1990 by the US Congress, the program offers foreign investors an opportunity to invest in qualifying government-pre-approved real estate projects in the US, with a minimum investment of $800,000, and obtain US residency and Green Cards for themselves and their families.
Recent Reforms to the US Golden Visa
In March 2022, the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) changed the program, enhancing its appeal to prospective immigrants. One of the significant changes is the introduction of concurrent filing, which allows investors to live and work in the US while awaiting the adjudication of their EB-5 applications. Another positive change is introducing a new category of reserved US Golden Visas called visa set-asides, which allows for priority processing of applications leading to shorter wait times.
Benefits of US Golden Visa
A US Green Card unlocks a myriad of benefits for families, including permanent residence and works in the US, a stable and secure path to US citizenship, lower tuition fees compared to international students, higher chances of acceptance into US universities and institutions, access to paid internship and research opportunities, and access to government grants and scholarships. Green Card holders also fare better in the US job market compared to their international counterparts, as employers prefer to avoid the hassles of hiring an international candidate. Additionally, having a Green Card allows families to access world-class healthcare and pharmaceutical innovations from the world’s top hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.
The Impact of Tech Layoffs on H-1B Visa Holders
Many skilled workers residing in the US, mostly of Indian nationality, are at risk of deportation due to high layoffs in the tech sector. In contrast, the US Golden Visa provides a stable path to US residency and work without relying on a specific employer.
Conclusion
Obtaining a US Golden Visa can significantly change a family’s life, offering many benefits and opportunities. The American Legal Center serves as an active guide for those looking to access America to pursue their dreams.