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Here’s a detailed comparison emphasizing why the L1A visa might be a smarter choice over the EB-5 visa for those looking to obtain a green card with a smaller investment:
| L1A Visa | EB-5 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
|
Investment Range |
$40,000 to $50,000. |
$800,000 (in a Targeted Employment Area) or $1.05 million. |
|
Business Setup |
This investment is generally sufficient to establish or expand a small to medium-sized business in the U.S. that have been registered for at least one year. Any type of business such as mid to large sized companies, jewelry shops, real estate business, or garment shops. |
Requires a substantial upfront investment, which can be risky if the business does not perform well or fails to create the required jobs. |
|
Risk |
The financial risk is significantly lower as the investment is manageable, and the focus is on running a viable business rather than just meeting a high investment threshold. |
The entire $800,000 investment is at risk, and there’s no guarantee of a return, especially if the business or project fails to meet the job creation criteria. |
| L1A Visa | EB-5 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
|
Permanent/Conditional Green Card |
Permanent Green Card: Leads to a permanent green card (under the EB-1C category) after 1-2 years of successful business operation in the U.S. |
Conditional Green Card: Initially grants a 2-year conditional green card. After two years, you must prove that the investment and job creation criteria have been met to remove the conditions. |
|
Conditions |
No Conditions: The green card obtained through the L1A pathway is not conditional, meaning you and your family receive a permanent green card without additional requirements. |
Risk of Losing Green Card: If the business fails or does not meet the job creation requirement, you risk losing your green card status. |
|
Family Inclusion |
The L1A visa allows your family (spouse and children) to also receive green cards, securing their future in the U.S. |
Similar to L1A, the EB-5 visa includes your family, but with the added stress of maintaining the conditional green card status. |
| L1A Visa | EB-5 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
|
Processing Time |
The L1A visa can be processed quickly, and you can start your business operations in the U.S. relatively soon. The path to a green card typically takes around 1-2 years. |
The EB-5 visa process can be lengthy, with the initial conditional green card taking 1-2 years, followed by another 2 years to remove conditions. |
|
Conditions |
No Conditional Period: Unlike the EB-5, there’s no conditional period; you and your family obtain permanent residency after fulfilling the requirements. |
Uncertainty: The conditional period adds uncertainty, and the total time to a permanent green card can be longer if complications arise. |
| L1A Visa | EB-5 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
|
Flexibility |
Operational Flexibility: You can manage or expand an existing business, such as a jewelry shop, real estate business, or garment shop, without needing to meet rigid job creation metrics. |
Limited Flexibility: The business must meet specific criteria related to the EB-5 program, limiting flexibility in business operations and strategy. |
|
Vision |
Business Growth: Focus on the actual growth and success of the business, allowing for more strategic decision-making without the pressure of a high investment return. |
Limited Flexibility: The business must meet specific criteria related to the EB-5 program, limiting flexibility in business operations and strategy. |
Lower Financial Risk:
The L1A visa requires a much smaller investment ($40,000 to $50,000) compared to the $800,000 required for the EB-5 visa. This reduces financial risk and makes it more accessible to a broader range of entrepreneurs.
Permanent Green Card:
The L1A visa leads to a permanent green card after 2-3 years, without the conditional period that comes with the EB-5 visa. This offers greater security and peace of mind for you and your family.
Faster and More Certain Path:
With the L1A visa, you can obtain permanent residency for your family within a relatively short time frame, without the added stress of meeting stringent job creation requirements or risking the loss of your investment.
Business Flexibility:
The L1A visa allows you to focus on growing your business naturally, without the pressure to meet specific job creation targets, giving you more freedom in how you manage and expand your operations.
For individuals who want to invest in the U.S. and secure a green card for their family without taking on the significant financial risk associated with the EB-5 visa, the L1A visa offers a compelling alternative. With a lower investment threshold, a faster path to a permanent green card, and greater flexibility in business operations, the L1A visa is a more strategic and less risky choice for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the United States.
Visa applications might be hard, but our professional team streamlines the entire procedure. We assist you acquire the relevant paperwork, confirm compliance with U.S. standards, and guide you through each step to guarantee that your L1 visa application is finished successfully.
