New EB-5 visa rules make it tougher to get Green Card

Indian investors will now find it more difficult to get an American Green Card with the United States government changing the rules for applying for an EB-5 Investor Visa.

The EB-5 visa program allows individuals to apply for permanent residence under the Green Card scheme provided they make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the USA and create full-time jobs for 10 qualified United States workers.

According to the new rules published by the US Homeland Security Department recently, EB-5 visa applicants now need to make a minimum investment of USD 900,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), up from USD 500,000 to account for inflation.

The standard minimum investment amount has also been increased to USD 1.8 million from USD 1 million.

The new rules will come into effect from November 21, 2019.