IMMIGRANT VISAS

Employment-based

Investors (Fifth Preference Category)

Who is eligible?

Investors may qualify for employment creation immigrant visas if they seek to enter the U.S. for the purpose of establishing a new commercial enterprise. The investment must provide at least 10 full-time positions for U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of the U.S., or other immigrants with employment authorization. The minimum capital required in most cases is one million U.S. dollars; the requirement is less if the investor plans to create jobs in certain rural areas or high unemployment areas.

How to apply?

Persons wishing to establish eligibility for employment creation immigrant visas are required to file a Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Note: The decision on whether a person is qualified for registration in the employment-based, fifth preference category is made by USCIS. Explore the USCIS website or contact USCIS for more information. The U.S. Embassy and consulates in India cannot answer questions concerning eligibility to register in this category.