Colombia Investors for EB-5 VisaThe EB-5 Visa for Colombia investors is an immigrant visa that allows eligible applicants to have a green card (permanent residence). A green card (permanent residence) permits Colombia investors and their dependents to permanently live and work in the US. The EB5 Visa for Colombian investors requires a minimum investment that generates at least 10 full-time jobs for Americans. The application for EB-5 Visa for Colombian investors is on “current” status. 

An approved EB5 Visa grants Colombia investors and their dependents conditional permanent residence in the US for two years. A petition for removal of conditions grants Colombian investors and their dependents an unconditional US permanent residence for 10 years. The spouse of the Colombian investor can work in the US legally with a green card. The children of Colombian investors can study in the US as dependents of the EB-5 Visa. 

What is EB-5 Visa for Colombia Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Colombia investors is an immigrant investor visa that permits the application for a green card (permanent residence) in the United States. A green card (permanent residence) allows Colombian investors to work and live in the U.S. permanently. The requirements for EB5 Visa for Colombia investors are a minimum investment and job creation for at least 10 full-time American citizens. 

What are the Benefits of EB-5 Visa for Colombian Investors?

The following are the benefits of the EB-5 Visa for Colombian investors and their dependents.

  • Permanent residence and citizenship in the US. Colombian investors are looking to relocate to the US due to the high crime rate and internal social conflicts in their country. Colombian investors are eligible for US citizenship after 5 years of being unconditional permanent residents.
  • Education and employment in the US. A US education opens more employment opportunities to children of Colombian investors. Here are the benefits that minor children of Colombian investors can enjoy with a green card.
    • Study in some of the best institutions in the world without facing restrictions imposed on foreign students.
    • Pay 150% to 300% lower tuition fees as compared to foreign students.
    • Enjoy more funding and scholarship options as compared to foreign students.
    • Study as a day scholar and avoid long separation from family just to obtain a quality education.
    • Explore job opportunities without worrying about issues like work permits, sponsorship, processing delays, expiry of visa, or restrictions on job mobility. 
  • Investment opportunities in the US. Colombian investors can expand their investments and create businesses in the U.S. with the EB5 Visa.
  • Colombian investors enjoy greater international mobility through the visa-free travel privileges available to US green cardholders.

What are the Risks of EB-5 Visa for Colombian Investors?

Colombian investors face these risks when applying for the EB-5 Visa.

  • Immigration risk. Making an EB5 investment does not automatically grant a US green card. The Colombian investor has to satisfy all the criteria of the EB-5 Visa to obtain a green card. 
  • Investment risk. The Colombian investor should know that gains and losses come with an EB5 investment. 
  • Fraud risk. Colombian investors should thoroughly study potential EB-5 investment projects to prevent becoming victims of EB5 fund schemes. 
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How Long Does it Take to Process an EB 5 Visa for Colombia Investors?

The EB5 petition is initiated with the filing of the Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526). The processing time of the Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526) for an EB-5 Visa for Colombia investors is between 29.5 to 61 months.

Here is the step-by-step EB5 Visa Process for Colombia investors.

  1. Choose an investment advisor and immigration attorney.
  2. Find an EB-5 Project that meets the EB-5 program requirements.
  3. Invest capital and file Form I-526. Form I-526 should first be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can then file for an EB-5 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States, 
  4. Apply for Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) and DS 260 form.
  5. Get your 2-Year conditional green card.
  6. Submit the Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (Form I-829) for an unconditional green card.

How Long is an EB5 Visa Valid for Colombia Investors?

An EB-5 Visa for Colombian investors grants a conditional green card for 2 years. Filing the Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (Form I-829) grants an unconditional green card valid for 10 years. 

What are the Requirements for an EB-5 Visa for Colombian Investors?

These are the eligibility requirements of the EB5 Visa for Colombian investors.

  • Investment amount. The “at risk” investment for the EB5 Visa for Colombia investors can be any of the following. 
    • The minimum investment is $800,000 (Col$3,542,508,800 Colombian Pesos) for a Targeted Employment Area (region with high unemployment rates and rural areas). 
    • The investment is $1,050,000 (Col$4,649,542,800 Colombian Pesos) for a non-Targeted Employment Area. 
  • Source of funds. Colombia investors can use any of the following to invest.
    • Inheritance 
    • Salaries/wages
    • Business profits
    • Loans from a financial institution or from an individual
    • Gifts from an individual
  • Job creation. The EB5 Visa for Colombia investors requires the creation of 10 full-time jobs for US citizens.

The financial criteria for the EB-5 Visa for Colombian investors are the following.

  • Net worth of $1,050,000 (Col$4,649,542,800 Colombian Pesos) for an individual or married couple; or
  • Minimum of $200,000 (Col$885,627,200 Colombian Pesos) in individual income in each of the 2 previous years; or
  • Minimum of $300,000 (Col$1,328,440,800 Colombian Pesos) in joint income in each of the 2 previous years; and
  • Comparable level of future income and assets

Check our guide on EB-5 Visa Requirements to know everything you need to file your EB-5 petition.

What is the Age Requirement for Colombian Investors to Get EB-5 Visa?

There’s no age limit. The meaning of this simply is any Colombian investor qualifies to be an EB-5 investor. However, since a minor probably does not have the assets or income to be eligible as an EB-5 investor on his own, the parents or some other guardian giving him/her the investment amount requires showing the necessary documents to prove the source of funds. Occasionally, a Colombian investor pursuing an EB-5 visa will be unable to get specific documentation. In such instances, the applicant may file a declaration giving an explanation as to why they are unable to supply the needed documentation.

The only time age matters is if the parent is applying and children are also part of the application as derivatives. They must be under the age of 21 to be included in a parent’s application.

How Much Does an EB-5 Visa Cost for Colombia Investors?

These are the costs of an EB-5 Visa for Colombia investors.

  • EB-5 investment
    • $800,000 (Col$3,542,508,800 Colombian Pesos) for a Targeted Employment Area 
    • $1,050,000 (Col$4,649,542,800 Colombian Pesos) for a non-Targeted Employment Area
  • Form I-526- $3,675 (Col$16,273,399.80 Colombian Pesos)
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485)- $1,140 (Col$5,048,075.04 Colombian Pesos)
  • Form I-829- $3,750 (Col$16,605,510 Colombian Pesos)

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows 10,000 EB-5 visas a year.

The Banco de la República is the regulatory body that has the framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Colombia.

Check our guide on US Investor Visa Cost for full information on the costs of an EB-5 Visa for Colombian investors. 

What is the Priority Date for EB5 Visa for Colombia Investors?

The final action date of the EB-5 Visa for Colombian investors is “current” as per the October 2022 visa bulletin released by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). “Current” final action date means that there is no retrogression (backlog) of EB-5 Visa for Colombia investors. 

What is the EB-5 Visa Statistics for Colombian Investors?

There were 1 EB-5 Visas issued to Colombian investors in FY 2024 according to the U.S. Department of State (DOS)-Bureau of Consular Affairs Report of the Visa Office 2024. 

What are the Challenges for Colombia Investors for EB-5?

Colombian investors face certain challenges when applying for the EB-5 Visa. The first is the ability to meet the minimum investment capital. There are costs incurred outside of the EB5 investment to process the EB-5 Visa for Colombia investors. The second is the risk of losses in the EB5 investment project. The primary benefit of the EB-5 Visa for Colombian investors is getting permanent residence in the US. The third is the occurrence of fraud schemes targeting EB-5 investors. Hiring an EB5 attorney, consulting the right experts, and working with the right EB-5 partners help solve these Challenges of the EB-5 Program. 

What is the Best Project to Invest in with an EB-5 Visa for Colombia Investors?

The top EB-5 projects for Colombia investors include real estate and restaurant industries. An EB-5 project in real estate has a readily understandable exit strategy for Colombian investors.  An EB-5 project for the restaurant industry generates a sizeable cash flow for repayment and return on capital. EB-5 Projects are the US businesses created for the EB-5 Visa application of Colombia investors. 

What Does the Future Hold for EB-5 Investors from Colombia?

The EB5 Visa application for Colombia investors remains “current”. Colombian investors are not subject to retrogression (backlog) and can get their EB-5 Visas faster compared to China and India.

What is the Current Retrogression Situation for Colombian Investors?

There is no backlog in the EB-5 Visa for Colombian investors according to the October 2022 visa bulletin from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Colombian investors can apply for the EB5 Visa without experiencing processing delays.

What is a Targeted Employment Area?

A targeted employment area (TEA) is a region in the United States where the threshold for investment is $800,000 (Col$3,542,508,800 Colombian Pesos) for Colombian investors to qualify for the EB-5 Visa. The two kinds of targeted employment areas are high unemployment areas and rural areas.

What Other Countries can Invest in the EB-5 Visa Program?

There were 78, 278 foreign investors who applied for the EB-5 Visa in April 2020 according to “The United States EB-5 Program” by Investment Migration Insider. About 80% of EB5 investors come from Taiwan, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Below are the top countries that apply for the EB-5 Visa. 

Is USA a Good Foreign Market to Invest in for Colombia Citizens?

Yes, the United States and Colombia have maintained close ties in trade and cooperation. Colombian Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the United States between 2015 and 2018 were highest in textiles at 43% according to the U.S. Chamber Colombia-U.S. Investment Roadmap. Business service, food and beverages, transportation and warehousing, and plastics account for other Colombian Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the United States at 14% each.

Is EB-5 Visa Popular to Colombia Investors?

Yes, Colombian investors consider the US as a top country to relocate to with their families. The spouse of the Colombian investor can work as a dependent of the EB5 Visa. The children of Colombian investors can study in the US with a green card. 

Can EB-5 Visa Attorney Speed Up the Process of EB-5 Visa?

Yes, an EB-5 Visa attorney assists in the Colombian investor’s application to speed up its processing. Delays from processing errors and incomplete documentation can be prevented by hiring an EB5 Visa Attorney.

Is Obtaining an EB-5 Easy for Colombia Investors?

Colombia investors can get their EB-5 Visa faster than applicants from China and India who are experiencing backlogs in the application. 

Can a Colombian National Apply for EB 5 while on H1B?

Yes, a Colombian citizen with a valid H-1B Visa can apply for an EB5 Visa. The H1B Visa is for foreign professionals employed by US companies. A Colombian citizen on H-1B Visa can submit multiple petitions including the EB-5 Visa without canceling their H1B status. 

Can a Colombia Investor Borrow Money for EB-5 Visa?

Yes, Colombia investors can borrow money for their EB5 Visa application. The borrowed money has to be secured by assets and the collateral cannot be the same EB-5 business. We have a guide on EB5 Source of Funds Requirements for all you need to know about EB-5 source of funds.

Can an International Student from Colombia with an F-1 Visa Apply for EB5 Visa? 

Yes, a student from Colombia on F-1 Visa can apply for the EB-5 Visa. The F1 Visa allows entry into the US for foreign students for the duration of their studies. The Colombian student on F1 Visa should invest a minimum capital in a US business to apply for EB5 Visa. This investment should create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for Americans.

Can Colombians Invest in the USA?

The EB5 Visa and the E-2 Visa are the two US investment visas for Colombia investors. The E2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in a US business. A treaty country maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US. Colombia has an established treaty with the United States since June 10, 1948 and is qualified for the E-2 Visa.

The E2 Visa does not have a direct path to a green card, unlike the E-B5 Visa. A substantial capital of at least $150,000 (Col$664,220,400 Colombian Pesos) is required for an E-2 Visa investment. There is no requirement for minimum job creation for E2 Visa.