Slovakia Investors for EB-5 VisaThe EB-5 Visa for Slovakia investors is an immigrant visa that allows applicants and their dependents to obtain permanent residency in the United States through investment. The EB-5 Visa for Slovak investors requires a minimum investment that generates at least 10 full-time jobs for American citizens. Obtaining permanent residence through EB5 allows Slovak Republic citizens to live, study, and work indefinitely in the United States. 

There is no backlog in the application process for EB-5 Visa for Slovakia investors and certain investors already present in the USA can take advantage of the concurrent filing of their petitions. The lack of retrogression in the processing of the EB 5 Visa is a positive factor for Slovakia investors who want to immigrate to the USA. Slovakia investors and their dependents are able to travel anywhere in the USA as well as enjoy visa-free travel to numerous countries as permanent residents. Children of Slovak investors enjoy lower tuition fees and educational assistance in the US as EB 5 Visa dependents. 

Table of Contents

What is EB-5 Visa for Slovakia Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Slovakia investors is an immigrant visa that allows for U.S. Permanent Residence (Green Card) for applicants who can invest a minimum amount in a new commercial enterprise (NCE). The EB-5 Visa for Slovakia investors grants an initial 2-year Conditional Permanent Residence (Green Card) that enables applicants and their families to live, work, and study without restrictions in the US. The Slovak investor’s capital has to create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens.

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

Slovak investors and their dependents qualify for the following benefits through an EB-5 Green Card.

  • Permanent residency in the US. Slovak investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21 gain the right to live, work, and travel anywhere in the USA with an EB5 Green Card. 
  • Wider investment opportunities. Slovak investors are able to expand their businesses in the stable and competitive economy of the United States.
  • Education in the US. Slovak parents are able to send their children to the best educational institutions in the US. Here are the benefits of a Green Card for minor children of Slovak investors as dependents of the EB5 Visa.
    • 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. 
  • Slovak investors enjoy greater international mobility through the visa-free travel privileges available to US Green Card holders.

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

These are the risks faced by Slovak investors during an EB-5 Visa application. 

  • Risk on investment. There is no guarantee that Slovak investors will get their money back or that a huge return on investment will result from the EB5 Project. The foremost benefit of the EB 5 for Slovak investors is the ability to obtain a U.S. Green Card for themselves and their qualified dependents.
  • Risk on immigration. Making an EB 5 investment does not automatically lead to a U.S. Green Card. The Slovak investor needs to prove that the investment remained “at risk” in the EB-5 Project and that the 10 jobs required resulted from their investment.  
  • Risk for fraud. The Slovak investor should conduct due diligence and thoroughly research the EB5 Project, the developer, and third-party entities to avoid being victimized by fraud schemes targeting immigrant investors. 
Register for One-on-One meeting!

How Long Does it Take to Process an EB 5 Visa for Slovakia  Investors?

The timeframe for an initial EB-5 petition for Slovak investors ranges between 29.5 and 61 months. Application for an EB-5 visa for Slovak investors begins with the filing of the Immigration Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526).

How Long is an EB5 Visa Valid for Slovakia Investors?

Slovakia investors and their dependents get an initial 2-year Conditional Green Card after a successful immigrant visa processing or adjustment of status. The Slovakia investor then files a petition to remove the conditions on his/her EB5 Green Card to obtain Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR) in the US, valid for 10 years. 

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

Below are the requirements that Slovak investors have to meet to get an EB-5 Visa.

  • Investment amount. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires EB5 investments to be “at risk” and can be any of the following. 
    • A minimum investment of $800,000 USD (Є745 K EUR) for a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). A Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is a region with high unemployment rates or a rural area. 
    • An investment of $1.05 million USD (Є978 K EUR) for a non-TEA. 
  • Source of funds. Slovak investors can use any of the following as EB5 funds along with proof of their lawful sources.
    • Business profits
    • Gifts from an individual
    • Salaries/wages
    • Inheritance
    • Loans from a financial institution or from an individual
  • Job creation. The EB5 Visa for Slovak investors requires at least 10 full-time jobs for American citizens to result from the EB 5 investment project.

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

  • Net worth of $1,050,000 (Є978 K EUR) for an individual or married couple; or
  • Minimum of $200,000 (Є187 K EUR) in individual income in each of the 2 previous years; or
  • Minimum of $300,000 (Є281 K EUR) in joint income in each of the 2 previous years; and
  • Comparable level of future income and assets.

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

There’s no age limit for the EB-5 Visa. Any Slovakia 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/her 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 Slovak investor pursuing an EB-5 Visa will be unable to get specific documentation. In such instances, the applicant should 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. The children must be under the age of 21 to be included in a parent’s application.

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

These are the costs involved in processing an EB 5 Visa for Slovakia investors.

  • EB-5 investment
    • $800,000 (Є745 K EUR) for a TEA investment
    • $1,050,000 (Є978 K EUR) for a non-TEA investment
  • Form I-526- $3,675 (Є3,443 K EUR)
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485)- $1,140 (Є1,068 K EUR)
  • Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (Form I-829)- $3,750 (Є3,513 K EUR)

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

The Národná banka Slovenska (NBS) is the regulatory body that has framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Slovakia.

How can I Transfer EB-5 Funds from Slovakia?

Slovakia investors need to prove that they invested or are in the process of investing the minimum amount required upon filing their EB 5 petition. The I-526 petition must show that the EB-5 investment was obtained and transferred lawfully. Slovakia investors have to transfer the EB 5 investment fund into the EB 5 Project’s escrow account prior to filing the I-526 petition to show active investment. An EB 5 escrow account is an interest-bearing bank account that holds huge sums of money for businesses until all transactions are complete. The EB5 escrow agreement should state that the entire amount from the Slovakia investor will be dedicated to the EB-5 Project. The bank holding the escrow account should have no relationship with the Slovakia investor and the EB-5 Project developers.  

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

The EB5 Visa priority date is the date when the Slovak investor’s Form I-526 is properly filed and received by the USCIS. The EB5 priority date indicates the Slovak investor’s position in the immigrant visa waiting line. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin shows the final action dates for an EB5 Visa and is released every month. The priority date is “current” once the final action date of the EB-5 Visa for an applicant’s country matches their I-526 priority date. The EB5 Visa for Slovakia investors is on “current” status meaning no retrogression (backlog) exists in the application process. 

How Long Does it Take to Acquire an I-526 Approval for the Slovak Investor under EB 5?

I-526 petitions filed by Slovak investors are adjudicated between 29.5 and 61 months. All I-526 petitions are adjudicated by the USCIS, and the processing time varies on the nature of the case and the service center handling the application.

How can a Slovakia Citizen Immigrate to the United States Using the EB-5 Program?

The EB5 process of immigration for Slovakia investors involves 6 steps.

  1. Petitioning for an EB-5 Visa. Filing of the I-526 petition with the USCIS.
  2. Applying for an EB5 Visa. USCIS must approve the I-526 form prior to applying for the EB5 Visa.
    1. Applying from overseas. Filing the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (Form DS-260) with the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
    2. Applying within the US. Filing for an adjustment of status using Form I-485 with USCIS. Slovakia investors present in the USA holding valid nonimmigrant visas such as H-1B, F-1, and L-1 are eligible for concurrent filing of their I-526 and I-485 petitions.
  3. Issuing of EB-5 Visa. 
  4. Obtaining conditional permanent residence. A Conditional Green Card grants Slovak investors and their dependents the same rights as Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) for an initial period of 2 years.
  5. Removing conditions on permanent residence. The I-829 petition is submitted to USCIS within the 90-day period prior to the second anniversary as a Slovak EB5 investor in the US.
  6. Gaining lawful permanent residence. An Unconditional Green Card is valid for 10 years and renewable unlimitedly. 

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

There are 3 EB 5 Visa released to Slovak investors in FY 2024 according to the Report of the Visa Office from 2024 of the U.S. Department of State (DOS). 

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

When applying for an EB-5 visa, investors from Slovakia must address particular challenges. First, Slovakia investors must be able to supply the required investment capital and demonstrate its legal origins. The Slovak investor must have enough funds to invest in addition to the EB 5 Visa processing fees. Second, Slovak investors have to be prepared to take on the financial risk associated with the EB5 Project. The EB5 Project does not guarantee capital repayment or large returns. The key advantage of the EB-5 Visa for Slovak investors is permanent residency for themselves and their families in the United States. Third is the history of fraud schemes targeting EB-5 investors. Engaging an EB-5 Visa Attorney, contacting the appropriate professionals, and collaborating with established EB-5 partners assist the Slovak investor in mitigating these obstacles of the EB-5 Program.

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

EB-5 Projects are U.S. commercial enterprises created from the capital of immigrant investors. These EB5 Projects must contribute to economic growth by generating jobs for U.S. workers. The best EB-5 Projects for Slovakia investors include restaurants, real estate, and hotel construction. These types of EB 5 Projects have consistent demand and generate more than enough jobs for each investor to meet the minimum job creation requirement.

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

Slovak investors do not face retrogression (backlog) in the application for EB-5 Visa. The “current” status of EB 5 Visa for Slovakia investors is a positive indicator of the growth of Slovak citizens investing in the EB5 Visa Program. 

What are the Other US Visa Available for Slovakia Nationals?

Slovak citizens have the option to apply for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States based on their individual purposes. Immigrant Visas allow Slovak nationals to enter the USA as permanent residents. Nonimmigrant Visas are granted for a transient stay in the US and require Slovaks to return to their home country.

The following are the US Visas available to Slovak nationals.

 Immigrant Visas

  • Family-Based Immigration. For foreign citizens sponsored by an immediate relative who is a U.S. citizen or a U.S. Green Card holder and is at least 21 years old.
  • Fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa. For a foreign fiancé(e) of a US citizen. The foreign fiancé(e) is allowed to stay in the U.S. to apply for permanent residency after marriage.
  • K-3 Visa. For the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen traveling to reside in the U.S. while awaiting final completion of their immigration. The spouse’s children can enter the U.S. with a K-4 Visa.
  • Intercountry Adoption. For adopting children outside of the US.
  • Employment-Based Immigration. For qualified applicants under the provisions of US immigration law. The EB-5 Visa falls under the Employment Fifth Preference (E5). 

Nonimmigrant Visas

  • B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa. For people traveling to the US for business or pleasure, or for medical treatment. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows Slovaks to enter and stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
  • Temporary Worker/Employment or Trainees (H, L, O, P, Q, R). For temporary, nonimmigrant workers petitioned by US employers or agents.
  • Student Visa. For foreign citizens who wish to study in the US.
  • Exchange Visitor Visa. For foreign citizens participating in exchange programs.
  • Journalist and Media Visa. For representatives of the foreign media traveling to the US to engage in their profession while having their home office in a foreign country.
  • Treaty Trader (E-1) and Investor (E-2) Visa. For citizens of countries with treaties of commerce and navigation with the US. Slovakia is a treaty country of the USA.
  • A Visas. For Slovak government officials entering the U.S. for temporary or permanent assignment.
  • Transit/Ship Crew Visa. For foreign citizens traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the US en route to a foreign destination.

What is the Most Popular State in the United States for Slovakia  Investors to Migrate to?

Most Slovaks in the USA reside in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the Current Retrogression Situation for Slovak Investors?

No retrogression exists for Slovak EB-5 investors. Eligible Slovak investors are able to obtain their EB5 Visas faster compared to applicants from backlogged countries such as India and China.

What are the Issues Experienced by the Slovakia Citizen with the EB-5 Visa?

Meeting the requisite number of employment and investment amount for the EB 5 Project are the two most frequent issues with EB 5 Visa applications from Slovakia. The Slovakian investor’s business plan must demonstrate the certainty that the EB-5 Project will generate at least 10 new full-time US jobs. The jobs should be retained for at least 2 years or until the Slovak investor submits their I-829. In addition, the Slovak investor must demonstrate that the EB-5 investment was legally acquired and will be utilized exclusively for the EB-5 project. To demonstrate the legal origin of their EB5 investment, Slovak investors must provide confirmation of ownership and registration, income tax returns, bank account statements, and pay stubs.

What is a Targeted Employment Area?

A targeted employment area (TEA) is a region in the United States where the minimum required investment is $800,000 (Є745 K EUR). The 2 kinds of TEAs are high-unemployment areas and rural areas. Slovak investors benefit from investing in a TEA Project because of the priority processing for their petitions and allotment of visa-set asides as per the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA). The priority processing and reserved visas quicken the process of obtaining an EB5 Green Card. 

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

There were nearly 100,000 foreign investors who obtained permanent residence in the United States via the EB-5 Program from 2012 to 2022 according to “The United States EB-5 Program” by Investment Migration Insider. About 80% of EB5 investors come from South Korea, Taiwan, China, and the United Kingdom. 

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

Yes, the EB-5 market in the United States is stable and welcoming to Slovakian investors. The United States provides access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets, a robust legal system, tax advantages, and a dependable infrastructure.

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

No, an EB-5 Visa Attorney does not speed up an EB 5 Visa application for Slovak investors. The approval and processing of EB 5 petitions are under the jurisdictions of the USCIS and the DOS. An EB5 Visa Attorney assists Slovak investors by preventing delays from processing errors, organizing their paperwork for success, and ensuring the legality of every step taken.

Is Obtaining an EB-5 Easy for Slovak Investors?

Slovakia investors are able to obtain their EB-5 Visas faster because of the “current” visa bulletin and lack of retrogression in the application for Slovaks. Slovak investors are not subject to additional wait times, unlike investors from backlogged countries.

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

Yes, a Slovak citizen with a valid H-1B Visa is qualified to apply for the EB5 Visa. The H1B Visa is for foreign professionals hired to work in specialty occupations by U.S. employers. Slovak citizens on H-1B Visa in the USA can file their I-526 and I-485 concurrently for faster processing as per the Reform and Integrity Act (RIA).

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

Yes, Slovakia investors can use loaned and borrowed money for their EB-5 Visa investments. The EB5 Loan has to be secured by the personal assets and collateral of the Slovakia investor and not those of the EB-5 project. 

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

Yes, a student from Slovakia on F-1 Visa can apply for the EB-5 Visa. The F1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows entry into the US for foreign students enrolled in academic programs. The Slovak student on a valid F1 status can file the I-526 and I-485 petitions concurrently for faster EB 5 Visa processing in the USA. 

Can a Slovakia Citizen Invest in the United States?

Yes, a citizen from the Slovak Republic is able to invest in the United States through the EB5 Visa and the E-2 Visa. The E2 Treaty Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals of treaty countries to invest in a US business. The Slovak Republic has an existing treaty with the U.S. and is eligible for the E2 Visa.

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa does not have a direct path to US Permanent Residency, unlike the EB-5 Visa. A substantial investment of at least $150,000 (Є140 K EUR) is required for an E-2 Visa investment. There is no requirement for minimum job creation for Slovak E2 Visa investors. 

Does a Slovakia Citizen Need a Visa for USA?

Nationals from the Slovak Republic are allowed to enter and stay in the US without a visa for a maximum of 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Slovak Republic nationals will have to secure a U.S. Visa for other purposes such as employment, studies, and immigration.