Syria Investors for EB-5 VisaSyria investors for the EB-5 Visa obtain U.S. Permanent Residency through investment and job creation. Syria investors for the EB-5 Visa must invest a minimum capital in a U.S. business that generates at least 10 permanent full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Syrian investors who meet the EB5 Program requirements get to live, work, and study permanently in the United States along with their spouses and minor children.

Syria EB5 Investors who currently reside in the United States are eligible to file their petitions concurrently for faster applications. The lack of backlogs in the processing of the EB 5 Visa and the availability of concurrent filings are advantageous factors for the continued growth of Syrian investors in the EB 5 market. Investors from Syria and their families get to travel to any location in the US as well as to numerous countries without a visa as US Permanent Residents. EB-5 dependent children get to study in the top educational institutions in the USA and benefit from lower tuition fees and financial assistance. 

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What is EB-5 Visa for Syria Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Syria investors allows for US Permanent Residence (Green Card) through investment and job creation. The EB-5 Visa for Syria investors requires investing in a new commercial enterprise (NCE) that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Syrian investors and their dependents obtain a Conditional Permanent Residency (Green Card) from an EB-5 Visa valid for an initial 2 years. Syria EB5 investors and their dependents get to live, work, and study in the United States without restrictions as Green Card holders.

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

The EB-5 Investor Visa Program gives the following benefits to Syrian investors, their spouses, and their children under 21.

  • Relocation to the United States. Wealthy investors from Syria are drawn towards the chance of permanent relocation to the USA due to the more stable living conditions and political climate.
  • Economic opportunities in the United States. Syrian investors and businesspeople have the chance to expand their economic ventures and participate in the United States’ secure and highly competitive global market.
  • Education and employment in the United States. High-net-worth Syrians seek to gain better educational and work opportunities for their children through US Permanent Residency. Here are the benefits of a Green Card for minor children of Syrian investors as EB5 dependents.
    • 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. 
  • Syrian 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 Syrian Investors?

These are the risks that Syrian investors should be aware of when getting an EB-5 Visa.

  • At-risk investment. Syrian investors are required to make an “at-risk” investment that is subject to both gains and losses. The main benefit of the EB5 Visa for Syrian investors is securing a Green Card for themselves and their families.
  • Risk on immigration. USA Permanent Residency is not guaranteed based on investment alone. The Syrian investor must prove that their investment was made to a new commercial enterprise (NCE) and produce the required 10 jobs throughout their Conditional Residency. 
  • Fraud risk. The Syrian investor should conduct due diligence and thoroughly study a potential EB-5 investment. EB-5 Syria investors should hire qualified professionals to carefully assess an EB-5 Project, its developer, associated regional center, and the related third-party entities to avoid fraud.
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How Long Does it Take to Process an EB 5 Visa for Syria  Investors?

The EB-5 petition of Syrian investors usually takes between 29.5 and 61 months to process. The first step in the EB-5 process for immigrant investors is to accomplish and file Form I-526 (Immigration Petition by Standalone Investor).

How Long is an EB5 Visa Valid for Syria Investors?

Syria investors and their dependents get a 2-year Conditional Green Card after obtaining EB5 Visa approval. After 2 years of Conditional Residence, the Syria investor and their dependents file a petition to become Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of the United States. Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR) is valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely.

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

Syrian investors have to meet the following requirements to get an EB-5 Visa.

  • Investment amount. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires an “at risk” EB-5 investment to be any of the following. 
    • A minimum investment of $800,000 USD (SYP 2.01 B Syrian Pound) in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project. A Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is a region with high unemployment rates or a rural area. 
    • An investment of $1.05 million USD (SYP 2.6 B Syrian Pound) for a non-TEA project. 
  • Source of funds. Syrian investors must have derived their capital from lawful sources and means and be any of the following.
    • Salaries/wages
    • Business profits
    • Gifts from an individual
    • Inheritance
    • Loans from a financial institution or from an individual
  • Job creation. The EB5 Visa for Syrian investors requires the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens.

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

  • Net worth of $1,050,000 (SYP 2.6 B Syrian Pound) for an individual or married couple; or
  • Minimum of $200,000 (SYP 502 M Syrian Pound) in individual income in each of the 2 previous years; or
  • Minimum of $300,000 (SYP 753 M Syrian Pound) in joint income in each of the 2 previous years; and
  • Comparable level of future income and assets.

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

There’s no age limit for the EB-5 Visa. Any Syria 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 Syrian 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 Syria Investors?

These are the costs involved in an EB 5 Visa application for Syria investors.

  • EB-5 investment
    • $800,000 (SYP 2.01 B Syrian Pound) for a TEA investment
    • $1,050,000 (SYP 2.6 B Syrian Pound) for a non-TEA investment
  • Form I-526- $3,675 (SYP 9.2 M Syrian Pound)
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485)- $1,140 (SYP 2.8 M Syrian Pound)
  • Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (Form I-829)- $3,750 (SYP 9.4 M Syrian Pound)

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

The Central Bank of Syria (CBoS) is the regulatory body that has framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Syria.

How can I Transfer EB-5 Funds from Syria?

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Department of Treasury has sanctions on Syria that present challenges when it comes to transferring EB-5 funding to the United States. Syrian investors will have to obtain approval from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and specific licenses to invest in the US EB5 Visa. Syria EB5 investors will have to work with an expert EB5 Visa Attorney to facilitate fund transfers from Syria to the US.

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

The EB-5 priority date is the date when the Syrian investor’s I-526 is received by the USCIS. The Syrian investor’s place in the immigrant visa “waiting line” is indicated by the EB5 priority date. The final action dates for an EB5 Visa are updated every month in the Visa Bulletin posted on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website. The priority date is “current” if the Syrian investor’s final action date matches their I-526 priority date. The EB5 Visa for Syrian investors is in “current” status and indicates that no retrogression (backlog) exists for applicants from Syria.

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

Approval of Form I-526 petitions of Syrian investors takes between 29.5 and 61 months. All I-526 petitions are processed and decided by the USCIS. The exact processing time depends on the nature of the case and the USCIS service center handling the application.

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

Syria investors for the EB-5 Visa go through 6 steps to obtain a US Green Card.

  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. Syria 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 EB5 Green Card grants Syrian investors and their dependents the same rights as LPRs for 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 Syrian 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 Syria Investors?

There are 3 EB 5 Visas released to Syrian 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 Syria Investors for EB-5?

The main challenge EB-5 Syria investors face is the ability to invest the required minimum capital. The EB-5 investment must come from lawful sources and be transferred through lawful means. Syrian nationals who practice the informal transfer of money based on social connections and trust called hawala would have to be extra vigilant in securing proof of transfer for all transactions. Additionally, Syria investors will have to acquire OFAC approval and licenses to be able to invest in the USA. 

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

EB5 Projects are businesses in the United States that are established from the funds invested by immigrant investors. Jobs are made through EB5 Projects and help the U.S. economy grow. The best EB-5 Projects for Syrian investors are in the real estate, restaurant, biotechnology, and hotel building industries. These EB-5 projects are always in demand and create a lot of jobs for each investor, which helps them meet the requirements for EB5 Permanent Residency.

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

The EB-5 Program holds a favorable future for Syria investors based on the country’s “current” Visa Bulletin status. The changes instituted by the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) permit for lower investment capital in TEA projects where Syria investors can take advantage of priority processing and visa set-asides. Syrians who are already in the US are able to process their applications faster with the availability of concurrent filing. 

What are the Other US Visa Available for Syria Nationals?

A U.S. Visa is the stamp on the travel documents of foreign citizens who wish to enter and stay in the United States. Syrian citizens must secure a US Visa that is specific to the purpose of their visit at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Immigrant Visas are granted to Syrian nationals who are qualified to enter and stay in the United States as Permanent Residents. Nonimmigrant Visas allow Syrians temporary entry and stay in the US depending on the purpose of their visit. 

The following are the US Visas available to Syrian 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. 
  • 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.
  • A Visas. For Syrian 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 Syria Investors to Migrate to?

The U.S. states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Louisiana, and Texas have the most Syrian immigrants according to the 2000 US Census.  

What is the Current Retrogression Situation for Syrian Investors?

There is no retrogression situation for the EB-5 process for Syria investors. Investors from Syria have never faced any backlogs in the application process for EB-5 and are not expected to experience any in the future.

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

Issues experienced by Syrians when it comes to EB 5 application are related to the required minimum investment. Syria nationals will have to obtain OFAC approval as well as specific licenses to be able to invest in the United States. The EB 5 investment of Syria nationals must be proven to come from lawful means and transferred legally. 

What is a Targeted Employment Area?

A targeted employment area (TEA) is a location in the United States with a lowered investment requirement of $800,000 (SYP 2.01 B Syrian Pound) to qualify for EB 5. A TEA Project is located in special economic zones such as high-unemployment areas or rural areas. Syrian investors gain certain advantages aside from lower capital requirements by investing in a TEA Project. TEA investors are given priority processing for their petitions and allotment of reserved visas as per the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA). The availability of priority processing and reserved visas quicken the EB5 Green Card process for Syrian investors. 

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

Approximately 100,000 foreign investors became Permanent Residents of the United States through the EB5 Immigrant Investor Visa according to “The United States EB-5 Program” by Investment Migration Insider, from 2012 to 2022. The United Kingdom, South Korea, Taiwan, and China account for almost 80% of these EB5 investors.

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

Yes, Syrians gain access to one of the largest consumer markets in the world, a reliable legal system, advantageous tax laws, and a good infrastructure by investing in the United States. The EB-5 Visa is a dependable route to obtaining Permanent Residence in the US for Syrian investors and their dependents.

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

No, an EB-5 Visa Attorney does not have the capacity to expedite the EB-5 process for Syrian investors. The evaluation and processing of EB 5 applications are handled by the USCIS and the DOS. An EB5 Visa Attorney helps Syrian investors avoid application delays due to mistakes, structure their paperwork for success, and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Is Obtaining an EB-5 Easy for Syrian Investors?

Syria investors are able to obtain their EB-5 Visas with less difficulty because of the “current” Visa Bulletin status and lack of retrogression in the application for Syria. Syrian investors are not subject to extra wait times, unlike investors from countries with visa retrogression such as China and India.

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

Yes, Syrian H-1B Visa holders are eligible to apply for an EB5 Visa. The H1 B Visa is granted to foreign workers hired by US employers in a specialty occupation. The RIA permits Syrian H1B workers in the US to submit their I-526 and I-485 applications simultaneously for quicker processing without having to leave the United States.

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

Yes, Syrian investors can use loans as EB-5 Visa investments. The EB5 Loan shall be secured by the personal property and collateral of the Syrian Investor and not those of the EB 5 Project.

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

Yes, a Syrian student with an F-1 Visa is a qualified applicant for an EB-5 visa. An F1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows international students who are enrolled in academic programs to study in the US. The I-526 and I-485 petitions can be submitted concurrently by a Syrian student with a valid F1 status to expedite the EB 5 Visa application while in the USA.

Can a Syria Citizen Invest in the United States?

Yes, a citizen from Syria is able to invest in the United States through the EB5 Visa and indirectly through the E-2 Visa. The E2 Treaty Investor Visa is a nonimmigrant classification for treaty country investors who are making a substantial investment in a US business. Treaty countries maintain a treaty of navigation and commerce with the US. Since Syria is a non-treaty country, Syrians will have to obtain citizenship from a treaty country prior to applying for an E2 Visa.

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is not a U.S. Permanent Residence program, unlike the EB-5 Visa. A substantial investment of at least $150,000 (SYP 376 M Syrian Pound) is required for an E-2 Visa investment without the need for minimum job creation. 

Does a Syrian Citizen Need a Visa for USA?

Syrians who are entering the US must first secure a US Visa. Different types of visas are available to Syria citizens depending on their purpose of visit to the USA.