Venezuela Investors for EB-5 VisaThe EB-5 Visa for Venezuela investors is an immigrant visa that allows U.S. permanent residence (green card) for Venezuelan investors and their dependents. Permanent residence (green card) enables Venezuelan investors and their dependents to stay in the U.S. indefinitely. The EB5 Visa for Venezuela investors requires a minimum investment that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens. The application for EB-5 Visa for Venezuelan investors is on “current” status. 

Venezuela ranks as the 6th top country with the most EB5 Visa issuances in fiscal year 2024 (0.95% of the total) based on the January 2024 data from the U.S. Department of State. Venezuelan investors apply for the EB-5 Visa to relocate their families to a safer and more stable environment. The spouse of Venezuelan investors can work in the US as an EB-5 Visa dependent. Children of Venezuelan investors can obtain US education with a green card.

What is EB-5 Visa for Venezuela Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Venezuela investors is an immigrant visa that allows for permanent residence (green card) in the United States. Permanent residence (green card) enables Venezuelan investors to work and reside in the U.S. permanently with their dependents. The EB5 Visa requires Venezuela investors to invest a minimum amount in a U.S. business. The investment should create at least 10 full-time jobs for American citizens.

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

These are the benefits of the EB-5 Visa for Venezuelan investors and their dependent spouses and minor children.

  • Immigration to the US. Venezuelan investors are looking to relocate to the US permanently because of the political turmoil and high crime rates in their country. The EB5 Visa for Venezuelan investors allows them to live with their spouses and minor children in the US as permanent residents.
  • Economic stability. Venezuela has suffered from hyperinflation, shortages, and socioeconomic instability. Venezuelan investors are using the EB5 Visa to gain more financial stability for themselves and their families.
  • US education. Venezuelan investors seek to give their children quality education in a safe environment. These are the benefits enjoyed by children of Venezuelan investors as dependents of the EB-5 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. 
  • Venezuelan 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 Venezuela Investors?

Venezuela investors are faced with these risks during an EB-5 Visa application.

  • Venezuelan Bolivar depreciation. The exchange rate between the Venezuelan Bolivar and the U.S. dollar causes issues for Venezuela investors who need to do transactions with local banks. Venezuela investors have to transfer their EB5 funds to the U.S. from neighboring countries.
  • Immigration risk. An EB-5 project investment does not automatically guarantee a permanent residence in the US. The Venezuela investor should meet all the requirements of the EB5 Visa to be granted a US green card.
  • Financial risk. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires the EB-5 investment to be “at risk”. At “at risk” investment is subject to both gains and losses.
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How Long Does it Take to Process an EB 5 Visa for Venezuela Investors?

The first step in processing the EB5 Visa for Venezuelan investors is the submission of the Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526). The processing time of the Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526) is between 29.5 to 61 months.

Below is the step-by-step process for the EB5 Visa application for Venezuelan 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 Venezuelan Investors?

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

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

These are the requirements of the EB5 Visa for Venezuelan investors.

  • Investment amount. The “at risk” investment for the EB5 Visa for Venezuelan investors can be any of the following. 
    • The minimum investment is $800,000 (Bs7,988,016 Venezuelan Bolivar) for a Targeted Employment Area (region with high unemployment rates and rural areas). 
    • The investment is $1,050,000 (Bs10,484,271 Venezuelan Bolivar) for a non-Targeted Employment Area. 
  • Source of funds. Venezuela investors can use any of the following to invest.
    • Business profits
    • Inheritance 
    • Loans from a financial institution or from an individual
    • Salaries/wages
    • Gifts from an individual
  • Job creation. The EB5 Visa for Venezuela investors requires the creation of 10 full-time jobs for US citizens.

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

  • Net worth of $1,050,000 (Bs10,484,271 Venezuelan Bolivar) for an individual or married couple; or
  • Minimum of $200,000 (Bs1,997,004 Venezuelan Bolivar) in individual income in each of the 2 previous years; or
  • Minimum of $300,000 (Bs2,995,506 Venezuelan Bolivar) in joint income in each of the 2 previous years; and
  • Comparable level of future income and assets

Our page on EB-5 Visa Requirements has comprehensive information on all necessities for your EB5 application.

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

There’s no age limit. The meaning of this simply is any Venezuelan 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 Venezuelan 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 Venezuela Investors?

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

  • EB-5 investment
    • $800,000 (Bs7,988,016 Venezuelan Bolivar) for a Targeted Employment Area 
    • $1,050,000 (Bs10,484,271 Venezuelan Bolivar) for a non-Targeted Employment Area
  • Form I-526- $3,675 (Bs36,594.95 Venezuelan Bolivar)
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485)- $1,140 (Bs11,382.92 Venezuelan Bolivar)
  • Form I-829- $3,750 (Bs37,443.83 Venezuelan Bolivar)

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

The Bank Central de Venezuela is the regulatory body that has the framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Venezuela.

Check our page on EB-5 Visa Cost for complete information on the costs of an EB-5 Visa for Venezuela investors. 

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

The EB-5 Visa for Venezuelan investors is on “current” status according to the visa bulletin released by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). “Current” status means that there is no backlog of EB-5 Visa for Venezuelan investors. 

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

Venezuela is the 6th top country with the highest EB5 Visa issuances (0.95% of the total) for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Venezuelan investors received 18 EB 5 Visas in FY 2024 through consular processing according to the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

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

Venezuelan investors are faced with specific challenges in their EB5 Visa application. The difficulty in withdrawing from local banks is one of the biggest Challenges of the EB-5 Program for Venezuelan investors. Venezuelan investors have to transfer their funds to neighboring countries to use as EB5 investment capital. Another challenge is the limited EB5-specific brokers for Venezuelan investors. US-based EB-5 brokers and agents are trying to increase the awareness of the EB5 program, especially for Venezuelan investors who are already in the US.

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

The top EB-5 projects for Venezuela investors include the real estate and restaurant industries. An EB-5 project in real estate has an easily understandable exit strategy for Venezuela investors. An EB-5 project for the restaurant industry produces a sizeable cash flow for repayment. EB-5 Projects are US businesses that stem from the investment of Venezuela investors. 

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

The ongoing political and economic instability is pushing more Venezuelan investors to apply for EB5 Visa. The EB-5 Visa allows Venezuelan investors to relocate to the US permanently with their families. Venezuelan investors can live and work in a safer and more stable environment with the EB5 Visa.

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

The top U.S. states for Venezuelan investors are Florida and California. Venezuelan investors are particularly drawn to the cities of Miami and Los Angeles as safe immigration environments.

What is the Current Retrogression Situation for Venezuela Investors?

There is no retrogression in the EB5 application for Venezuela investors. Venezuela investors do not face EB-5 Visa backlogs, unlike China and India.

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 (Bs7,988,016 Venezuelan Bolivar) for Venezuelan investors to qualify for the EB-5 Visa. The two kinds of targeted employment areas are high unemployment areas and rural areas.

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

Yes, Venezuelan investors are drawn to EB5 projects that move at a faster pace for relocation to the US. The main goal of Venezuelan investors is to immigrate to the US and not have high returns on investments.  

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

Yes, an EB-5 Visa attorney assists Venezuelan investors in their application to speed up its processing. Delays from processing errors and documentation issues can be prevented by working with an EB5 Visa Attorney.

Is Obtaining an EB-5 Easy for Venezuela Investors?

Venezuelan investors can receive their EB5 Visas faster because of the “current” status in the visa bulletin. 

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

Yes, a Venezuelan national with a valid H-1B Visa can apply for the EB5 Visa. The H1B Visa is for foreign professionals hired by employers to work in the US. A Venezuelan national on H1B Visa can submit multiple petitions including the EB-5 Visa without forfeiting their H1B status. 

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

Yes, Venezuela investors can use loans for their EB-5 Visa application. The loan has to be secured by assets and the collateral cannot be the same EB-5 business. We have a comprehensive guide on Loan for EB5 Visa.

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

Yes, a student from Venezuela 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 Venezuelan student on F1 Visa needs to invest a minimum capital in a US business to qualify for EB5 Visa. This investment should create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for American citizens.

Can Venezuelan Investors Invest in the USA?

The EB5 Visa and the E-2 Visa are the two investment visas in the United States. 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. Venezuela does not have an existing treaty with the United States and cannot qualify for the E2 Visa.

The E-2 Visa does not have a direct path to a green card, unlike the E-B5 Visa. A substantial investment of at least $150,000 (Bs1,497,753 Venezuelan Bolivar) is required for an E-2 Visa investment. There is no requirement for minimum job creation for E2 Visa.

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

About 80% of EB5 investors come from Taiwan, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom according to Investment Migration Insider. Below are the top countries that apply for the EB-5 Visa.