United Kingdom Investors for EB-5 VisaThe EB-5 Visa for United Kingdom investors is an immigrant visa that grants a green card (permanent residence) for qualified UK investors. A green card (permanent residence) allows UK investors and their dependents to live and work permanently in the US. The eligibility for EB5 Visa for United Kingdom investors includes a minimum investment and full-time job creation for at least 10 US citizens.

The EB5 Visa for U.K. investors allows them to relocate and work in the U.S. without sponsorship restrictions. The children of U.K. investors can study in the US as EB5 Visa dependents. The application for EB-5 Visa for the United Kingdom remains on “current” status. 

EB5 BRICS has helped United Kingdom investors achieve US Permanent Residency through investment immigration since 2014. We are here to guide and support you through every step of the EB-5 Visa investment and immigration process. Contact our team to get personalized advice on starting USA investment immigration for you and your family. 

Table of Contents

What is EB-5 Visa for the United Kingdom Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for United Kingdom investors is an immigration visa that grants a green card (permanent residence) to successful applicants. A green card (permanent residence) permits U.K. investors and their spouses and children to live permanently in the US. The EB5 Visa for United Kingdom investors requires a minimum investment in a U.S. business. The investment should generate at least 10 full-time jobs for American citizens.

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

The EB-5 Visa benefits UK investors, their spouses, and children through the following.

  • U.S. permanent residence and citizenship. UK investors can enjoy the benefits of living and working anywhere in the US with a green card. A US citizenship grants the UK investor the right to vote and a US passport. 
  • U.S. education for children. These are the advantages of having a green card for your unmarried children under 21 years.
    • 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. 
  • U.S. employment and businesses. The UK investor and his/her dependents can be employed in government jobs and set up multiple businesses in the US without sponsorship-related restrictions. 
  • United Kingdom 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 the United Kingdom Investors?

The following are the risks faced by United Kingdom investors when applying for the EB-5 Visa.

  • Immigration risk. An EB5 investment does not automatically grant a green card to the United Kingdom investor. The criteria for the EB5 Visa should be satisfied to be granted a US permanent residence.
  • Investment risk. The United Kingdom investor should be aware of the possibility of gains and losses in EB5 investments. The foremost benefit of the EB5 Visa for United Kingdom investors is obtaining a green card.
  • Fraud risk. Thorough research should be done by the U.K. investor on an EB5 investment project to avoid fraud risks and minimize losses. 
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What are the Types of US Investment Visas for Investors from the United Kingdom?

There are different types of investment and entrepreneur visas available to UK investors to work and relocate in the US. 

1. Investor Visa

The EB-5 Visa is an investment visa that allows immigration to the United States. The UK investor can obtain a green card through the EB5 Visa. The minimum investment for the EB-5 Visa for the United Kingdom investor is $800,000 (£700,464.08 UK Pound sterling). This investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens. Any nationality can apply for an EB5 Visa.

The E-2 Visa is an investment visa that allows citizens of treaty countries to invest in a US business. A treaty country maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US. UK is a treaty country and qualifies for the E2 Visa. The E-2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa and does not have a direct path to a green card. A substantial amount of at least $150,000 (£131,411.80 UK Pound sterling) is required for an E-2 Visa investment. There is no requirement for minimum job creation for E2 Visa

2. Entrepreneur Visa

The L-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits the transfer of managers, executives, and specialized knowledge workers of a multinational company to their U.S. office. UK entrepreneurs looking to start a business or set up a branch in the US can use the L1 Visa to transfer their high-level employees. 

The EB1C Visa is an immigrant visa that allows foreign companies to transfer managers and executives to the US. UK entrepreneurs must have an operational US company for at least 1 year prior to filing an EB1C immigrant petition for their employees. 

How Long Does it Take to Process an EB 5 Visa for the United Kingdom Investors?

The Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526) is the first step in the EB-5 Visa application for UK investors. The Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526) is filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The processing time of Form I-526 for an EB5 Visa for UK investors is between 29.5 to 61 months. 

This is the step-by-step process for an EB-5 Visa application for U.K. investors.

  1. Pick an Investment advisor & Immigration attorney.
  2. Find an EB-5 Project that meets the EB-5 program requirements.
  3. Investment of Capital & Filing of I-526 petition. (Prior to filing for an EB-5 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate outside the United States, the Form I-526 petition should first be approved by the USCIS.)
  4. Apply for Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) and DS 260 form.
  5. 2-Year conditional Green card.
  6. Permanent residency & Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (Form I-829).

How Long is an EB5 Visa Valid for the United Kingdom Investors?

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

The EB-5 U.S. Immigrant Investor Visa Program is available to residents of Great Britain.

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

These are the requirements to be eligible for the EB-5 Visa for UK investors.

  • Investment amount. The “at risk” investment for the EB5 Visa for UK investors can be any of these two. 
    • The minimum investment is $800,000 (£700,464.08 UK Pound sterling) for a Targeted Employment Area (region with high unemployment rates and rural areas). 
    • The investment is $1,050,000 (£919,359.10 UK Pound sterling) for a non-Targeted Employment Area. 
  • Source of funds. UK investors can use any of the following to invest.
    • Loans from a financial institution or from an individual
    • Salaries/wages
    • Gifts from an individual
    • Inheritance 
    • Business profits
  • Job creation. The EB5 Visa for United Kingdom investors requires the creation of 10 full-time American employees.

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

  • Net worth of $1,050,000 (£919,359.10 UK Pound sterling) for an individual or married couple; or
  • Minimum of $200,000 (£175,116.02 UK Pound sterling) in individual income in each of the 2 previous years; or
  • Minimum of $300,000 (£262,674.03 UK Pound sterling) in joint income in each of the 2 previous years; and
  • Comparable level of future income and assets

Our complete guide on EB-5 Visa Requirements has all the information you will need to file your EB-5 petition.

What is the Age Requirement for the United Kingdom Investor to Get EB-5 Visa?

There’s no age limit. The meaning of this simply is any United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom 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.

Great Britain EB5 Visa

The EB-5 U.S. The Immigrant Investor Visa Program is available to Briton citizens. There is a growing demand for the EB-5 Visa category among Briton nationals. If you (or your child) were born in Great Britain, then you can apply for the fast-track Green Card category for the United States through the EB 5 USA Investor Visa Program. See Processing Times for Great Britain

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

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

  • EB-5 investment
    • $800,000 (£700,464.08 UK Pound sterling) for a Targeted Employment Area 
    • $1, 050,000 (£919,359.10 UK Pound sterling) for a non-Targeted Employment Area
  • Form I-526- $3,675 (£3,217.76 UK Pound sterling)
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485)- $1,140 (£998.16 UK Pound sterling)
  • Form I-829- $3,750 (£3,282.43 UK Pound sterling)

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

Bank of England (BoE), Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are the regulatory bodies that have framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of the UK.

Our EB-5 Visa Cost page has all the information on the fees for an EB-5 Visa for UK investors. 

What is the Priority Date for EB5 Visa for the United Kingdom Investors?

The EB5 Visa for United Kingdom 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 retrogression (backlog) for the EB-5 Visa for United Kingdom investors.

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

The best EB5 projects for U.K. investors include hotel construction and the restaurant industry. A hotel construction EB-5 project creates numerous jobs to meet the minimum job creation requirement of the EB-5 Visa. An EB5 project in the restaurant industry generates a sizeable cash flow for repayment. EB5 Projects are the businesses invested in by UK investors to apply for EB5 Visa.

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

The “current” status of the EB5 Visa for U.K. investors means that there is no delay in the applications caused by backlogs. This “current” status presents a high possibility for the continuing growth of U.K. investors for EB-5 projects.

What is the Current Retrogression Situation for the United Kingdom Investors?

There is no retrogression in the EB-5 Visa for United Kingdom investors. The status of the EB5 Visa for United Kingdom investors remains “current” according to the Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

What is a Targeted Employment Area?

A targeted employment area (TEA) is a region in the United States where the threshold for investment for a UK investor to be eligible for the EB-5 Visa is $800,000 (£700,464.08 UK Pound sterling). 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?

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. 

Is USA a Good Foreign Market to Invest in for the United Kingdom Citizens?

Yes, the Office of the United States Trade Representative reported a 1.7% increase in the UK’s foreign direct investment in the United States from 2019 to 2019. The total foreign direct investment of the United Kingdom in the United States is $505.1 billion.

Is EB-5 Visa Popular to the United Kingdom Investors?

Yes, UK investors belong to the top countries that make up 80% of the EB5 application in April 2020 along with China, South Korea, and Taiwan according to “The United States EB-5 Program” by Investment Migration Insider.

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

Yes, an EB5 Visa attorney assists the UK investor to speed up the application for the EB-5 Visa. Errors during application and incomplete documentation are common causes of delays in the EB5 application. Delays in the EB-5 Visa for UK investors can be prevented by hiring an Investor Visa Attorney.

Is Obtaining an EB-5 Easy for the United Kingdom Investors?

There is no retrogression in the visa bulletin for EB-5 Visa for U.K. investors. U.K. investors can get their EB-5 Visa faster than applicants from China and India who are experiencing backlogs.

Can the United Kingdom Investor Borrow Money for EB-5 Visa?

Yes, United Kingdom investors can loan money for their EB-5 Visa petition. The loan has to be backed up by assets and the collateral cannot be the same EB-5 business. Check our comprehensive guide on EB-5 Source of Funds Requirements for all you need to know about EB-5 source of funds. 

EB-5 News for Great Britain

As per United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Visa Bulletin, there is no backlog and no extra wait-time in the timeline for EB-5 applications from the United Kingdom.

EB-5 Visa Statistics for Investors from the United Kingdom

In FY 2024, 13 EB-5 Visas were issued to United Kingdom investors

The United Kingdom is the 7th top country with the most EB-5 Visa issuances for FY 2024. A total of 13 EB 5 Visas were issued to United Kingdom investors for FY 2024 according to the Annual Report of the Visa Office from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). 

The United Kingdom is the 7th top country with the most EB-5 Visa issuances for FY 2024. A total of 13 EB 5 Visas were issued to United Kingdom investors for FY 2024 according to the Annual Report of the Visa Office from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). 

Great Britain, EB 5 Visa Consultant

EB5 BRICS can help you navigate U.S. Immigrant Investor Green Card Program through our presence in United Kingdom in conjunction with our U.S. Legal Partners. Our team speaks English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Meet Vivek Tandon

See more facts and information about another country in Europe: Turkey

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The United Kingdom Investors for EB-5 Visa Program FAQ

How many EB 5 visas does the US government issue for Great Britain each year?

Currently, there is an annual limit of 10,000 such visas with a per country limit of about 700 visas; thus, there is a limit of 700 EB5 visas per year issued to Britons. These types of visas are increasingly becoming popular with wealthy foreign citizens who want to move to the US.

Can an international student from Great Britain with an F-1 visa apply for EB5 visa?

An EB-5 is certainly available for F-1 visa students from Great Britain who are in the US. In fact, EB 5 is the preferred path for students and professionals in the US to gain permanent residency allowing them to work and live anywhere in the US without requiring any employer sponsorship.

Can someone from Great Britain still apply for EB 5 in 2023?

Yes, Britons can apply for an eb 5 visa this year. EB 5 continues to be available despite attempts to limit immigration into the US. EB 5 has been specifically excluded from any immigration bans and changes.

Can a Briton citizen apply for EB 5 while on H1b?

Yes, H1-B visa is a dual intent visa which means Britons can apply for permanent immigration to the US through EB-5 while they are in the USA on a non immigrant visa such as H-1B.