Hong Kong Investors for EB-5 VisaThe EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong investors is an immigrant visa that grants a green card (permanent residence) to eligible Hong Kong investors. A green card (permanent residence) allows Hong Kong investors and their families to stay indefinitely in the US. The requirements for EB5 Visa for Hong Kong investors include a minimum investment and full-time job creation for at least 10 American citizens. The application for EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong investors remains on “current” status. 

Hong Kong ranks 6th among the top countries with the highest EB5 Visa issuances in fiscal year 2023 (1% of the total) according to the December 2023 data from the U.S. Department of State. The EB5 Visa is attractive to Hong Kong investors because of its investment eligibility. Hong Kong investors do not have to meet educational and language requirements to qualify for the EB-5 Visa. The children of Hong Kong investors can study in the US as dependents of the EB5 Visa. 

What is EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong investors is an immigrant visa that grants a green card (permanent residence) to qualified Hong Kong investors and their dependents. A green card (permanent residence) allows an indefinite stay in the U.S. for Hong Kong investors and their dependents. The EB5 Visa for Hong Kong investors requires a minimum investment that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens. 

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

These are the benefits of the EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong investors and their dependent spouses and children under 21.

  • Green card and US citizenship. Hong Kong investors are seeking ways to immigrate to the US with their families because of the political unrest in their nation. Gaining a green card permits Hong Kong investors and their dependents to stay and work anywhere in the US. They can apply for US citizenship after being permanent residents for 5 years. 
  • Education in the US. Hong Kong investors want to give their children access to U.S. schools and universities. These are the benefits that your unmarried children with a green card can enjoy. 
    • 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 requirement. The EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong investors does not have minimum educational and language requirements. The investment criteria of the EB5 Visa make it an attractive immigration option for Hong Kong investors.
  • Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Investors?

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

  • Immigration risk. An EB-5 investment does not automatically grant a green card to the Hong Kong investor. The eligibility criteria for the EB5 Visa should be met to be granted a green card.
  • Investment risk. The Hong Kong investor should be aware of the probability of gains and losses in EB-5 investments. The primary benefit of the EB5 Visa for Hong Kong investors is permanent residence in the US.
  • Fraud risk. Thorough research should be done by the Hong Kong investor on an EB5 investment project to minimize losses and avoid being victims of fraud. 
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How Long Does it Take to Process an EB 5 Visa for Hong Kong Investors?

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

This is the step-by-step EB5 Visa Process for Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Investors?

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

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

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

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

  • Investment amount. The “at risk” investment for the EB5 Visa for Hong Kong investors can be any of these two. 
    • The minimum investment is $800,000 (HK$6,279,276 Hong Kong Dollars) for a Targeted Employment Area (region with high unemployment rates and rural areas). 
    • The investment is $1,050,000 (HK$8,241,549.75 Hong Kong Dollars) for a non-Targeted Employment Area. 
  • Source of funds. Hong Kong investors can use any of the following to invest.
    • Business profits
    • Loans from a financial institution or from an individual
    • Salaries/wages
    • Gifts from an individual
    • Inheritance 
  • Job creation. The EB5 Visa for Hong Kong investors requires the creation of 10 full-time American employees.

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

  • Net worth of $1,050,000 (HK$8,241,549.75 Hong Kong Dollars) for an individual or married couple; or
  • Minimum of $200,000 (HK$1,569,819 Hong Kong Dollars) in individual income in each of the 2 previous years; or
  • Minimum of $300,000 (HK$2,354,728.50 Hong Kong Dollars) in joint income in each of the 2 previous years; and
  • Comparable level of future income and assets

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

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

There’s no age limit. The meaning of this simply is any Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong 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.

The EB-5 U.S. The Immigrant Investor Visa Program is available to Hongkonger citizens. There is a growing demand for the EB-5 Visa category among Hongkonger nationals. If you (or your child) were born in Hong Kong, 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 Hong Kong

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

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

  • EB-5 investment
    • $800,000 (HK$6,279,276 Hong Kong Dollars)  for a Targeted Employment Area 
    • $1,050,000 (HK$8,241,549.75 Hong Kong Dollars)  for a non-Targeted Employment Area
  • Form I-526- $3,675 (HK$28,845.42 Hong Kong Dollars)
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485)- $1,140 (HK$8,947.97 Hong Kong Dollars)
  • Form I-829- $3,750 (HK$29,434.11 Hong Kong Dollars)

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

The Joint Financial Intelligence Unit is the regulatory body that has framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Hong Kong.

Our guide on EB5 Visa Cost has all the information on the fees for an EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong investors. 

What is the Priority Date for EB5 Visa for Hong Kong Investors?

The EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong investors. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) considers Hong Kong separate from Mainland China for the purpose of visa allocation. Hong Kong-born investors are not subject to Mainland China’s backlog.

What is the EB-5 Visa Statistics for Hong Kong Investors?

Hong Kong is the 6th top country with the most EB5 Visa issuances (1% of the total) for fiscal year (FY) 2023. Hong Kong investors were granted 85 EB 5 Visas in FY 2023 through consular processing according to reports from the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

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

The best EB5 projects for Hong Kong investors include the restaurant industry and hotel construction. An EB5 project in the restaurant industry produces a sizeable cash flow for repayment. A hotel construction EB-5 project generates numerous jobs to meet the minimum job creation requirement of the EB-5 Visa. EB5 Projects are the business investments of Hong Kong investors to qualify for the EB5 Visa.

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

The “current” status of the EB5 Visa for Hong Kong investors does not subject them to retrogression (backlog) in the application process. Hong Kong investors for EB-5 Visa enjoy higher-than-average approval rates. The approval rating of Hong Kong investors for EB-5 Visa was between 87.5% to 100% from FY 2016 to FY 2019 according to USCIS.

What is the Current Retrogression Situation for Hong Kong Investors?

There is no backlog in the EB-5 Visa for Hong Kong investors. The status of the EB5 Visa for Hong Kong investors remains “current” according to the Visa Bulletin from the U.S. 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 Hong Kong investor to be eligible for the EB-5 Visa is $800,000 (HK$6,279,276 Hong Kong Dollars). 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 Hong Kong Citizens?

Yes, Hong Kong investors particularly prefer EB5 projects in a targeted employment area (TEA). Hong Kong investors conducted 93% of their investments in TEA projects in 2019 according to the U.S. DOS.

Is EB-5 Visa Popular to Hong Kong Investors?

Yes, Hong Kong investors prefer the EB5 Visa as an immigration option over other visas. The EB5 Visa does not require educational and language eligibility for Hong Kong investors. Hong Kong investors can obtain a green card for their dependents with the EB5 Visa. Their children can enjoy the benefits of studying in the US and gaining wider employment opportunities.

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

Yes, an EB-5 Visa attorney assists the Hong Kong investor in speeding up the application for the EB-5 Visa. Application errors and incomplete documentation are common causes of delays in the EB5 application. Delays in the EB5 Visa for Hong Kong investors can be prevented by working with an EB-5 Visa Attorney.

Is Obtaining an EB-5 Easy for Hong Kong Investors?

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

Can a Hong Kong Investor Borrow Money for EB-5 Visa?

Yes, Hong Kong investors can use loans for their EB-5 Visa petition. The loan has to be secured by assets and the collateral cannot be the same EB-5 business. Our guide on EB-5 Source of Funds Requirements contains all the information about EB-5 source of funds. 

Hong Kong, EB 5 Visa Consultant

EB5 BRICS helps you navigate U.S. Investor Green Card Program through our presence in Hong Kong in conjunction with our U.S. Legal Partner.

Meet Vivek Tandon Esq. consultant in a one-on-one meeting.

See more facts and information about other Countries in Asia:  Singapore

EB5 BRICS, LLC
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Phone: +1 213.344.5941
E-mail: vivek@eb5brics.com

Hong Kong Investors for EB-5 Visa Program FAQ

How many EB 5 visas does the US government issue for Hong Kong 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 Hongkongers. These types of visas are increasingly becoming popular with wealthy foreign citizens who want to move to the US.

Can an international student from Hong Kong with an F-1 visa apply for EB5 visa?

An EB-5 is certainly available for F-1 visa students from Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong still apply for EB 5 in 2023?

Yes, Hongkongers 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 Hongkonger citizen apply for EB 5 while on H1b?

Yes, H1-B visa is a dual intent visa which means Hongkonger citizens 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.