If I make a direct investment, can I be exempt from working?

The EB-5 program is an option that allows foreign investors to obtain conditional residence in the United States through an investment that creates jobs for American workers. Many questions arise regarding the need to work or perform any operational role in the company where the investment was made. In the case of a direct investment, that is, when the investor applies their funds directly into a business, there is no requirement for them to actively participate in the management of the enterprise.

The central requirement of the EB-5 is that the investment generates, directly or indirectly, at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Thus, while the investor must maintain an active role in terms of monitoring and fulfill the obligations that demonstrate the creation of the required jobs, they are not obliged to work in the day-to-day operations of the company.

Still, it is important to emphasize that regardless of the strategy adopted, the investor must act in compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Always seek guidance from reliable and specialized sources, and be aware of marketing campaigns that promise miracle or guaranteed results – immigration law is quite strict regarding the requirements and deadlines of the processes.

In summary, with a direct investment, you can indeed be exempt from working in the company, provided that the investment is carefully planned and managed to meet the EB-5 program criteria, mainly the creation of the required jobs. Be cautious and seek updated information, always considering the importance of following all legal procedures and avoiding pitfalls that could compromise your immigration process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.