Green card

Nonimmigrant visa

Immigrant Investor Program

Specialty Occupations

Entrepreneurs, Business owners, Investors

Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors

• Invest personal funds of $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA), such as rural or high-unemployment areas and certain infrastructure projects, or $1,050,000 in non-TEA areas.

• Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.

• Provide detailed documentation verifying the lawful source and transfer path of the investment funds.

• Maintain the investment for a minimum of two years.

• You must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (three years of professional experience for each missing year of formal education).

• The job must be a specialty occupation, requiring specialized knowledge typically obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes roles in fields like engineering, mathematics, and technology, where the complexity of the tasks necessitates advanced education.

• The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position — a rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor based on the occupation, work location, and level of experience. This wage is not flexible and must be met at a minimum.

• The only visa category that provides immigration status based on passive investment.

• Does not require employer sponsorship, offering significant flexibility.

• No specific educational or professional qualifications are required.

• Allows for investment directly into new or existing businesses or through regional centers that pool funds for larger projects.

• The only employment-based category allowing concurrent Green Card application filing for all nationalities.

• Facilitates a smooth transition to permanent residency.

• Requires minimal applicant qualifications beyond a college degree or professional experience.

• Requires a substantial financial investment.

• The investment must be at risk, and job creation requirements must be met.

• Initially issued a two-year conditional Green Card, requiring a subsequent application to demonstrate continued compliance with the program requirements.

• Most applications are subject to an annual lottery and a rigid application cycle (except for exempt cases).

• Lottery acceptance rates are typically below 20%.

• Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer in a specialty occupation.

• Stricter company requirements for entrepreneurs applying under this visa.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

Not required

Required

Permanent residency

3 years

Every 10 years

Once, 3-year extension

6-24 months¹

2-3 months

No

15 business days

Yes

No

¹Timeframe to obtain conditional residence, with a similar timeframe for achieving permanent residence.

-