Are you interested in immigrating to the United States? Wondering what all the different types of visas mean? When choosing which Green Card Visa is right for you, it is important to compare the different options. Many people come to the United States in search of business or investment opportunities. If you’re an investor, then the EB5 Visa may be right for you. On the other hand, if you’re a student studying in the US, look no further than the F-1 visa. Find out more about these Visa programs below.

F-1 Visitor Visa

The F visa is reserved for non-immigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs. F-1 visas are given only through academic institutions. Holders of this visa are exempt from paying FICE Taxes, Social Security and Medicare for a limited time, but will be subject to federal, state, and local taxes.

F-1 students need prior authorization from Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they want to work in the United States outside of an on-campus job less than 20 hours per week. However, the USCIS may grant work authorization for Current Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Students are permitted to work for a total of 40 months towards practical training, such as an internship, which can be distributed between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

EB-5 Investor Visa

Created by the Immigration Act of 1990, the EB-5 Visa Program is specifically for foreign nationals looking to obtain a green card. The investment visa can enable you, your spouse and children under 21 to obtain permanent U.S. residency. Citizenship may be obtained after five years with the EB-5 Green Card. These immigrants are required to invest at least $500,000 into a government designated Regional Center investment visa program in order to obtain such a visa, and this money must create at least ten jobs.

All Regional Centers are designated by the Government specifically for immigration purposes. A "Regional Center" is defined by an economic unit, public or private, engaged in the promotion of economic growth, improved regional productivity, job creation and increased domestic capital investment.

A Congressional mandate, issued in 1992, aimed to stimulate economic activity and job growth, allowing eligible aliens the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents. The immigrant receiving the visa is not required to actively participate or manage the business in which he or she invested.

For investors who wish to invest in a new or existing business, have an active role in the management of the operation and have at least one million US dollars to invest, then the EB5 Investor Visa is the best option.

Find out if you qualify for an EB5 Investor Visa today.