Investment-linked immigration could increase under Trump

With Donald Trump to become President of the US in January, more stringent regulations are expected to be implemented on work visas. The good news is that the spotlight is likely to turn on the investment-linked EB-5 immigration US visa, according to experts.

The number of applications is expected to increase significantly as it will likely become the simplest route to get to the US under the next administration. Mark I Davies, the global chairperson of US immigrant investor visa firm, Davies & Associates, says that the Trump victory is likely to be a major benefit for those applying for EB-5 US visas. Davies says that while some clients had been worried by Trump’s ascendancy to the White House, he feels that their fears will be short-lived.

Trump has used the EB-5 US visa program to fund many of his real estate projects. It proved to be popular with investors from China. Davies points out that, despite Trump’s harsh stance on illegal immigration, he is open to the idea of high net worth investors coming to the US and being given a green card in return for a high enough investment.

One way to get an EB-5 US visa is by direct investments. This involves an immigrant investor setting up their own enterprise in the US, with a $500,000 minimum investment, in a rural or targeted employment area. Investment can also take place via the indirect route, by funding job creation in regional centers.