The difference between EB-5 and EB-1C

EB-5EB-1C
Requirements for the amount of investmentThe amount of investment is at least $500,000 or $1 million, depending on the investment area.
Under a new rule published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, several changes to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program will go into effect on Nov. 21, 2019.
The standard minimum investment amount increases to $1.8 million (from $1 million) to account for inflation.
The minimum investment in a TEA increases to $900,000 (from $500,000) to account for inflation.
There is no special regulation on the amount of investment. Usually, more than $200,000 is invested in new companies. The company must have been conducting business in the U.S. for at least one year prior to filing.The petitioner can apply for EB-1C after one year’s operation and more than $1 million in revenue.
Or direct investment of $500,000 to $1 million, depending on the size of a mature enterprise with a revenue of more than $1 million.The petitioner can apply for EB-1C
Beneficiaries’ Experience and Educational RequirementsN/AThere is no clear requirement for the educational background of the beneficiaries. But the beneficiary must have worked abroad for the overseas company for a continuous period of one year within the three years immediately preceding his or her admission to the United States.
The Petitioner and BeneficiaryThe individual alien investor is the petitioner and beneficiary.The qualified U.S. entity is the petitioner, and the alien manager or executive is the beneficiary.
Requirements for employeesWhether the investment has created at least 10 full-time employment opportunities for U.S. workers. If the investment is made in a USCIS approved “Regional Center,” indirect employment opportunities created by the investment may fulfill the job creation requirement.Generally speaking, U.S company needs to employ at least 10 employees.
Green cardIf I-526 is approved, beneficiary should wait for an interview notice from USCIS(I-485) or the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou(CP). Then the beneficiary can receive Conditional Green Card.he resultant permanent resident status is conditional for a period of two years.
In order to eliminate the conditions on green card status, alien investors (as well as their family members) must request removal within the 90 days preceding expiration of the green card. To this end, they file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. If I-829 is approved, investors and their family members receive permanent unconditional green cards.
If I-140 is approved, beneficiary should wait for an interview notice from USCIS(I-485) or the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou (CP). If visa is available, beneficiary can get the interview notice within 3 to 6 months. If visa is not available, beneficiary needs to wait.
DocumentsInvestors need to prove the legitimate source of investment funds; prove that investments are indeed ongoing; prove that projects or businesses are real; prove that investments create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. employees.Information about U.S company and overseas company;Documentation on Beneficiary’s Experience, Competence and Position For more information, please see EB-1C documents list.