INTRODUCTION TO THE ISSUES
A Chinese investor has the option of living and working in a number of different countries. Many of these countries provide incentives and benefits to qualifying investors to lure them to invest in their country. The United States offers permanent resident status (a green card) to investors who meet certain investment thresholds as well as other criteria. Primarily, the investor must be coming to the U.S. to create a new commercial enterprise that will benefit the American economy and create at least 10 full-time jobs. The usual minimum investment amount is US$1 million, although the minimum amount can be reduced to US$500,000 for investments made in a “targeted employment area.” The document issued to evidence permanent resident status in the U.S. is commonly called the “green card.”
The U.S. also offers green cards to certain executives and managers of foreign corporations who serve in key positions with U.S. affiliates of foreign companies. Green cards are also available to those who excel in their field, who are outstanding researchers or professors, or who will fill permanent full-time employment positions which cannot be filled by qualified U.S. workers.In this chapter, we will discuss the different categories of green cards, describe how one qualifies for a visa, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each visa, and evaluate the option of pursuing a green card versus visiting or working in the U.S. only temporarily in non-immigrant visa status. We will also discuss some practical considerations and identify further reference materials that are available on-line.
The U.S. also offers green cards to certain executives and managers of foreign corporations who serve in key positions with U.S. affiliates of foreign companies. Green cards are also available to those who excel in their field, who are outstanding researchers or professors, or who will fill permanent full-time employment positions which cannot be filled by qualified U.S. workers.In this chapter, we will discuss the different categories of green cards, describe how one qualifies for a visa, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each visa, and evaluate the option of pursuing a green card versus visiting or working in the U.S. only temporarily in non-immigrant visa status. We will also discuss some practical considerations and identify further reference materials that are available on-line.