Why India Inc applies for a green card. Hint, it has nothing to do with work

A majority of HNIs who apply for the EB5 visa programs, do so to further the academic career of their children.

By Rashmi Menon, ET Bureau | Updated: Jul 12, 2018, 09.56 AM IST

Not all investments are necessarily directed to further one’s business, especially when it comes to scoring a green card. As it turns out, a majority of high net worth individual (HNIs) who apply for the EB5 visa programs, do so to further the academic and professional career of their children.

According to Rogelio Caceres, co-founder, LCR Capital Partners, a global investment and advisory services firm, most Indians who apply for the EB5 visa are those whose children intend to pursue further studies abroad; or are already enrolled in programs; or are working in the US on H1B visa and are afraid their visa will get rescinded by arbitrary government policy.

Family reunification, seeking a better future or expanding businesses are some of the other reasons why Indians opt for the program, Caceres said during his recent visit to India. Among those wanting to secure the future of their children, almost 60 per cent are wealthy professionals who’ve earned their means at large corporates.

What Makes These The World's Most Powerful Passports

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Global Passport Index of 2017 ranks the world’s most powerful passports by analysing cross-border access and assigning a ‘visa-free score’ based on the number of countries a passport holder can visit without a visa or with a visa acquired on arrival.

Here's a look at the top 10 most powerful passports in the world.