EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Obtain permanent residence in the United States through qualified investment. The EB-5 program offers a direct path to a green card for investors who create American jobs and contribute to the U.S. economy.
Investment Amounts
EB-5 Capital Requirements
The minimum investment amount depends on whether your project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
Invest in rural areas or areas with high unemployment (150% of national average). Most regional center projects qualify as TEA investments.
Standard Investment
Investment in any qualifying new commercial enterprise anywhere in the United States that does not qualify as a TEA.
Requirements
EB-5 Eligibility
Capital Investment
Invest the required minimum capital ($800,000 for TEA or $1,050,000 standard) in a new commercial enterprise. The investment must be at risk.
Job Creation
Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years. Regional center projects can count indirect jobs.
Lawful Source of Funds
Demonstrate that investment funds were obtained through lawful means. This requires extensive documentation of your financial history.
Active Management or Policy Role
Be engaged in management through day-to-day control or policy formulation. Regional center investments satisfy this through a limited partnership role.
Benefits of EB-5 Status
- Permanent green card for you and family
- No employer sponsor required
- Live and work anywhere in the U.S.
- Spouse and children under 21 included
- Path to U.S. citizenship
- Access to U.S. education system
Investment Options
Direct vs. Regional Center Investment
Choose the investment structure that best fits your goals, risk tolerance, and desired level of involvement.
Direct Investment
Create your own business or invest directly in a new commercial enterprise that you actively manage.
Advantages
- Full control over business operations
- Direct job creation you can verify
- Potential for business profits
Considerations
- Requires active management involvement
- Must count only direct employees
- Higher risk if business underperforms
Regional Center
Invest in a USCIS-designated regional center project that promotes economic growth in a specific area.
Advantages
- Passive investment allowed
- Count indirect and induced jobs
- Professional project management
Considerations
- Less control over investment
- Dependent on project success
- Regional center must maintain designation
The Process
EB-5 Green Card Timeline
Understanding each stage helps you prepare and set realistic expectations for your immigration journey.
Source of Funds
Document the lawful source of your investment capital through tax returns, business records, and financial statements.
Select Investment
Choose between direct investment in your own business or investing in a USCIS-designated regional center project.
File Form I-526E
Submit your immigrant petition with evidence of your investment, job creation plan, and source of funds documentation.
Conditional Green Card
After I-526E approval, apply for your conditional green card through consular processing or adjustment of status.
File Form I-829
Before your 2-year conditional period ends, file to remove conditions by proving investment and job creation requirements were met.
Permanent Residence
Upon I-829 approval, receive your permanent green card with no conditions. Citizenship eligible after 5 years.
Critical Requirement
Source of Funds Documentation
Proving the lawful source of your investment funds is often the most challenging part of an EB-5 application. USCIS requires a clear paper trail showing how you earned and accumulated your capital.
Business Income
Corporate records, audited financials, ownership documents, and dividend distributions showing business profits.
Asset Sales
Real estate transactions, stock sales, or other asset liquidations with purchase history and sale documentation.
Gifts or Inheritance
Estate documents, gift deeds, donor source of funds, and evidence the transfer was bona fide.
Common Questions
EB-5 Visa FAQs
What documents are needed to prove source of funds?
You must provide comprehensive documentation including five years of tax returns, business ownership records, employment verification, bank statements, real estate records, gift documentation (if applicable), and any other evidence showing the lawful path of your investment funds.
How long does the EB-5 process take?
Current processing times vary significantly. The I-526E petition typically takes 12-24 months. After approval, wait times for visa availability depend on your country of birth. The entire process from filing to permanent green card usually takes 3-5 years.
Can my family members be included in my EB-5 petition?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries. They will receive conditional green cards along with you and can live, work, and study anywhere in the United States.
What happens if the regional center loses its designation?
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 provides some protections for investors whose regional centers lose designation. You may be able to transfer your investment to another project or seek other remedies. Due diligence on regional center selection is critical.
What is the difference between direct and indirect jobs?
Direct jobs are employees directly hired by your EB-5 enterprise. Indirect jobs are created as a result of your investment (suppliers, vendors). Induced jobs result from spending by direct and indirect employees. Only regional center investors can count indirect and induced jobs.
Can I get my investment back?
EB-5 investments must remain "at risk" throughout the conditional residency period (approximately 2 years after receiving your green card). After I-829 approval, the investment can be returned according to the terms of your investment agreement, though timing depends on the specific project.
Ready to invest in your future?
Let's discuss your EB-5 investor visa options and develop a comprehensive strategy for obtaining your green card through investment.