US Green Cards by Investment (EB‑5 Visa Program) | Complete Guide

U.S. Green Card through Investment (EB-5 Visa Route)

Secure permanent residency — and eventually U.S. citizenship — by investing in America for yourself and your family.

Investment & Eligibility Overview

The EB-5 Investor Visa is a pathway designed for individuals who wish to obtain U.S. residency through qualified investments.

Consider the following key points to see if you meet the basic requirements:

1. Investment Readiness

Do you have at least $800,000 available for investment? This amount can be placed into EB-5-approved projects, granting you and your family the right to apply for U.S. residency.

2. Timeline & Approval Process

Are you comfortable with the standard processing period? On average, it may take 12–24 months to receive a conditional green card, giving your family time to prepare for relocation to the United States.

3. Proof of Funds & Background Check

Can you demonstrate that your investment funds come from a lawful source and confirm that you have no criminal history in your home country? U.S. authorities also require that applicants have had no prior visa violations.

Ready to Begin?

If you answered “yes” to the points above, you could qualify for the EB-5 Investor Visa. Complete the form below to connect with us, learn more about the process, and take the first step toward building your future in the United States.

EB‑5 • Investor Green Card Pathway

US Green Cards by Investment (EB‑5 Visa Program)

A practical, plain‑English guide covering eligibility, minimum investment, TEA vs. non‑TEA, the exact filing steps, job‑creation rules, timelines, risks, and FAQs.

10Full‑time US jobs required

$800kTEA minimum (typ.)

$1.05MNon‑TEA minimum (typ.)

2 yrsConditional residency period

Get Started Read FAQs ● Family (spouse & children under 21) included

What is EB‑5?

EB‑5 is a U.S. immigrant investor category that provides a permanent residence pathway for foreign nationals who invest in a new commercial enterprise and create (or preserve) at least 10 qualifying, full‑time U.S. jobs. Investors may pursue either Direct EB‑5 (own/operate a business) or Regional Center projects (pooled investments with job‑creation modeling).

Minimum Investment (Typical)

TEA (Targeted Employment Area)

$800,000

● Rural or high‑unemployment

Non‑TEA

$1,050,000

● Standard minimum

Figures can change by statute/regulation. Verify current amounts and visa availability before investing.

Quick Eligibility Check

• ✓ Invest the required lawful funds (traceable source).
• ✓ Investment is placed "at risk" for job creation.
• ✓ Create (or preserve) 10+ full‑time jobs for U.S. workers.
• ✓ Engage in a new commercial enterprise (direct or via Regional Center).

Background checks and admissibility rules apply. Derivatives include spouse and unmarried children under 21.

Your Step‑by‑Step Plan

1. Pick a path: Direct EB‑5 (own/operate) or Regional Center (sponsor‑led project).
2. Due diligence: Review the project, business plan, job‑creation methodology, return profile, exit strategy, and escrow terms.
3. Source of funds: Prepare documentation proving funds are lawfully obtained (income, business profit, real‑estate sale, gift, loan with collateral, etc.).
4. File initial petition: Submit Form I‑526E/I‑526 with supporting evidence.
5. Consular or AOS: If outside the U.S., attend a consular interview; if inside on a valid status, apply for Adjustment of Status when eligible.
6. Conditional Green Card: Receive a 2‑year conditional residency for you and qualifying family members.
7. Create/maintain jobs: During the sustainment period, demonstrate 10+ qualifying jobs were created or preserved.
8. Remove conditions: File Form I‑829 with job‑creation evidence to obtain a 10‑year green card.

Timelines depend on visa availability, category, country of chargeability, and USCIS processing. Some set‑asides (e.g., rural) may offer priority processing when available.

Direct vs. Regional Center

• Direct: Control, day‑to‑day operations; jobs must be direct.
• Regional Center: Professional management; can count indirect/induced jobs via economic models.

Job‑Creation Rules

• 10+ full‑time (35+ hours/week) qualifying U.S. workers.
• Within the project’s business plan and timeline.
• Preservation allowed in certain restructuring scenarios.

Key Risks

• Market/Project risk — no guaranteed return.
• Execution risk — failure to create 10 jobs.
• Immigration risk — petition denials/RFEs.
• Liquidity risk — long sustainment periods.

Get Started: Documents & Costs (Typical)

Documents

• Passport(s), civil docs (birth, marriage, etc.).
• 5‑10 years of financials (tax returns, bank statements).
• Source‑of‑funds evidence (sale deeds, loan docs, gifts).
• Business plan / PPM / project agreements.

Fees (Illustrative)

• USCIS filing fees (I‑526E/I‑526, I‑485/DS‑260, I‑829).
• Administrative fees (Regional Center projects).
• Attorney fees, translations, courier, medicals.

Numbers vary by project and law firm. Request a written fee schedule and escrow instructions.

Speak to a Licensed Attorney Explore FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gifted or loaned funds?

Yes, if the gift/loan is properly documented and the lawful source of the funds is clearly shown. Collateralized loans are commonly used; unsecured loans are restricted in certain contexts.

What is a TEA?

A Targeted Employment Area is either a rural area or a location with high unemployment, qualifying for the lower investment threshold. Independent TEA analysis may be required to confirm eligibility.

How long until I get a green card?

Timelines vary by category and country. After approval of the initial petition, you obtain a conditional green card for two years, then later remove conditions with I‑829 upon proving job creation.

Do I have to live near the project?

No. You can live and work anywhere in the U.S., regardless of the project’s location.

Is my capital guaranteed back?

No. EB‑5 requires that the capital be at risk; there can be no guarantees of return or redemption.

Important Notice

This page is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice. EB‑5 rules, set‑asides, and amounts can change. Always consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney and perform independent financial due diligence before investing.

Popular Tags

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