USA EB-5
USA EB-5 Immigration by Investment Overview
The United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a permanent residence by investment program designed to attract foreign capital and generate employment within the U.S. economy. Established in 1990, the program allows eligible investors and their immediate family members to obtain U.S. lawful permanent residence (Green Card) by making a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers.
Through the EB-5 program, investors can choose to invest directly in a business or through a USCIS approved Regional Center, offering flexibility based on individual investment objectives. With access to one of the world’s strongest economies, a stable legal system and a clear pathway to permanent residence and citizenship, the EB-5 Visa remains a highly sought after option for global investors seeking long term
WHY Choose USA EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 Visa provides a direct pathway to U.S. permanent residence for investors and their families without the need for employer sponsorship, prior business experience, or active involvement in day to day business operations when investing through a Regional Center. Approved applicants and their eligible family members receive U.S. Green Cards, allowing them to live, work and study anywhere in the United States.
The program is well suited for families seeking stability, access to world class education and healthcare and the flexibility to reside and work freely across the U.S. After meeting residency and naturalization requirements, EB-5 investors may apply for U.S. citizenship, making the program an effective solution for relocation, security and future planning.
Program Benefits
- U.S. permanent residence (Green Card) for the investor, spouse and unmarried children under 21.
- Freedom to live, work and study anywhere in the United States.
- No requirement for prior business experience or English language proficiency.
- Option to invest through a USCIS approved Regional Center with limited management involvement.
- Pathway to U.S. citizenship after meeting residency and naturalization requirements.
- Access to U.S. public education and in state tuition benefits (subject to state rules).
- Stable legal framework and strong investor protections.
- Ability to include immediate family members in a single application.
- Long term security and global business opportunities in the U.S. market.
INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS
Applicants under the USA EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program must make a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that results in the creation of at least 10 full time jobs for U.S. workers. The minimum investment amount is US$800,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or an approved infrastructure project, or US$1,050,000 for investments outside a TEA.
Investments may be made either directly into a business or through a USCIS approved Regional Center. The invested capital must be lawfully sourced, fully at risk and committed in accordance with EB-5 regulations. Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation demonstrating the lawful source of funds and compliance with program requirements.
APPLICATION FEES
The overall cost of the USA EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program includes U.S. government filing and processing fees for the main applicant and eligible dependents, payable in accordance with U.S. immigration regulations at the time of application submission.
For investments made through a USCIS approved Regional Center, investors are also required to pay a Regional Center administration fee, which covers project administration, compliance, reporting and ongoing management related to the EB-5 investment. The amount of this fee varies depending on the selected project and Regional Center.
Professional advisory and legal service fees, covering the main applicant and eligible family members, are payable upfront and are non refundable. These fees include assistance with investment selection, source of funds documentation, preparation and filing of immigration petitions and follow up with USCIS until a final decision is issued.
Any additional expenses related to translations, notarization, document authentication, escrow charges, project related costs, or third party professional services are payable separately by the investor.
STEPS AND TIMELINE
- Select a qualifying EB-5 investment option (direct investment in a new commercial enterprise or through a USCIS approved Regional Center).
- Engage professional advisors for immigration, legal and investment guidance to ensure compliance with EB-5 program requirements.
- Prepare all required personal, financial and investment documentation, including evidence of the lawful source of funds.
- Make the qualifying investment in the chosen EB-5 project or Regional Center escrow account, ensuring the capital is fully committed and at risk.
- File Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, with USCIS, including all supporting documentation and the EB-5 business plan.
- Undergo USCIS review and due diligence, including background checks and possible Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
- Receive approval of Form I-526 and proceed with either consular processing at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate or adjustment of status in the United States to obtain conditional permanent residence.
- Obtain conditional Green Cards valid for 2 years for the investor and eligible dependents. Maintain investment and job creation requirements during the conditional period, ensuring compliance with EB-5 regulations.
- File Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions, within 90 days before the second anniversary of conditional Green Card issuance, providing evidence of continued investment and compliance.
- Receive unconditional Green Cards for the investor and eligible family members.
- Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency and naturalization requirements, if desired.
