Migration Overseas
Since 1998
The fastest pathway to US permanent residency for investors. Invest in America, create jobs, and secure Green Cards for your entire family without employer sponsorship or lottery.
Choose the investment pathway that suits your goals and budget.
Reduced investment amount for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (high unemployment or rural areas). Most popular option for Indian investors.
Standard investment amount for projects in non-targeted areas. Suitable for investors with specific project preferences or direct investment plans.
Key requirements for EB-5 Investor Visa eligibility.
Invest $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA) of lawfully obtained funds. Investment must be "at risk" - cannot be guaranteed returns.
Create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers (citizens, permanent residents, or authorized workers). Regional Centers can use indirect job calculation.
Document lawful source of investment funds through tax returns, business records, property sales, inheritance, gifts, or other legal sources.
New commercial enterprise
No guaranteed returns
Why investors choose the EB-5 pathway to US residency
Permanent residency for entire family
Self-petitioned visa
Spouse & children under 21
Any employer, any job
Apply after 5 years
Potential to recover capital
Unlike H1B visas
In-state tuition rates
Compare Regional Center vs Direct Investment options.
Passive investment in pooled projects
Most EB-5 investors use USCIS-designated Regional Centers for passive investment. Regional Centers pool investments from multiple investors into larger commercial enterprises.
Own and manage your business
Invest directly in your own new commercial enterprise. You manage the business and directly hire the 10 required employees.
Most EB-5 investors use USCIS-designated Regional Centers for passive investment. Regional Centers pool investments from multiple investors into larger commercial enterprises.
No need to manage the business day-to-day
Economic models calculate indirect & induced jobs
Regional Centers are designated and monitored by USCIS
Real estate, infrastructure, healthcare facilities
Understanding the two main investment models in EB-5.
Loan Model
Your investment is structured as a loan (debenture) to the project or business. You are a creditor, not an owner.
Ownership Model
Your investment is structured as equity ownership in the project or business. You are a partial owner with rights to profits.
Comprehensive comparison of the two EB-5 investment pathways.
| Factor | Regional Center ~96% of cases |
Direct Investment ~4% of cases |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount (TEA) | $800,000 | $1,050,000 |
| Investor Role | Passive investor in pooled project | Active business owner/manager |
| Job Creation | Indirect + induced jobs count | Only direct jobs count |
| Job Counting Method | Economic impact analysis models | Manual job documentation |
| I-526E Processing | Can use concurrent filing with I-485 | Must wait for I-526E approval |
| Business Management | Regional Center manages project | Investor directly manages business |
| Investment Control | Limited control (passive role) | Full control over business decisions |
| Risk Distribution | Pooled with other investors | Concentrated in single business |
| Project Types | Large commercial/infrastructure | Small-to-medium businesses |
| Documentation | Project prospectus & legal documents | Business plan & financial statements |
| USCIS Oversight | RC designated & monitored by USCIS | Direct petition review only |
| Capital Return | Scheduled repayment or distribution | Sale, buyout, or dividends |
| Reserved Visa Set-Aside | Yes (reserved visa category) | No (general visa pool) |
| Best For | Passive investors, risk-averse, easier admin | Active entrepreneurs, hands-on control |
Complete guide to the EB-5 investor visa process.
Gather comprehensive documentation proving lawful source of investment capital - tax returns, business records, property documents, bank statements.
2-4 monthsChoose Regional Center project or direct investment. Due diligence on project viability, job creation, and track record of the developer.
1-2 monthsTransfer investment capital to escrow account. Funds released upon I-526E filing or approval depending on project structure.
1-2 weeksFile Form I-526E Immigrant Petition for Alien Investor with USCIS. Include evidence of investment and job creation plan.
12-24 months processingUpon I-526E approval, file I-485 (if in US) or apply at consulate for conditional Green Card valid for 2 years.
6-12 monthsFile I-829 petition to remove conditions within 90 days before conditional GC expires. Prove jobs were created and investment sustained.
12-24 months processingUnderstanding the costs involved in EB-5 investor visa.
| Fee Component | Description | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Capital (TEA) | Minimum investment in Targeted Employment Area | $800,000 |
| Investment Capital (Non-TEA) | Standard investment in non-targeted areas | $1,050,000 |
| I-526E Filing Fee | USCIS petition filing fee | $11,160 |
| I-829 Filing Fee | Remove conditions petition | $9,525 |
| Regional Center Fee | Administrative fee (varies by project) | $50,000 - $80,000 |
| Legal Fees | Immigration attorney (varies) | $25,000 - $50,000 |
| Consular Processing | Visa interview fee (MRV) | $345 |
Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
Standard investment is $1,050,000. For Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) - rural or high unemployment areas - the reduced amount is $800,000. These amounts were updated with the RIA in 2022 (RIA 2022 — verify if investment thresholds have been adjusted since).
Each EB-5 investor must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. For Regional Center investments, indirect job creation through economic impact analysis can count toward this requirement.
Regional Centers are USCIS-designated entities that pool investments from multiple EB-5 investors for larger projects. They allow indirect job counting and are popular because investors don't need to directly manage the business.
I-526E petition processing currently takes 2-4 years. Total timeline from investment to Green Card can be 4-7 years. Premium processing is not available for EB-5 petitions.
You must demonstrate that investment funds were lawfully obtained through employment, business, investments, gifts, loans, or inheritance. Detailed documentation of fund accumulation and transfer is required.
EB-5 is an investment, not a guaranteed return. After conditions are removed (typically 2+ years after Green Card), you may attempt to exit the investment. Returns depend on project success.
EB-5 investors initially receive a 2-year conditional Green Card. Before expiration, you must file I-829 petition to remove conditions by proving investment was maintained and jobs were created.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries. They receive conditional Green Cards along with the principal investor.
If the EB-5 project fails before conditions are removed, your Green Card could be revoked. Due diligence in selecting reputable Regional Centers and projects is crucial to minimize this risk.
EB-5 is ideal for investors who want permanent residence without employment sponsorship, have substantial capital available, and understand the investment risks involved in job-creating projects.
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