USA EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program is a U.S. government initiative that provides a direct path to a Green Card (permanent residency) for foreign investors who make a qualifying investment in the U.S. economy and create jobs for American workers. Established in 1990 by the U.S. Congress, the EB-5 program is designed to stimulate economic growth through foreign capital and job creation.

Program Overview

The EB-5 visa offers foreign nationals and their immediate family members—spouse and unmarried children under 21—the opportunity to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States. Unlike many other visa types, the EB-5 visa leads directly to a U.S. Green Card, with eligibility for citizenship after five years of permanent residency.

There are two investment options under the EB-5 program:

1. Direct Investment – Investor directly manages and operates a new or existing business.
2. Regional Center Investment – Passive investment through a USCIS-approved regional center that manages the project and job creation.

EB-5 Visa Requirements

To qualify for the EB-5 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Minimum Investment Amount:
   • $800,000 USD if the investment is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) — either rural or high-unemployment areas.
   • $1,050,000 USD if investing in a non-TEA project.
2. Job Creation:
   • The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers within two years of the investor’s admission to the U.S. as a conditional permanent resident.
3. Legitimate Funds:
   • The investor must prove that the funds were obtained lawfully and are at personal financial risk.
4. Active Involvement (Direct EB-5 only):
   • If applying via direct investment, the investor must be involved in the day-to-day management or policy formulation of the business.
5. Investment Duration:
   • Capital must remain invested and at risk until the end of the conditional residency period (2 years).

Benefits of the EB-5 Visa

• Green Card for the Whole Family: The main applicant, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 all receive U.S. Green Cards.
• Path to Citizenship: Investors can apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency.
• Freedom to Live Anywhere: No restrictions on where you live, work, or study in the U.S.
• No Sponsorship Required: Unlike work-based visas, the EB-5 requires no employer or family sponsorship.
• Education & Healthcare Access: Green Card holders receive access to public education, in-state tuition, and U.S. healthcare.
• Flexible Business Options: Investors can start their own business, invest through regional centers, or support existing U.S. enterprises.
• Dual Intent Allowed: EB-5 applicants can apply for other non-immigrant visas (e.g., B-1, F-1) while awaiting their Green Card.

The EB-5 Visa is a powerful route for high-net-worth individuals seeking U.S. permanent residency through investment. With the potential to secure a Green Card for the entire family and eventual U.S. citizenship, the EB-5 program combines immigration with meaningful economic contribution. Whether investing directly or through a regional center, it offers long-term benefits, freedom, and global mobility in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.