🇺🇸 U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The U.S. EB-5 program allows for permanent residency (green card) through investment in new commercial enterprises and job creation. The 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act adjusted investment thresholds and reserved visa categories. The minimum investment amount is generally US$800,000 for Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) and US$1,050,000 for other areas, with a requirement to create at least 10 full-time jobs. The following is a neutral compilation of publicly available data; please refer to the latest regulations from the U.S. USCIS.
U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Key Requirements Overview
| Type | Employment-based immigration (investment immigration, obtaining permanent residency green card) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Threshold | US$800,000 (TEA) / US$1,050,000 (general) |
| Primary investment methods. | Invest in a new commercial enterprise and create at least 10 full-time jobs. |
| Residency Requirements | After obtaining a green card, it is necessary to maintain U.S. residency status. |
| Pathways to citizenship. | After holding a green card for a certain number of years and meeting conditions, one may apply for naturalization. |
| Dependent relatives | May include spouses and unmarried children under 21. |
| Processing Timeline | Several years (depending on category and country schedules) |
| Recent Changes | 2022 Reform and Integrity Act; establishing reserved visa categories |
U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Key considerations
- Investments inherently carry risks, and the 'legitimacy of fund sources' is a key focus of scrutiny, requiring comprehensive documentation.
- Waiting times (visa bulletin) vary significantly based on country of birth.
- The employment calculation method for Regional Center models differs from that of direct investment.
U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Application Process
- Confirm the investment route (regional center project or direct investment) and whether the project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), and prepare source of funds and financial trail documents.
- Complete a qualifying investment (approximately US$800,000 in a TEA or US$1,050,000 in other areas, and create at least 10 full-time jobs), then file Form I-526E with USCIS.
- After I-526E approval, those overseas go through consular processing for an immigrant visa, while those in the U.S. file I-485 to adjust status, obtaining conditional permanent residence for two years.
- Within 90 days before the conditional residence expires, file Form I-829 to remove conditions; after USCIS approval, obtain lawful permanent residence (green card).
U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment amount for EB-5?
According to the 2022 legislation, the minimum for Target Employment Areas (TEA) is US$800,000, while other areas are US$1,050,000, and at least 10 full-time jobs must be created. Amounts may be adjusted in the future according to legal requirements, as per USCIS announcements.
How long does it generally take to get a green card through EB-5?
Timelines vary depending on the applicant's country of birth visa bulletin, I-526E petition processing speed, and individual circumstances; the authorities do not commit to specific case timelines. Upon approval of I-526E and completion of immigrant visa or adjustment of status, a conditional permanent residence (green card) is granted first, and after approximately two years, conditions are removed via Form I-829. For exact priority dates and processing times, please refer to USCIS and the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
Can the EB-5 include family members in the application?
Yes. The main applicant may generally include the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age in the application for conditional permanent residence. Age calculation for children may involve the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA); exact eligibility and documentation are assessed by USCIS on a case-by-case basis, and approval is determined accordingly.
How long does it take for the obtained green card to become a permanent green card?
EB-5 investors first obtain conditional permanent residence valid for approximately two years; they must file Form I-829 within 90 days before expiration, demonstrating that the investment has been maintained and job creation requirements have been met. Conditions are removed and a permanent green card is issued only after USCIS approval. Whether conditions can be removed depends on compliance with program rules, as determined by USCIS on a case-by-case basis.
What is the difference between a Regional Center and direct investment?
Direct investment involves establishing or investing in a business and directly creating 10 full-time jobs; the regional center program invests in USCIS-designated regional center projects, where job creation may include indirect and induced jobs, and management is typically passive. The two differ in job creation requirements, risk, and level of involvement. The authorization and regulations for regional center programs are subject to USCIS announcements; investment capital remains at risk with no guaranteed returns.
Is the EB-5 investment amount guaranteed to be returned? What are the risks?
EB-5 investments are legally required to be "at risk," and the principal may not be fully recoverable. If the investment project performs poorly or fails, it may not only result in financial loss but also affect the green card application. It is advisable to carefully evaluate the project and the track record of the regional center before deciding.
What are "set-aside" visa categories? Do they help with waiting times?
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) reserves a certain number of visas for rural areas, high-unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects. These categories may have shorter waiting times than the general category in some cases, but the actual situation is subject to the U.S. Department of State's Visa Bulletin.
Does an EB-5 application require proof of source of funds?
Yes. Applicants must fully explain and provide evidence of the legal source and flow of investment funds. Incomplete documentation or inability to explain the source may lead to requests for additional information or rejection.
After obtaining an EB-5 green card, how long must one reside in the U.S. to maintain status?
Green card holders must maintain the intention to make the U.S. their permanent residence. Extended absence or effectively abandoning residence may affect status. Relevant regulations are subject to USCIS and entry rules.
How to verify if an investment immigration program is still valid and avoid misleading claims?
The conditions of investment immigration programs often change or may even be suspended. Recommendations: ① Check official announcements from the country's immigration or investment authority (official source links are provided at the bottom of this page). ② Verify the data date indicated on this page. ③ Before engaging a consultant, check whether they are registered with the relevant regulatory body (e.g., Australia's OMARA, Canada's CICC; for lawyers, check with the local bar association). ④ Be wary of exaggerated claims such as "guaranteed approval" or "exempt from review." This site provides a neutral compilation of public information, and all content is subject to the latest official announcements.
AboutU.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor ProgramPeople often ask this.
- How is the total cost of investment immigration calculated?
- How to choose a country for investment immigration? What factors should be considered?
- What are the risks and common pitfalls of investment immigration?
- How are inheritance/gift taxes calculated after investment immigration? They are different from income tax.
Official sources：USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) · Data Date：2026-06-14。This page is a neutral compilation of publicly available information, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice; programs are subject to the latest official announcements.