If you and your family would like to live in the United States as permanent residents, the EB-5 program is likely the best way for you to get U.S. Green Cards. Crucially, though, making a successful EB-5 investment can require a significant amount of planning, especially in the initial stages.
The following FAQs cover the basics of the EB-5 program and what investors need to do to qualify for U.S. Green Cards. This resource can help you get started on the EB-5 process, avoid common pitfalls, and safeguard your investment funds and immigration goals.
What to Expect From the EB-5 Program
- 2. How much does an EB-5 visa cost?
- 3. How can I get my Green Card?
- 4. What are my chances of getting an EB-5 visa?
- 5. What are the processing times for EB-5 applications?
Requirements for EB-5 Investors
- 6. What are the EB-5 visa requirements?
- 7. What is the minimum EB-5 visa investment amount?
- 8. What does “at risk” mean in the EB-5 program?
- 9. Must EB-5 investors submit their personal income tax returns?
- 10. What are the EB-5 job creation requirements?
The EB-5 Immigration Process
- 11. What is the EB-5 immigration process like?
- 12. What are EB-5 visa processing times like?
- 13. What is Form I-526?
- 14. What is Form I-526E?
- 15. What is Form DS-260?
- 16. What is Form I-485?
- 17. What is Form I-829?
Family-Related Questions
- 18. Who in my family should apply for an EB-5 visa?
- 19. Can parents be on my application?
- 20. What if the EB-5 petitioner dies before approval?
EB-5 Regional Centers
EB-5 Projects and EB-5 Investments
- 22. Do I invest before or after submitting my I-526E petition?
- 23. Where can I find low-risk EB-5 projects?
- 24. What makes a good EB-5 investment project?
- 25. What is an expedited EB-5 project?
- 26. Are most EB-5 investments $800,000?
- 27. What will be my return on investment (ROI)?
- 28. When will I get my money back?
- 29. If my I-526E or I-829 petition is denied, will my money be returned?
- 30. What is the difference between loan and equity EB-5 investments?
- 31. Can I take out a loan to pay for my EB-5 visa investment?
- 32. Can I use gifted funds for my EB-5 visa investment?
- 33. Can cryptocurrency fund my EB-5 investment?
- 34. What are direct EB-5 projects like?
- 35. What sources of funds can be used for an EB-5 investment?
Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)
- 36. What is a targeted employment area (TEA)?
- 37. What is a rural TEA EB-5 project?
- 38. What is an urban TEA EB-5 project?
Travel
1. What is an EB-5 visa?
An EB-5 visa grants permanent resident status (a U.S. Green Card) in the United States.
Once approved, you and your qualifying family members can live and work permanently in the United States. Unlike temporary visas, EB-5 provides long-term stability and flexibility without employer sponsorship.
To qualify, you must invest at least $800,000 in a qualifying EB-5 project and create at least 10 jobs.
Get Started on the EB-5 Green Card Process
What to Expect From the EB-5 Program
2. How much does an EB-5 visa cost?
The minimum investment is $800,000 for TEA projects and $1,050,000 for non-TEA projects.
- I-526E filing fee: $11,160
- Integrity fee: $1,000
- I-829 filing fee: $9,525
- Legal and admin fees
3. How can I get my Green Card?
After I-526E approval, applicants either adjust status (Form I-485) or go through consular processing (Form DS-260).
4. What are my chances?
Approval depends heavily on source-of-funds documentation and project quality.
5. Processing times
Processing varies by demand, nationality, and project type. Rural TEA projects often move faster.
Get More Info on EB-5 Processing Times
Requirements for EB-5 Investors
6. Requirements
- Invest $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000
- Prove lawful source of funds
- Create 10 jobs
- Maintain funds “at risk”
7. Minimum investment
$800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA).
8. At risk
Your funds must be subject to potential gain or loss—no guarantees.
9. Tax returns
Typically required for source-of-funds verification.
10. Job creation
Each investor must create at least 10 full-time jobs.
The EB-5 Immigration Process
11. Process overview
Choose project → invest → file I-526E → receive conditional residency → file I-829 → receive permanent residency.