Migration Overseas
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.
Why investors choose the EB-5 pathway to US residency
Unlike H1B, no lottery selection required
Self-petitioned, no employer needed
Spouse and unmarried children under 21
2-4 years for Indians vs 10+ EB-2/EB-3
Children get in-state tuition rates
Work anywhere, any employer, own business
Potential to get investment back after period
Apply for US citizenship after 5 years
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 primary investment structures offered by Regional Centers for EB-5 investors.
In a debt model, investor capital is pooled through a New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) and then loaned to the EB-5 project. Once the project is completed and stabilized, the borrower refinances and repays the loan, returning capital to investors.
In an equity model, investor funds are pooled to purchase ownership interests in the EB-5 project. Returns depend entirely on the project's performance — higher potential gains, but also higher risk if the project underperforms.
Comparing the two EB-5 pathways to help you choose the right route for your goals.
| Factor | Regional Center ~96% of all EB-5 investors | Direct Investment ~4% of all EB-5 investors |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $800,000 (TEA) / $1,050,000 | $800,000 (TEA) / $1,050,000 |
| Investor Role | Passive — no day-to-day management | Active — hands-on business operation |
| Job Creation | Direct + Indirect + Induced jobs allowed | Direct jobs only — must be direct employer |
| Job Counting Method | Economic models (RIMS II / IMPLAN) calculate indirect jobs | Must show W-2 records for 10 full-time employees |
| I-526E Processing | ~13.5 months average | ~27.5 months average |
| Business Management | Regional Center handles operations, compliance & reporting | Investor manages all business operations personally |
| Investment Control | Limited — decisions made by RC and project developer | Full control — investor owns and operates |
| Risk Distribution | Shared between RC, developer, and investors | Borne entirely by the investor |
| Project Types | Real estate, infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality | Any new commercial enterprise (restaurant, franchise, etc.) |
| Documentation | RC provides economic studies, job creation evidence | Investor must prepare all evidence independently |
| USCIS Oversight | RC is USCIS-designated and monitored | No intermediary oversight |
| Capital Return | After loan term / project exit (varies by structure) | After I-829 approval — depends on business value |
| Reserved Visa Set-Aside | Yes — rural (20%), high unemployment (10%), infrastructure (2%) | No reserved categories |
| Best For | Investors wanting a passive, lower-risk path | Entrepreneurs wanting to run their own US business |
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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