EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to obtain U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card) by making a qualifying investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. It is the only visa category that leads directly to permanent residency without requiring a U.S. employer or family member sponsor.
Get Started TodayEligibility Requirements
✓Requirements
- •Minimum investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area — rural or high-unemployment)
- •Investment must be in a new commercial enterprise established after November 29, 1990, or a troubled business
- •Investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers
- •Investor must be actively engaged in managing the enterprise (or invest through a USCIS-designated Regional Center)
- •Source of investment funds must be lawfully obtained and fully documented
- •No prior criminal history or immigration violations that would bar admissibility
★Benefits
- ✓Leads directly to U.S. lawful permanent residence (green card) — no employer required
- ✓Spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive green cards as well
- ✓No language requirement, no education requirement, no job offer needed
- ✓Conditional green card issued initially; conditions removed after 2 years upon proof investment is sustained
- ✓Eligible to live and work anywhere in the United States
- ✓Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident
The Process
Case preparation
4–6 weeksOnce you engage us, we build your case: we tell you exactly which documents we need, review each one, and assemble the filing package. This stage moves at the pace documents reach us — the sooner we receive what we ask for, the sooner we can file.
Source of funds documentation
2–6 monthsCompile comprehensive documentation proving the lawful source of investment funds. This is the most document-intensive stage.
File I-526E petition
12–36 monthsFile Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor) or I-526 (direct investment). USCIS adjudicates the petition.
Immigrant visa or adjustment of status
6–18 monthsOnce I-526 is approved, apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate abroad or adjust status if already in the U.S.
Conditional green card
2 yearsReceive 2-year conditional permanent residence. Continue managing or sustaining the investment.
Remove conditions (I-829)
12–24 monthsFile Form I-829 to remove conditions, proving investment was sustained and jobs were created.
Processing Details
Timeline
Total process typically 3–6 years from petition to unconditional green card
Government Fees
Minimum investment: $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000. Government fees: I-526E ($3,675) + EB-5 Integrity Fund fee ($1,000) + I-485 ($1,140) + I-829 ($3,750), roughly $9,500–$9,900 total depending on filing route. Administrative fees for Regional Center investments vary. Attorney fees additional.
Key Documents Required
- •Proof of lawful source of funds (bank records, tax returns, business records going back 5+ years)
- •Investment agreement or subscription agreement
- •Business plan (for direct investments)
- •Personal financial statements
- •Birth certificates, passport copies for investor and family members
- •Civil documents (marriage certificate if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common immigration questions.
Still have questions? Speak directly with an immigration attorney.
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EB-5
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Founder & Immigration Attorney
- •Washington State Bar Association
- •New York State Bar Association
Business Immigration Specialist
- •Licensed Attorney (São Paulo, Brazil)
- •LL.M., Global Business Law
