The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program enables individuals intending to immigrate to the United States to participate in a commercial enterprise through investment and job creation for American workers. Applicants can either establish a new commercial enterprise or invest in an approved Regional Center. This program issues green cards, providing permanent residency for the applicant, their spouse, and any dependent children under 21.
Benefits of U.S. Immigration via EB-5
- No language proficiency required.
- No minimum education needed.
- No managerial or business-related experience required.
- Investment funds can come from gifts, inheritance, business ownership, or any lawful activity.
- Opportunity to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S. with access to lower in-state tuition.
- Inclusion of dependent children under 21.
EB-5 Immigration Requirements
Applicants must meet the following to qualify:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Prove lawful source of assets and funds of at least $1 million USD.
- Select one of the available investment options.
Two EB-5 Investment Pathways:
1. Investment in a Regional Center
Regional Centers are USCIS-approved investment opportunities. To qualify under this path, applicants must:
- Invest $500,000 USD.
- The enterprise must create full-time employment for at least 10 qualified U.S. workers (indirect jobs allowed).
- Active management of the enterprise is not required.
2. Creating a New Commercial Enterprise in the U.S.
To qualify under this option, applicants must:
- Invest $1 million USD in a new enterprise, or $500,000 USD if located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) — rural areas or regions with unemployment at least 150% of the national average.
- Create full-time jobs for at least 10 qualified workers who must be direct employees.
- Actively manage daily operations and policy-setting of the enterprise.
EB-5 Application and Immigration Process
| Timeline | Steps |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Select investment option and prepare petition. Transfer Regional Center fees and investment to designated escrow. |
| Month 2 | File I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur) with USCIS after receipt confirmation. |
| Months 10–11 | USCIS approves I-526. File DS-230 visa application with the National Visa Center (NVC). |
| Months 17–18 | Applicant interview at U.S. embassy/consulate. Medical exams. Visa approval and issuance of EB-5 Immigrant Investor certification. |
EB-5 Immigration Costs
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Regional Center Fees | $50,000 |
| Information Processing Fees | $11,500 (main applicant) $4,400 (spouse) $3,400 (children under 17) $4,400 (dependents 18+) |
| Government Fees | $1,500 (I-526) $450 per person (visa) $3,750 (I-829) $2,500 (filing) $85 per person (biometrics) |
About the United States
- Visa-free countries: 174 (Rank: 1, Henley Passport Index 2014)
- GDP per capita: $54,596
- Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
- Tax rates: Income 0–55.9%, Sales 0–11%, Corporate 15%–54%
- Location: North America
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Population: 320.2 million
- Language: English
- Religions: Christian 78.5%, Jewish 1.7%
- Government: Federal Republic
Note: The EB-5 program underwent significant reform in 2022 (EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act). Minimum investment amounts were raised to $800,000 (TEA) and $1.05 million (standard) as of March 2022. The above figures reflect pre-2022 legacy rules. For accurate 2025 guidance, consult current USCIS regulations and a licensed EB-5 attorney.
At ITCiLand, we guide you through the latest EB-5 pathways with full compliance. Contact us for a free eligibility review.
