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U.S. Immigrant Visas: The Complete EB-5 Guide: How to Apply for a U.S. Investor Green Card, with Costs, Requirements and Process

If you're living in the U.S., thinking about staying long term and have money to invest, the EB-5 visa (investor immigrant visa) may be one of your best options. This article walks you through the EB-5 application process, costs and requirements, so you understand how investing in a U.S. business can get you a green card.

What is the EB-5 visa?

The EB-5 visa is a U.S. immigrant visa that lets foreign investors and their families (spouse and minor children) get a U.S. green card through a business investment in the U.S. Since it was created in 1990, the program has given investors around the world a way to immigrate.

How do you apply for the EB-5 visa?

  1. Choose an investment project
    You need to choose a suitable investment project, usually a startup business in the U.S. or a project under a Regional Center (Regional Center) program approved by the government. These programs usually require an investment of at least $500,000 to $1 million.
  2. Invest the money
    You have to put the money into the designated business project and make sure the funds come from a lawful source. The investment must meet the required minimum, and the money must be used to create jobs.
  3. File Form I-526
    Once the investment is made, you file Form I-526 (immigrant petition). This is the first step of the EB-5 application. The form shows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that your investment qualifies.
  4. Get a conditional green card
    After Form I-526 is approved, you receive a two-year conditional green card (Conditional Green Card). During this time, you need to show that your investment created the expected jobs.
  5. File Form I-829
    Two years later, you file Form I-829, the step that removes the conditions and gets you a permanent green card. At this point the investor must provide evidence that at least 10 full-time jobs were created.

EB-5 visa costs

  • Minimum investment: The investment is usually $1 million. If the project is in a high-unemployment area or targeted area, the minimum drops to $500,000.
  • Application fees: Each applicant pays roughly $2,000 to $3,000 in fees (as set by USCIS).
  • Attorney and consultant fees: You may need to hire an immigration attorney or consultant to help with the application. Fees vary, usually between $20,000 and $30,000.

Advantages of the EB-5 visa

  • A fast green card
    EB-5 applicants can get a green card within 2 years after the investment is approved, a quick path to permanent residence in the U.S.
  • Your whole family immigrates
    The investor, spouse and minor children can all get U.S. green cards together as derivative applicants.
  • No degree or work experience required
    Unlike other visa types (such as H-1B), the EB-5 visa doesn't require a specific degree or work experience. It depends mainly on the amount invested and the ability to create jobs.

Challenges and risks of the EB-5 visa

  • High investment risk
    You may get a U.S. green card after 5 to 7 years, but the project you invest in may also fail, and you could lose your investment.
  • Long waits
    The EB-5 process is long. From filing to getting a green card can take years, and the wait gets even longer when demand for EB-5 projects surges.
  • Approval isn't guaranteed
    Even if you meet the investment requirements, there's no guarantee you'll get a green card. USCIS reviews each application in detail and asks for evidence that the investment created jobs.

How do you choose an EB-5 project?

Choose an EB-5 project carefully. Experienced Regional Centers (Regional Centers) are a good choice. Their projects are recognized by USCIS and usually do create jobs.

Useful links

 

I'm C.  I'm from Taiwan and now run a business in Los Angeles. When I first arrived, the challenges were everywhere! From the language barrier to culture shock, every small detail took me a long time to figure out. Those experiences taught me how to adapt quickly here, until I was in my element. I've put years of that experience on this site to help newcomers like me settle into life in the U.S. more easily and quickly. Whether it's moving here, finding a job or handling everyday tasks, you'll find plenty of practical shortcuts and solutions so you can skip the detours. I hope what I share helps you start your new life in America smoothly, with less effort and a lot more fun!

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