EB-5 immigrant investor

Who this pathway suits

High-net-worth investors seeking a direct route to US permanent residency for their family.

Eligibility at a glance

• Minimum qualifying capital investment: $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA - rural or high unemployment) or $1,050,000 in non-TEA projects
• Investment in a new commercial enterprise (direct investment or USCIS-approved Regional Center)
• Lawful source of funds proven through transparent documentation
• Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying US workers

How the process works

1. Select Regional Center project or direct commercial venture
2. Document lawful source and path of investment funds
3. File Form I-526E (Regional Center) or Form I-526 (Direct)
4. Concurrent filing of Form I-485 permitted if in the US and visa is current (with immediate EAD and Advance Parole)
5. Receive 2-year conditional Green Card, then file Form I-829 to remove conditions

Documents you will typically need

• Form I-526E, comprehensive source-of-funds trace (bank records, tax returns, sale of assets), project economic analysis and business plan

What to keep in mind

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) created reserved visa set-asides (rural, high unemployment, infrastructure) with zero backlogs for new investors.