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Residency by
Investment in United States of America (EB-5 Investor Visa)

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), enables foreign nationals to obtain U.S. permanent residency (a Green Card) by making a qualifying investment in a commercial enterprise that creates or preserves jobs for U.S. workers. Established in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through capital investment and job creation, the EB-5 program provides a direct pathway for investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21 to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States, ultimately leading to the opportunity for U.S. citizenship.

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Why Choose USA EB-5?

  • Global Economic Leader:
    As the world’s largest economy, the United States offers access to a diverse consumer base, robust capital markets, and a mature legal and regulatory environment. Companies and investors benefit from extensive innovation hubs, highly skilled talent pools, and world-class infrastructure.
  • Wide Range of Opportunities:
    From Silicon Valley tech startups and major financial centers like New York City to thriving agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors, the U.S. caters to entrepreneurs and investors across numerous industries. This variety allows EB-5 investors to align their capital with their personal interests and risk tolerance.
  • High Quality of Life:
    Renowned for its top-tier universities, advanced healthcare, and cultural diversity, the U.S. provides an enviable standard of living. EB-5 investors and their families can choose from an array of cities, climates, and lifestyles, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment for personal and professional growth.

Benefits of USA EB-5?

  • Pathway to Permanent Residence and Citizenship
    EB-5 investors receive conditional permanent residence (a conditional Green Card) upon initial approval. After satisfying the required job creation and investment criteria, they can apply to remove conditions and become unconditional permanent residents. Ultimately, after 5 years of holding a Green Card (and meeting residency and other requirements), investors may qualify for U.S. citizenship.
  • Freedom to Live and Work Anywhere in the U.S.
    Unlike some other residency-by-investment programs, EB-5 Green Card holders can reside, work, or own businesses in any U.S. state. They are not restricted to a specific region or industry, providing unparalleled personal and professional freedom.
  • Family Inclusion
    Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are included in the EB-5 application. This ensures families can move together, access world-renowned educational institutions, and enjoy the same legal status and benefits.
  • No Strict Language, Education, or Management Experience Requirements
    The EB-5 program does not impose language proficiency tests, educational background prerequisites, or previous business management requirements. The focus is on capital investment and job creation, making the program accessible to a broad range of investors.
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Investment Options and Requirements

To qualify for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, applicants must invest in a commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within a specified timeframe.

Minimum Investment Amounts
  • Standard Investment:
    USD 1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise.
    Targeted Employment Area (TEA) Investment:
    USD 800,000 if the investment is made in a TEA, which is typically a rural area or a region experiencing high unemployment. TEAs offer a lower investment threshold to encourage economic development in underserved communities.
  • Job Creation Requirements
    Each EB-5 investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
    Jobs must be created within 2 years of the investor’s admission as a conditional permanent resident.
  • Direct vs. Regional Center Investments
    Direct Investment: The investor invests directly into their own business or a project not affiliated with a regional center. Job creation must be direct and fully documented.
    Regional Center Investment: The investor invests through a USCIS-approved regional center. These third-party entities sponsor EB-5 projects, allowing investors to count both direct and indirect job creation. Regional centers can simplify documentation and job creation requirements.
  • Financial Transparency: Investors must prove the lawful source of their investment funds. Rigorous documentation is required, including tax returns, bank statements, and evidence of how the funds were earned.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age and Health:There are no specific age or health requirements. However, applicants must not pose a health or security risk to the U.S. and may undergo standard medical exams.
  • Clean Criminal Record:
    Applicants must pass standard U.S. security checks and background verifications.
  • Dependents
    Family Inclusion:
    Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the EB-5 petition. They receive conditional Green Cards upon approval and enjoy the same path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
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Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Initial Consultation
    Personal Assessment:
    Discuss your objectives with Citizenship360. We guide you in selecting a direct or regional center investment that meets EB-5 criteria, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
    Project Due Diligence
  • Investment Selection:
    Evaluate potential EB-5 projects, verify their track record, job creation methodology, and alignment with your goals. Engage in comprehensive due diligence before committing funds.
    Filing Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor) or I-526 (Direct Investors)
  • USCIS Petition Submission:
    Once the investment is made and documentation is compiled, Citizenship360 submits the I-526E/I-526 petition to USCIS. This includes evidence of the lawful source of funds, the project’s business plan, and the job creation framework.
    Petition Approval and Consular Processing/Adjustment of Status

  • Conditional Permanent Residence:
    Upon approval of the I-526E/I-526 petition, if you are outside the U.S., apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate. If inside the U.S. in a valid status, file for adjustment of status. After issuance, receive a conditional Green Card valid for 2 years.
    Removing Conditions (I-829 Petition)
  • Full Permanent Residence:
    Within 90 days before the 2-year conditional period ends, file the I-829 petition to demonstrate the required jobs have been created/preserved and the investment remains at risk. Upon I-829 approval, conditions are removed, granting a 10-year Green Card.
  • Timeline
    Processing Time:
    EB-5 adjudication times vary. The initial I-526E/I-526 petition processing may take from months to over a year, depending on USCIS workloads, country of origin backlogs, and project complexity. The full process to unconditional permanent residency typically spans several years.

Cost & Fees

  • Investment Costs
    TEA Investment: USD 800,000
    Non-TEA Investment: USD 1,050,000
  • Additional Expenses
    USCIS filing fees for I-526E/I-526 and I-829 petitions
    Regional center administrative fees (if applicable)
    Immigration attorney and advisory service fees
    Consular processing or adjustment of status fees
    Medical examinations and document translations

Citizenship360 provides transparent cost outlines during initial consultations, ensuring clarity on all associated expenses.

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FAQ's

Can I invest borrowed funds for EB-5?

Funds must be lawfully sourced and secured by the investor’s personal assets. Loans are acceptable only if genuinely secured and documented.

Do my children lose their Green Card when they turn 21?

If they obtained conditional permanent residence before turning 21, they remain eligible for permanent residency and can independently pursue U.S. citizenship later.

When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?

Generally, after 5 years of holding a Green Card (including the conditional period), maintaining continuous residence, and meeting naturalization requirements, you may apply for citizenship.

Will I be taxed on worldwide income as a U.S. permanent resident?

Yes. Green Card holders are considered U.S. tax residents and are subject to U.S. taxation on worldwide income. Consult a tax professional for strategic planning.

Must I live in the U.S. permanently?

While not required to remain in the U.S. year-round, investors must maintain U.S. residency ties. Extended absences may jeopardize Green Card status. Travel documents and proper planning help preserve residency.

What if the project faces delays?

Investors must file I-829 timely and show that the required conditions are met or are substantially in progress. USCIS may allow additional time if job creation is imminent but delayed.