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Residency by Investment in the US
A Structured Route to US Residency Through the United States
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, administered by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), enables foreign nationals to obtain US permanent residency (a Green Card) by making a qualifying investment in a commercial enterprise that creates or preserves jobs for US workers. Established in 1990 to stimulate the US economy through capital investment and job creation, the EB-5 programme 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 US citizenship.
Benefits of the USA EB-5 Golden Visa
US residency offers long-term residence in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. For internationally mobile individuals and families, it can support long-term settlement objectives, business access, and global planning strategies.
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 US citizenship.
Freedom to Live and
Work Anywhere in the US
Unlike some other residency-by-investment programmes, EB-5 Green Card holders can reside, work, or own businesses in any US 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 programme 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 programme accessible to a broad range of investors.
Investment Options and Requirements
The United States offers qualifying residency routes under its investor immigration framework. Each option is governed by defined eligibility criteria and regulatory requirements, allowing applicants to assess suitability in line with their objectives and planning horizon.
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 US 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.
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.
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 US 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 US 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.
Eligibility Criteria
US residency programmes are open to individuals and families who meet defined eligibility and compliance standards. Early clarity on requirements supports a smoother and more efficient application process.
Age and Health
There are no specific age or health requirements.
However, applicants must not pose a health or security risk to the US and may undergo standard medical exams.
Clean Criminal Record
Applicants must pass standard US security checks and background verifications.
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.
Dependents
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.
Application Process
The US residency application process follows a formal and highly regulated framework. Professional guidance supports applicants from initial assessment through to approval and long-term compliance.
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.
- 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)
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.
- Conditional Permanent Residence: Upon approval of the I-526E/I-526 petition, if you are outside the US, apply for an immigrant visa at a US consulate. If inside the US 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.
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.
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Programme details last reviewed: July 2026.
FAQ’s
Funds must be lawfully sourced and secured by the investor’s personal assets. Loans are acceptable only if genuinely secured and documented.
If they obtained conditional permanent residence before turning 21, they remain eligible for permanent residency and can independently pursue US citizenship later.
Generally, after 5 years of holding a Green Card (including the conditional period), maintaining continuous residence, and meeting naturalisation requirements, you may apply for citizenship.
Yes. Green Card holders are considered US tax residents and are subject to US taxation on worldwide income. Consult a tax professional for strategic planning.
While not required to remain in the US year-round, investors must maintain US residency ties. Extended absences may jeopardize Green Card status. Travel documents and proper planning help preserve residency.
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.