What is the EB-5 Program?

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 program provides a path to U.S. permanent residency (green card) for foreign investors who invest in job-creating businesses in the United States.

$800K
Minimum Investment (TEA)
10
Jobs Created
5-7
Years to Permanent GC

Key Requirements

💰 Investment Amount

  • • $800,000 for TEA, Rural, or Infrastructure projects
  • • $1,050,000 for standard projects
  • • Must be "at-risk" capital

👥 Job Creation

  • • Create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
  • • Within 2 years of receiving conditional green card
  • • Direct or indirect jobs (through Regional Center)

📄 Source of Funds

  • • Must prove lawful source of investment funds
  • • Detailed documentation required
  • • Tax returns, business records, etc.

🏢 Business Entity

  • • New commercial enterprise established after 1990
  • • Or troubled business (restructuring)
  • • For-profit entity

Step-by-Step Process

1

Make Your Investment

Month 1

Invest $800,000 (TEA/Rural/Infrastructure) or $1,050,000 (Standard) in a USCIS-approved project that will create at least 10 full-time jobs.

2

File Form I-526

Months 1-2

Submit your Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor to USCIS with evidence of your investment and job creation plan.

3

Wait for I-526 Approval

12-24 months

USCIS reviews your petition. Processing time is typically 12-24 months.

4

Apply for Conditional Green Card

12-24 months

File Form I-485 (if in U.S.) or go through consular processing (if outside U.S.) to receive your 2-year conditional green card.

5

Receive EAD & Travel Document

3-6 months after I-485

While waiting for your green card, you can receive work authorization (EAD) and advance parole (travel document).

6

Get Conditional Green Card

After I-485 approval

Receive your 2-year conditional permanent resident card. You and your family can live and work in the U.S.

7

File Form I-829

21 months after green card

21 months after receiving your conditional green card, file to remove conditions by proving job creation requirements were met.

8

Receive Permanent Green Card

24-36 months after I-829

After I-829 approval, receive your permanent (10-year) green card with no conditions.

9

Path to Citizenship

5 years after green card

After 5 years as a permanent resident, you may apply for U.S. citizenship if desired.

✅ Benefits of EB-5

  • • Permanent residency for you and your family
  • • Live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.
  • • No employer sponsorship required
  • • Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years
  • • Children can attend U.S. schools
  • • Access to U.S. healthcare and social services
  • • Travel freely in and out of the U.S.
  • • Potential return on investment

⚠️ Important

This is a simplified overview. The EB-5 process is complex and requires careful planning. Always work with experienced immigration attorneys and financial advisors. Visit USCIS.gov for official information.

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