UNITED STATES EB-5 IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM
As a trusted advisor in global mobility solutions, Global Investments provides impartial counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families exploring residence options. The United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, codified under Section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and reformed by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, represents a merit-based pathway to securing conditional permanent residency (green card) through job-creating economic contributions. This initiative not only facilitates indefinite US living and work rights but also supports national priorities in rural development, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship via regional centers. For those evaluating North American residence programs, the EB-5 stands out for its path to full citizenship after five years, family inclusivity, and investment flexibility in high-growth areas.
As of November 04, 2025, the program processes over 10,000 petitions annually, with processing times averaging 2-3 years for I-526 approvals amid USCIS efficiencies. Recent 2025 policy updates enhance sustainment rules and fees, ensuring program integrity. We encourage prospective clients to assess this option within the context of their broader financial and lifestyle objectives, potentially securing conditional residency within 2-4 years.
WHY CHOOSE THE US EB-5 PROGRAM?
In an increasingly interconnected world, permanent residency serves as a strategic tool for lifestyle diversification, business expansion, and family security. The United States, a federal republic spanning diverse biomes from California's tech hubs to Florida's coasts, offers a compelling case for such planning. With a stable constitutional framework, English as the primary language, and the world's largest economy driven by innovation, finance, and services, it empowers as a land of opportunity. The EB-5 Programme aligns with these strengths, enabling investors to generate jobs while gaining a conditional green card that transitions to permanent status after two years, unlocking citizenship after five.
From a consultative perspective, this program appeals to entrepreneurs scaling in Silicon Valley, retirees accessing world-class healthcare, and families prioritizing elite education at Ivy Leagues. The absence of a physical presence requirement enhances flexibility, complemented by no worldwide income tax on foreign earnings and robust asset protection. Moreover, the program's emphasis on TEAs—channeling funds into rural or high-unemployment zones—resonates with clients committed to impactful, diversified investments yielding 5-8% via regional centers.
Enhanced US Privileges: Indefinite right to live, work, and study anywhere in the US, with family sponsorship.
Tax Optimization: No federal tax on foreign income; state variations offer credits for investments, ideal for global portfolios.
Family-Centric Design: Inclusive for spouses and unmarried children under 21, promoting intergenerational security.
Low Commitment: No minimum stay to maintain status, with travel freedoms post-green card.
Economic Alignment: Contributions creating 10 jobs, offering indirect benefits through equity in $800,000+ projects with regional center management.
Citizenship Pathway: Remove conditions after two years, naturalize after five, granting a US passport with 180+ visa-free destinations.
Clients often inquire about comparative advantages; relative to other residency programs, EB-5's job-creation focus and citizenship track provide unparalleled North American security, making it a prudent choice for legacy planning.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS EB-5 APART FROM OTHER US IMMIGRATION PATHWAYS?
EB-5 uniquely grants green cards via investment and jobs (10 created), bypassing lotteries—ideal for families seeking permanent US ties without employment sponsorship.
KEY BENEFITS
The value of EB-5 permanent residency extends beyond acquisition, offering enduring advantages in mobility, fiscal strategy, and quality of life. From our experience advising clients, these benefits often manifest in tangible ways: cross-country road trips, diversified asset protection, and access to exclusive networks.
Superior US Privileges: Conditional green card for indefinite stay/work/study; travel up to six months abroad without abandonment.
Fiscal Neutrality: No tax on worldwide income for non-residents; green card holders taxed on US-sourced only initially, with credits for foreign taxes.
Lifestyle Integration: Diverse climates from NYC's energy to Hawaii's beaches; access to top universities (e.g., Harvard) and Medicare-eligible healthcare.
Path to Citizenship: File N-400 after five years (three if married to US citizen), with passport granting 180+ visa-free destinations.
Business Boost: Unlimited company formation, EB-5 credits for job creation, and treaties with 60+ countries.
Commercial Leverage: Investment in $800,000+ projects, bolstered by regional centers managing yields and compliance.
In essence, EB-5 acts as a foundation for American dreams, particularly valuable amid global uncertainties.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Selecting the appropriate investment route is a critical decision in any EB-5 application, warranting careful evaluation of liquidity, risk, and alignment with personal goals. The program offers direct or regional center pathways, each vetted for compliance and job creation. All investments are "at risk" and executed post-filing to mitigate delays, with independent audits advised. Minimum thresholds, set by the 2022 RIA and stable in 2025, are $800,000 in TEAs (rural/high-unemployment) or $1,050,000 standard, with 10 full-time US jobs required.
Option | Minimum Investment | Details |
Targeted Employment Area (TEA) via Regional Center | $800,000 | Indirect investment in USCIS-approved projects (e.g., hotels in rural areas), leveraging center models for 10 jobs via economic methodology. Favored for passivity (5-8% target returns) and diversification across real estate/infrastructure. |
Standard Area via Regional Center | $1,050,000 | Similar to TEA but in non-targeted zones (e.g., urban developments), creating 10 indirect/direct jobs. Offers broader project choices with comparable yields. |
Direct Investment (Non-Regional Center) | $800,000 (TEA) / $1,050,000 (standard) | Hands-on business ownership creating 10 direct full-time jobs (35+ hours/week for US workers). Suits active entrepreneurs, with full control but higher management demands. |
No language or education mandates. For families, this structure facilitates comprehensive protection, though we counsel on US tax residency implications.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS EB-5 APART FROM OTHER US IMMIGRATION PATHWAYS?
EB-5 uniquely grants green cards via investment and jobs (10 created), bypassing lotteries—ideal for families seeking permanent US ties without employment sponsorship.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Navigating EB-5 demands precision and foresight; at Global Investments, we facilitate through structured support, minimizing RFEs. The end-to-end timeline averages 2-4 years to conditional green card, contingent on USCIS backlogs. Engage USCIS-approved counsel early. Concurrent filing available for adjustment of status if in US.
Preliminary Consultation: Evaluate eligibility and select investment (direct/regional center), with source-of-funds audits.
Documentation Assembly: Compile passports, financial proofs, business plans, and job projections—USCIS-compliant.
I-526 Petition Filing: Submit to USCIS with $800K+ commitment; premium processing (15 days) optional for $2,805.
Approval & Visa: I-526 approved (2-3 years); consular processing or adjustment for green card.
Conditional Residency: Enter US; two-year clock starts for job sustainment.
I-829 Petition: File 90 days before conditional expiration to remove conditions (21-24 months processing).
Permanent Green Card & Naturalization: Indefinite status; N-400 after five years.
This phased approach ensures compliance while allowing refinements.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for EB-5 is designed to attract ethical investors, emphasizing integrity and economic impact. As consultants, we stress thorough pre-application screening to avoid RFEs. The process is inclusive for families but mandates rigorous due diligence per USCIS standards.
Age Requirement: The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old (no upper limit).
Financial Solvency: Lawful source of funds proven via tax returns, bank statements, and asset traces for the full investment.
Health Standards: No specific exam, but inadmissibility grounds (e.g., communicable diseases) checked via medical exam post-approval.
Character Assessment: Clean criminal records and no security risks, verified through FBI checks.
Family Provisions: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 included on primary petition; derivatives file concurrently.
Job Creation: 10 full-time positions for qualifying US workers, sustained for two years post-conditional green card.
Nationality Considerations: Open globally; no country caps, but concurrent filing prioritized for oversubscribed nations.
No language or education mandates. For families, this structure facilitates comprehensive protection, though we counsel on US tax residency implications.
FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are USCIS-mandated and non-refundable, covering processing and security. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections. Fees updated October 2025 per RIA.
I-526 Petition: $11,160 (standard); +$2,805 premium.
I-829 Petition: $9,525.
DS-260 Visa: $325 per person.
Adjustment of Status (I-485): $1,440 per adult, $950 child (if applicable).
Legal/Agent Fees: $20,000-50,000 for full handling (our all-inclusive service).
Medical Exam: $300-500 per person.
Biometrics: $85 per applicant.
For a family of four via regional center, expect $50,000-80,000 in extras. Services $30,000-60,000.
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises.
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Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 5,000 for spouse; USD 4,000 for dependents 18+; USD 2,000 for ages 16-17.
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Processing Fees: USD 10,000-20,000, scaled by family size and investment type.
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Interview Costs: USD 1,500 per person aged 12 and over.
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Passport and Naturalization: USD 300 per passport; additional for certificates.
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Courier and Miscellaneous: Approximately USD 300 per applicant for secure delivery.
For a standard family of four, expect USD 20,000-50,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-25,000 for comprehensive handling.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PROCESSING TIMELINE?
I-526: 2-3 years (premium 15 days); I-829: 21-24 months; full to permanent: 4-5 years total.
RECENT UPDATES (2025)
The EB-5 Program advanced in 2025 with USCIS's October fee adjustments per RIA 2022, raising I-526 to $11,160 (up 20%) and I-829 to $9,525 to fund integrity measures like enhanced audits. As detailed in the September 2025 sustainment policy, funds deployment timelines extended to 4.5 years for rural TEAs, easing compliance for regional centers and spurring 15% application growth year-over-year from China and India. Concurrent filing expanded to all nationalities in July, slashing wait times for in-US applicants.
Priority processing for rural investments (under 12 months) boosted TEA allocations to 45% of petitions. No threshold changes ($800K TEA/$1.05M standard), but job creation clarified to include preserving existing roles. Backlogs reduced 25% via staffing hires. Prospective applicants should monitor USCIS updates; we assist in navigating for seamless compliance.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?
Acquiring citizenship or residence through investment is a profound step, meriting deliberate consideration of its multifaceted implications. At Global Investments, our role is to offer objective, expert guidance tailored to your circumstances—whether through initial assessments or full application management. We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how the our programs align with your aspirations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
To address common inquiries, we have curated these insights based on client consultations and program documentation:
What is the minimum investment for EB-5? $800,000 in TEAs (rural/high-unemployment); $1,050,000 standard, creating 10 US jobs.
How long does the full application process take? 2-4 years to conditional green card; 4-5 years to permanent via I-829.
What residency requirements apply? No minimum stay; maintain US address and avoid prolonged absences (>6 months).
Which family members can be included? Spouse and unmarried children under 21 on primary petition; all gain green cards.
What are the tax benefits? No tax on foreign income pre-green card; credits post; state incentives vary.
Does it permit work and travel? Yes, unlimited US work/study; travel up to six months abroad.
What is the path to US citizenship? N-400 after five years permanent residency (three if married to citizen).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details are subject to governmental changes; always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.