Tools · US Immigration
EB-5 Investor Visa Eligibility Test
Answer 6 questions to check your EB-5 eligibility — covering investment capital, source of funds, Regional Center vs direct investment, and whether the programme timeline suits your plans.
Are you currently a US citizen or permanent resident?
How this tool works
Confirm your status
EB-5 is for foreign nationals — US citizens and permanent residents are not eligible.
Check your capital
We confirm whether your available funds meet the $800k TEA or $1.05M standard threshold.
Assess timeline fit
The EB-5 process takes 3–5+ years — we flag if a faster programme may better suit your needs.
Get your result
Receive a clear eligibility assessment and recommendation for next steps with our team.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for an EB-5 visa?
As of 2026, the minimum investment for an EB-5 visa is $800,000 for investments in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) — rural areas or urban areas with high unemployment. The standard investment amount outside TEAs is $1,050,000. These amounts are periodically adjusted for inflation.
What is the difference between a Regional Center and direct EB-5 investment?
A Regional Center is a USCIS-designated entity that pools EB-5 investor capital into approved projects. Investors are passive limited partners — no active management required. Direct investment requires the investor to be actively involved in managing the business and create at least 10 direct jobs. Most international investors use the Regional Center route.
How long does the EB-5 green card process take?
The EB-5 process is among the longest of any investor visa programme. USCIS processing of the I-526E petition currently takes 24–48 months for many applicants. Visa backlogs exist for nationals of China, India and Vietnam. After approval, consular processing or adjustment of status adds further time. Total time from investment to green card can be 3–6 years or more for backlogged countries.
Does the EB-5 visa lead to US citizenship?
Yes. The EB-5 programme confers conditional permanent residency (a green card). After holding a green card for 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen), you may apply for US naturalisation and citizenship, subject to meeting residency, language and character requirements.
What does "lawful source of funds" mean for EB-5?
USCIS requires EB-5 applicants to demonstrate that all investment capital was obtained through lawful means — such as employment income, business proceeds, inheritance, property sales, or gifts. A clear paper trail is essential. Source of funds is one of the most scrutinised elements of EB-5 applications, and inadequate documentation is a leading cause of delays and denials.
Speak to a US EB-5 investment specialist
Our team can connect you with approved EB-5 regional centres and guide you through the investment and immigration process.