About
Why United States (EB-5).
The U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa is the only United States immigration pathway that grants Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) status purely through investment. There's no employer sponsorship and no family relationship needed. For HNWI families with U.S. mobility ambitions, EB-5 is the most direct route.
The program was modernised by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which established two investment tiers:
- $800,000 for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (rural or high-unemployment zones)
- $1,050,000 for projects in any other location
In both cases, the investment must create at least 10 full-time American jobs and remain at risk through the conditional residence period.
The path to a Green Card runs through two USCIS petitions. Form I-526E is the initial investor petition; approval typically takes 18–24 months. Once approved, the principal applicant and their immediate family (spouse plus unmarried children under 21) receive a 2-year Conditional Green Card. Roughly 21–24 months later, Form I-829 is filed to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent 10-year Green Card.
After 5 years as a Lawful Permanent Resident, EB-5 investors become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship by naturalisation. The U.S. allows dual citizenship for those whose other country also permits it.
The U.S. passport ranks 10th globally with 179 visa-free destinations. EB-5 is the only investor-led pathway to it.
Risks to weigh. EB-5 carries three. Project risk: the underlying real-estate or commercial venture must succeed. Immigration risk: USCIS can deny either petition. Timeline risk: country-of-birth backlogs, especially for China- and India-born applicants, can significantly extend processing. Pre-investment due diligence on the Regional Center and underlying project is decisive. We work only with Regional Centers that have a multi-year history of compliant approvals and capital returns.
Tax regime
The tax planning angle.
U.S. tax residents are subject to worldwide income taxation. Federal income tax 10–37%, plus state tax. Significant pre-immigration tax planning typically required.
Investment routes
How the investment works.
3 routes are available. Pick the one that fits your goals.
Business
Targeted Employment Area (TEA) investment
From
$800,000
Investment in a Regional Center project located in a rural area or area of high unemployment (Targeted Employment Area). Lower minimum thanks to the TEA designation introduced in the 2022 RIA.
- RecoverableCapital is at risk during the investment period. Recoverable in principle once the project succeeds and EB-5 conditions are met, typically 5–7 years total.
- Hold period5 years minimum
Benefits
What this residency gives you.
Direct path to U.S. Green Card
EB-5 is the only U.S. immigration program that grants Lawful Permanent Resident status (Green Card) through investment alone. No employer sponsorship or family relationship needed.
Family included
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive Green Cards through the principal applicant's petition.
5-year path to U.S. citizenship
After 5 years as a lawful permanent resident, eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship by naturalisation (with continuous-residence and good-character requirements).
Recoverable investment
The investment is structured to be returned after the project's successful job-creation and EB-5 compliance period (typically 5–7 years). Returns are project-dependent.
Access to U.S. education and healthcare
Green Card status grants access to in-state tuition rates (after residency requirement), federal financial aid eligibility, and freedom to attend any U.S. institution.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
Main applicant
- ✓At least 18 years old
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✗Not from: IR, KP, SY, CU
Family members eligible
- ✓Spouse
- ✓Children
Process
How it works, step by step.
Initial residency: ~I-526E approval 18–24 months; Conditional Green Card; I-829 removal 36+ months later.
- 1
Pre-engagement and project selection
4–8 weeksSource-of-funds audit and Regional Center / project selection. Project diligence is critical; we work only with USCIS-approved Regional Centers with strong track records.
- 2
Investment and I-526E filing
4–8 weeksInvestment funds placed in escrow. Form I-526E petition filed with USCIS by the investor's immigration counsel.
- 3
I-526E adjudication
18–24 monthsUSCIS reviews the petition. Country-of-birth backlogs (especially for China-born applicants) can extend this timeline.
- 4
Visa interview and conditional Green Card
4–8 weeksConsular processing (DS-260) or adjustment of status; conditional 2-year Green Card issued.
- 5
U.S. residency period
21–24 monthsLive in the U.S. (or maintain residence). Investment must be sustained throughout.
- 6
I-829: removing conditions
24–48 monthsForm I-829 filed 90 days before the 2-year conditional Green Card expires; reviewed by USCIS; permanent 10-year Green Card issued.
Documents
What you'll need to prepare.
9 documents required.
- 1Passport copies (all family members)
- 2Birth certificates (apostilled / authenticated)
- 3Marriage certificate (apostilled)
- 4Police clearance from each country lived in for 6+ months since age 16
- 5Medical exam by U.S.-approved civil surgeon (panel physician abroad)
- 6Investment source-of-funds documentation (extensive: bank records, tax returns, business records, property sale records)
- 7Form I-526E petition (Regional Center investments) or I-526 (direct)
- 8Form DS-260 immigrant visa application
- 9Form I-829 to remove conditions (after 2 years)
FAQ
Questions, answered.
How is the $800K different from the $1.05M?
Is the EB-5 investment actually returned?
What are the risks?
Can I work or live anywhere in the U.S.?
When does U.S. citizenship become available?
Legal basis
Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 203(b)(5) (Employment-Based Fifth Preference / EB-5). Modernised by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.
