EB-5 US Immigration Program

The EB‑5 program requires a minimum investment of USD 800,000 or USD 1,050,000 depending on the project location. The total actual cost is typically around USD 900,000 – 1.2 million.

Approved lawful sources of funds include: business income/salary, sale of assets (real estate, shares), inheritance, gifts, or secured loans. Most importantly, the investor must clearly demonstrate the lawful origin of the funds and ensure transparent cash flow.

EB‑5 investors typically receive a return of capital after 5–7 years, though it may take longer depending on the project and the adjudication process.

Yes. You may use multiple lawful sources of funds such as selling land, receiving gifts, or taking a bank loan to invest in EB‑5, provided that you can clearly demonstrate the origin and transparent flow of the funds.

• Sale of land/assets: sales contract, ownership documents, bank statements showing receipt of funds
• Gifted funds: gift letter, proof of relationship, financial records of the donor
• Bank loan: loan agreement, disbursement records, collateral documents (if applicable)

Note: all sources of funds must be lawful, transparent, and traceable.

Yes. You may still be granted a permanent green card if the EB‑5 project is not financially successful, provided that USCIS requirements are met.

• Core condition: creation of at least 10 full‑time jobs as required
• Investment: must remain at risk and engaged in actual business activity throughout the required period
• Business performance: profitability is not decisive (a project may operate at a loss and still qualify)
• Note: clear documentation of job creation must be submitted with Form I‑829

EB‑5 adjudication focuses on job creation and regulatory compliance, not on whether the project generates profit.

EB‑5 gives priority to projects located in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), especially rural regions and high‑unemployment areas, because they have reserved visa quotas and faster processing times.

EB‑5 processing times are not fixed by USCIS and vary depending on each case:

• Form I‑526E: approximately 1.2 – 2.1 years (14.5–25.5 months)
• Visa / conditional green card application: approximately 0.5 – 1+ years (6–12+ months)
• Form I‑829 (removal of conditions): approximately 5.5 years (66.5 months)

Note: processing may be faster or slower depending on the type of project, the visa bulletin, and the place of filing.

According to USCIS:

• Requirement: creation of at least 10 full‑time jobs for each investor
• Direct EB‑5: only direct jobs are counted (employees of the enterprise)
• EB‑5 through a Regional Center: both direct jobs, indirect jobs, and induced jobs are counted

How to demonstrate:

• Direct jobs: personnel records, payroll documentation
• Indirect/induced jobs: economic reports (RIMS II or IMPLAN models)
• Timing: jobs must be created within the required period before filing Form I‑829

Holding a U.S. green card does not require continuous residence, but you must maintain lawful permanent resident status as defined by USCIS.

Rules for time spent outside the U.S.:

• Under 6 months: generally safe, minimal impact
• 6–12 months: may be subject to additional questioning upon re‑entry
• Over 1 year: risk of being considered to have abandoned permanent residence unless you hold a Re‑entry Permit

How to safely maintain green card status:

• Maintain a U.S. residential address
• Keep a U.S. bank account, employment, or business ties
• File taxes fully as a permanent resident
• If extended travel is necessary, apply for a Re‑entry Permit before leaving the U.S.