EB-5 Investment Guide: Start Here
The EB-5 investor visa is the only U.S. employment based green card that requires no employer sponsor, no education credential, and no professional background. Investors contribute a minimum of $800,000 (targeted employment area) or $1,050,000 (standard) to a job creating commercial enterprise and receive conditional permanent residency for themselves and qualifying family members. As of Q3 FY2025, USCIS reports a 94% I-526E approval rate, with rural TEA petitions processed in 11 to 17 months. The grandfathering deadline of September 30, 2026 locks in current investment minimums for timely filers. Source: USCIS Quarterly Statistics, Q3 FY2025.
What is EB-5?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a path to permanent U.S. residency (a green card) for foreign nationals who invest in job creating commercial enterprises. It is one of the few immigration categories that requires no employer sponsor, no specific education, and no professional background.
- Investment minimum: $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (standard)
- Job creation: At least 10 full time U.S. jobs per investor
- Processing time: 11 to 52 months depending on category
- Approval rate: 94% (Q3 FY2025)
- No requirements: No age, language, education, or employer sponsor
The EB-5 Path at a Glance
Key Topics
Investment Amounts
$800,000 TEA / $1,050,000 standard
Processing Times
11 to 52 months depending on category
Grandfathering Deadline
September 30, 2026
TEA Categories
Rural, HUA, Infrastructure
Costs
Total cost beyond the investment
Source of Funds
Documentation requirements
Visa Bulletin
Country backlogs and dates
Key Dates
Critical deadlines
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For Investors
A data driven framework for evaluating the EB-5 investor visa. Investment amounts, processing times, country specific considerations, and planning tools.
For Attorneys
Data, tools, and reference materials for immigration attorneys advising EB-5 clients. Processing times, visa bulletin analysis, approval rates, and filing guides.
Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does EB-5 cost?
The minimum investment is $800,000 for projects in targeted employment areas (TEA) or $1,050,000 for standard projects. Total out of pocket costs, including USCIS filing fees, legal fees, and administrative fees, typically range from $70,000 to $135,000 beyond the investment itself.
How long does EB-5 take?
The full process from initial filing to permanent green card typically takes 2 to 7 years depending on category, country of birth, and case complexity. Reserved categories (rural, high unemployment) generally process faster than unreserved categories.
Is EB-5 right for me?
EB-5 requires no employer sponsor, no education requirement, and no specific professional background. It is available to investors of any nationality who can demonstrate lawful source of funds and meet the minimum investment threshold. Consult a qualified immigration attorney to evaluate your specific circumstances.
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