U.S. EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 Visa provides a pathway for foreign nationals and their families to obtain a Green Card and become permanent residents in the United States.
Free ConsultationThe United States, known as the land of opportunity, is one of the most sought-after locations for foreign nationals.
The EB-5 Visa offers a pathway for investors to secure a Green Card and become residents in the U.S. Our team of EB-5 specialists can help you throughout the process and be a part of the American dream.
Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas
Our expert team provides a bespoke, end-to-end service and tailored advice to support your needs.
We are part of the wider Holborn Assets Group, a leading, award-winning financial advisory company with over $2 billion in assets under management (AUM).
We have successfully helped hundreds of individuals and families secure golden visas in countries worldwide, including the United States.
Quick links
- What is the EB-5 Visa?
- What are the EB-5 Visa benefits?
- EB-5 Visa benefits for international students
- EB-5 Visa costs
- How to get an EB-5 Visa
- EB-5 Visa investment options
- EB-5 investment projects
- The difference between the EB-3 and EB-5 Visa
- What is a targeted employment area (TEA)?
- What is an EB-5 regional center?
- EB-5 job creation requirements explained
What is the EB-5 Visa?
Congress created the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as part of the Immigration Act of 1990. It aims to stimulate economic growth through employment creation and foreign investment.
The EB-5 Visa is the U.S. equivalent of a golden visa. The program offers one of the most efficient pathways to securing a Green Card (residency) in the United States. As a Green Card holder, you can live, work and study anywhere in the country.
The U.S. issues a limited number of 10,000 EB-5 Visas annually, making it a highly exclusive opportunity.
Read our What is the EB-5 Visa guide for a detailed overview of the program.
What are the EB-5 Visa benefits?
There is an extensive list of EB-5 Visa benefits. The main advantage is the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the U.S.
Unlike other U.S. visa types, the EB-5 Visa allows applicants to self-sponsor.
This means investors do not need to rely on an employment offer or sponsorship from a U.S. company to apply.
Because the EB-5 is an investment-based visa, it also has the potential to return a profit.
However, the ROI will depend on several factors, such as the type of project.
The EB-5 Visa offers a route to becoming a U.S. Citizen.
Investors can apply for citizenship after holding a Green Card for five years and meeting specific requirements.
Our guide to the EB-5 Visa benefits provides a detailed breakdown of what the program offers.
EB-5 Visa benefits for international students
The EB-5 program is primarily known for its investment and immigration benefits. However, it also presents fantastic opportunities for those studying in the United States.
The EB-5 Visa has several advantages over F-1 and H-1B visas for students. Some of these benefits include lower tuition costs and access to funding, such as grants, scholarships and government loans.
Learn more about the benefits of studying in the United States on an EB-5 Visa.
EB-5 Visa costs
The EB-5 Visa program offers two investment options. The minimum investment requirement depends on which option the investor picks.
The standard minimum investment amount is $1,050,000.
This is reduced to $800,000 if the EB-5 project is in a targeted employment area (TEA).
Besides the investment, there are also other expenses to consider. For example, the cost of submitting certain forms and legal fees. Those who invest through an approved EB-5 regional centre will also pay additional fees.
Our guide to EB-5 Visa costs provides an in-depth look at the program’s investment amounts and additional fees.
How to get an EB-5 Visa
Knowing how to navigate the EB-5 process is essential for potential investors who want to successfully secure an EB-5 Visa and become U.S. Green Card holders.
Investors must invest the minimum required amount and fulfil the job creation requirement. There are also additional criteria to be aware of, such as proving the funds are from a lawful source.
You can learn more about how to get an EB-5 Visa by reading our article.
EB-5 Visa requirements
The main requirements for the EB-5 visa are to make a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise and create jobs.
The minimum investment amount is $1,050,000 or $800,000 in TEA projects. The projects should create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
There are also several other requirements that an investor must meet to qualify for the EB-5 Visa.
Read more on the EB-5 Visa requirements for a full breakdown of the program’s criteria.
EB-5 process explained
The EB-5 process can vary depending on the route the investor takes. For example, whether they invest directly or go through a regional center.
It is a multi-step process that requires careful consideration and legal expertise. That is why hiring an attorney experienced with EB-5 cases is essential.
Read our guide on the EB-5 Visa process for a comprehensive breakdown and to learn more about the steps involved.
EB-5 Visa investment options
Investors can invest in EB-5 projects in two ways: directly or through an authorised EB-5 regional center.
While both options have pros and cons, regional centers are the most popular route. Around 95% of EB-5 investors choose to invest through a regional center.
Read more about the EB-5 investment options to better understand each and the key benefits.
EB-5 investment projects
One of the most critical decisions for potential investors is selecting the right EB-5 investment project.
Projects can be in almost any sector or industry as long as they meet the program’s criteria. Some industries include real estate, hospitality and tourism, infrastructure and manufacturing.
With so many options, knowing which is right for you can be tricky. Our guide to EB-5 investment projects breaks down the key sectors.
The difference between the EB-3 and EB-5 Visa
The EB-3 and EB-5 are two employment-based visas in the United States. Both visa programs allow foreign nationals to become U.S. residents. However, each serves a different purpose and has different requirements.
A successful EB-3 application relies on a job offer from a U.S. employer, while the EB-5 does not require you to secure a job. Instead, the program requires a large capital investment in an EB-5 project and for that project to create jobs.
Learn about each visa type in more detail and the differences between the EB-3 and EB-5 Visa.
What is an EB-5 targeted employment area (TEA)?
While the minimum investment in an EB-5 project is $1,050,000, it can be reduced to $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA).
A targeted employment area (TEA) is a specific geographic area that has either an average unemployment rate above the national average or is in a rural area.
TEAs are a crucial part of the program. Read our article on EB-5 targeted employment areas to learn more about them and how they can benefit investors.
What is an EB-5 regional center?
EB-5 regional centers connect investors with project developers. They pool investment funds to fund large-scale projects, such as real estate developments.
Regional centers provide numerous benefits. One of the main advantages is that they make it more straightforward to fulfil the job creation requirement.
Read our article on EB-5 regional centers, where we explore their benefits and how they compare with direct investments.
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EB-5 job creation requirements explained
Job creation is a vital component of the EB-5 Visa program that investors must meet to qualify for a U.S. Green Card.
Investors must also create or preserve at least 10 full-time positions for U.S. workers. This can either be met through direct or indirect job creation. However, indirect job creation is only applicable in some cases.
For everything you need to know about the employment aspect of the program, read our article on the EB-5 job creation requirements.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
What is the EB-5 Visa?
What is the EB-5 Visa? The EB-5 visa is an immigrant investor visa program in the United States. It provides a pathway for foreign nationals and their families to obtain permanent residency status by making a qualifying capital investment. This means successful applicants are granted a Green Card. The EB-5...
EB-5 Visa Benefits
The EB-5 Visa Program was launched by Congress in 1990 to grow the country's economy....
Studying in the United States
Congress created the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as part of the Immigration Act of 1990....
EB-5 Visa Costs
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was established by Congress in 1990 to stimulate economic growth...
How to get an EB5 visa
Before diving in, EB-5 investors must understand the program's basic requirements.
EB5 visa requirements
The main requirement for the EB-5 visa is making a qualifying investment in a new...
The EB-5 Process explained
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was established by the U.S. government in 1990. The program...