The EB-5 Visa Program provides a pathway to U.S. residency, making it one of the most coveted investor visas.
But for such a high ticket item, how much does the EB-5 cost investors?
This guide provides a comprehensive summary of the EB-5 Visa costs. We will look at the investment amounts and additional fees for the program.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was established by Congress in 1990 to stimulate economic growth in the U.S.
It provides a pathway to permanent residency status for foreign nationals and their families by making a qualifying capital investment. The other criterion includes creating 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
The program is run by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which issues a maximum of 10,000 EB-5 Visas each year.
The program offers two investment options. The minimum investment requirement for the EB-5 Visa depends on the route the investor takes.
The minimum amount needed for a direct investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise is $1,050,000. However, as part of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, that amount can be reduced when an investment is made in a targeted employment area (TEA).
A TEA is either a rural area or an area with high unemployment rates of up to 150% of the national average. When investing in an EB-5 project in a TEA, the minimum investment is $800,000 – a reduction of nearly 24%.
As well as the EB-5 minimum investment amount, investors should consider additional expenses associated with the application process.
Below is an overview of some of the additional EB-5 Visa costs. Remember, these are subject to change, and expenses can fluctuate. Speak to one of our experts for the most up-to-date breakdown of costs.
The I-526E petition is for those who invest through an EB-5 regional center program. Meanwhile, an I-526 petition is filed for those who choose the direct investment option.
The USCIS charges $3,675 to file these forms. If the applicant is from a country outside of the U.S., they must pay an additional $345. Be aware that from April 1st 2024, the U.S. government are increasing the cost to $11,160.
An I-485 petition is filed to apply for an adjustment of status. The total cost of this is $1,225. The fee for form I-485 is $1,140, but an additional biometrics service fee of $85 is required.
From April 1st 2024, the USCIS is increasing the filing fee for form I-485 to $1,440. Previously, the biometrics fee was charged separately. However, this amount will now include that fee.
The EB-5 Visa grants conditional residency status for two years. An I-829 petition must be filed to remove the conditions and become a permanent resident.
Filing an I-829 petition costs $3,750, plus $85 for biometrics. Once the petition is approved, the investor will receive a regular Green Card.
Investors should be aware that the cost of filing form I-829 is set to increase to $9,525 on April 1st, 2024.
The EB-5 process is complex. That is why hiring an immigration lawyer is strongly recommended.
Legal fees cover various aspects of the application process. This includes:
Regional centers are designated entities that pool investor funds into various projects. Regional center projects usually include large-scale real estate developers and hotel chains like the Hilton.
Regional center investments are the most popular route for EB-5 investors as they are more hands-off. The regional center looks after the project. This includes the employment creation side of things.
However, this comes at the expense of additional administrative costs, which average between $80,000 and $85,000.
A business plan for the entity is required for those who prefer to make a direct EB-5 investment. The average cost of this is $3,500.
The EB-5 program offers numerous benefits, such as being able to live and work anywhere in the U.S. by making a large capital investment.
But there is more than just the upfront investment costs to think about. Foreign investors need to understand all of the EB-5 Visa costs involved.
Download our factsheet to learn more about the EB-5 Visa costs. Alternatively, speak to one of our specialists.
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. To find out how we can assist you, book a consultation with one of our advisers.
EB-5 investments start at $1,050,000. However, if the investment is made in a targeted employment area (TEA), this amount is reduced to $800,000. A TEA is an area with high unemployment or a rural area.
In addition to the investment amount, EB-5 applicants should consider other costs, such as:
EB-5 investors must consider ongoing costs, such as:
While the investment capital for the EB-5 Visa must be “at-risk” and traceable to a legal source, it can be financed through loans or other forms of financing.
Investors must ensure compliance throughout the EB-5 process. Failure to meet the investment requirements can result in the denial of the EB-5 Visa application and residency status could be revoked if the application has already been granted.