EB-5 Visa Costs: Full Investment and Fees Breakdown
The EB-5 visa lets you gain permanent residency in the United States through investment. However, it is important to fully understand the costs before you decide to apply.
While the headline figure is often quoted as $800,000, the total price of the EB-5 visa is higher when you include legal fees and other expenses.
In this guide, we break down the costs in detail, including the investment amount, legal fees, and other expenses, so you know what to expect.
How much does an EB-5 visa cost?
The total cost of the EB-5 visa is usually between $900,000 and $1 million. This includes the minimum EB-5 visa investment amount of $800,000 (or $1,050,000 for projects outside a Targeted Employment Area) as well as legal fees, government filing fees, and administrative charges.
Related article: Ultimate guide to the EB-5 visa.
EB-5 visa cost breakdown
| Core component | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Investment (Targeted Employment Area) | $800,000 |
| Investment (Standard) | $1,050,000 |
| Legal fees | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Government filing fees | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| Regional center/administrative fees | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Total average cost | $900,000 – $1 million |
The EB-5 investment cost breakdown
To get an EB-5 visa, you need to invest at least $800,000 in a project within a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or $1,050,000 if the project is outside a TEA. Your capital investment must go into a qualifying US business and meet the programme's requirements, such as creating or retaining 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
Learn more: EB-5 job creation requirements.
The investment amount is the largest part of the total cost, but you should also plan for other expenses.
EB-5 legal fees
Legal fees for the EB-5 process usually range from $20,000 to $50,000, but more complicated cases can cost more. These fees cover:
- Preparing and filing key documents with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Documenting the source of funds
- Legal guidance throughout the process to ensure you comply with EB-5 regulations
It's a good idea to hire an experienced immigration attorney because the EB-5 process can be complicated. This gives your application the best chance of success.
Government filing fees
You also need to pay US government filing fees, which usually range from $8,000 to $10,000. These fees may include:
- Petition filing fees
- Visa application processing costs
- Adjustment of status or consular processing
EB-5 investors who include family members can expect to pay more.
Regional center fees
Most foreign investors choose regional centers for the EB-5 visa. Administrative fees charged by regional centers usually range from $50,000 to $80,000. These fees cover:
- Project management
- Due diligence
- Compliance with EB-5 requirements
Additional costs
In addition to the main expenses, there are several smaller costs to consider, such as:
- Document translation
- Travel and accommodation for visa interviews
- Business plans (for direct investments)
- Medical examinations
Is the EB-5 visa worth the cost?
The EB-5 visa may be worth the cost if you want a fast, flexible way to become a lawful permanent resident in the US.
It may be worth the cost if you:
- Want a fast, direct route to a US Green Card
- Want more control and flexibility over becoming a US resident
- Prefer not to work for a US employer
Consider carefully if you:
- Are risk-averse
- Expect guaranteed financial returns
The EB-5 visa is especially attractive for applicants from some countries. Other options, such as the EB-3 visa, may cost less, but wait times can be over 10 years for people from countries like India and China.
EB-5 cost vs other US visas
The EB-5 visa costs more than other employment-based visas, but you get more control and a faster process. Here's how it compares to other options:
- EB-1: Moderate cost, but requirements are exceptionally high
- EB-2: Moderate cost requiring high levels of qualifications
- EB-3: Lower cost, but requires a job offer and long processing times
- EB-4: Moderate costs, but only open to select people
Related article: A guide to the different types of US visa.
Need help understanding EB-5 visa costs?
The total cost of the EB-5 visa includes the investment itself, legal fees, government filing fees, and other expenses. Most applicants should expect to pay between $900,000 and $1 million in total, depending on the project, legal complexity, and personal situation.
For the right investor, the speed, flexibility, and opportunity that the EB-5 offers can outweigh the cost. However, careful planning and expert guidance are essential.
At Holborn Pass, we specialise in US visas and offer the expert advice and support you need throughout the application process.
Talk to our team to find out if the EB-5 visa is right for you.