EB-5: A Complete Guide to the US Investment Visa

The EB-5 visa offers investors a straightforward way to get US residency. If you make a qualifying investment and create jobs in the United States, you and your immediate family can get a Green Card.

This guide covers what the EB-5 visa is, how it works, what it costs, and other important details to help you decide if it's right for you.

Moving to the USA: the first step

If you want to move to the United States for the long term, your first step is to get a visa like the EB-5.

The EB-5 is the US version of a golden visa. It gives you a direct path to a Green Card and permanent residency, with more control and faster processing than other US visas.

Quick Links

What is the EB-5 visa?

The EB-5 is a US investment visa. The programme lets foreign nationals get a Green Card if they invest at least $800,000 in a qualifying project and create 10 full-time jobs for US workers.

EB-5 visa overview

Feature	Details
Investment required	$800,000 (targeted employment area) or $1,050,000
Job creation	10 full-time jobs for US workers
Visa type	Investment-based
Green Card	Yes (for investor and immediate family)
Processing time	Several years (less than a year for conditional Green Card)

Key benefits of the EB-5 visa

The EB-5 is one of the most flexible ways to immigrate to the US. It offers several important benefits for foreign investors:

One of the fastest routes to US residency
A Green Card for you, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21
No job offer or employer sponsorship needed
Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the US
Pathway to US citizenship
Flexible investment options

Read our article to learn more about the benefits of the EB-5 visa.

EB-5 visa requirements

To qualify for the EB-5, you must meet four core requirements:

Minimum investment: Invest at least $800,000 (or $1,050,000 outside a targeted employment area)
Creating jobs: Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers
Proof of funds: Prove that investment funds came from a lawful source
At risk: The investment must be considered 'at risk', meaning the investor cannot receive any return guarantees

To learn more, read our detailed EB-5 visa requirements guide.

How much does the EB-5 visa cost?

The total cost of an EB-5 visa usually ranges from $900,000 to $1 million. This covers the required investment and other costs, such as legal fees, administrative charges, and government filing fees.

Most of the cost comes from the investment itself. If you invest in a targeted employment area (TEA), the minimum is $800,000. For projects outside a TEA, it is $1,050,000.

Keep in mind that the total cost can vary based on several factors. For a full breakdown, read our EB-5 visa costs guide.

Track your applications from start to finish in the Holborn App

Experience a seamless, secure, all-in-one financial management solution that fits in your pocket

EB-5 investment options

There are two main ways to invest through the EB-5 programme: either with an approved regional centre or by making a direct investment.

Related article: EB-5 investment projects.

Regional centre investment

EB-5 regional centres are the most popular choice for foreign investors. They connect you with project developers and handle the daily management of the business for you.

Some of the other benefits include:

Passive investment option
Job creation requirements are more flexible
Can be lower risk

There are about 580 approved regional centres across the United States. For the latest information, visit the USCIS website.

Direct investment

A direct investment involves investing capital into a US commercial enterprise. This could be starting a business or buying or investing in an existing business.

Direct investments:

Require active involvement in the business
Have stricter job creation requirements
Provide more control over how the business is run

Choosing the right type of investment is important. Read our article on EB-5 investment options to learn more.

The EB-5 visa process

The EB-5 process usually takes several years from start to finish. However, investors can often get a two-year conditional Green Card in less than a year.

Processing times vary depending on:

Application volume
Country of origin
Investment project

EB-5 timeline

The EB-5 has a multistep process:

Choose an investment project
Invest the required funds
File an I-526/I-526E petition
Receive a 2-year conditional Green Card
File I-829 petition
Become a permanent resident

The application process has strict legal and financial requirements, so it's strongly advised that you seek help from an immigration attorney.

Read our step-by-step guide to the EB-5 visa process to learn more.

EB-5 vs other US visas

The EB-5 and EB-3 visas are the two most common options for people who want permanent residency in the United States.

EB-5 vs EB-3 visa

The EB-3 is more affordable, while the EB-5 gives you more flexibility and a faster application process.

EB-5: A US investment visa, meaning no job offer is needed
EB-3: Lower cost but requires a job offer from a US employer

For a full comparison, see our EB-5 vs EB-3 article.

EB-5 vs Trump Gold Card

Both the EB-5 and the Trump Gold Card are US investment visas that can lead to US residency for foreign nationals. However, the EB-5 usually costs less and is a more traditional investment, so it can increase in value.

Our blog post compares the Trump Gold Card and the EB-5 to help you decide which is better.

There are several visa options that can lead to a Green Card. See our detailed guide for a full breakdown of all five US employment-based visas.

Is the EB-5 visa right for you?

The EB-5 costs more than other employment-based visas. Still, it offers one of the most flexible and efficient ways to become a US resident.

Choose the EB-5 if you:

Prefer a faster route to US residency
Want the freedom to live anywhere in the United States
Want more flexibility and do not want to rely on employer sponsorship

Consider carefully if you:

Are risk-averse
Expect guaranteed financial returns on your investment

Need help with the EB-5 visa?

The EB-5 visa is a strong option for investors who want US residency. It combines flexibility with a direct and fast path to a US Green Card.

But navigating the EB-5 process involves several legal and financial decisions, so it is a good idea to get professional guidance.

Holborn Pass specialises in US investment and employment visas. We offer expert advice and support throughout your application process.

Talk to our team to explore your EB-5 options and take your next step with confidence.

Ready to speak to a specialist?

FAQs

What is the EB-5 visa?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to obtain a Green Card by making a qualifying capital investment and creating or preserving 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Congress created the EB-5 programme, and it is run by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How many EB-5 visas are issued each year?

Each year, the US issues up to 10,000 EB-5 visas. About 32% of these are reserved for projects in areas with high unemployment or in rural areas.

Is the Trump Gold Card the same as the EB-5 visa?

Both the EB-5 visa and the Trump Gold Card can lead to permanent resident status. The EB-5 usually costs less, and your investment might grow in value, so it is often the better choice.

Can family members be included?

Yes. You can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 in your EB-5 application.

How long does it take to get an EB-5 visa?

The whole process, from applying to getting permanent residency, usually takes several years. But getting a conditional Green Card is much quicker and often takes less than a year.