🇺🇸 U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The U.S. EB-5 program allows for permanent residency (green card) through investment in new commercial enterprises and job creation. The 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act adjusted investment thresholds and reserved visa categories. The minimum investment amount is generally US$800,000 for Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) and US$1,050,000 for other areas, with a requirement to create at least 10 full-time jobs. The following is a neutral compilation of publicly available data; please refer to the latest regulations from the U.S. USCIS.
U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Key Requirements Overview
| Type | Employment-based immigration (investment immigration, obtaining permanent residency green card) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Threshold | US$800,000 (TEA) / US$1,050,000 (general) |
| Primary investment methods. | Invest in a new commercial enterprise and create at least 10 full-time jobs. |
| Residency Requirements | After obtaining a green card, it is necessary to maintain U.S. residency status. |
| Pathways to citizenship. | After holding a green card for a certain number of years and meeting conditions, one may apply for naturalization. |
| Dependent relatives | May include spouses and unmarried children under 21. |
| Processing Timeline | Several years (depending on category and country schedules) |
| Recent Changes | 2022 Reform and Integrity Act; establishing reserved visa categories |
U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Key considerations
- Investments inherently carry risks, and the 'legitimacy of fund sources' is a key focus of scrutiny, requiring comprehensive documentation.
- Waiting times (visa bulletin) vary significantly based on country of birth.
- The employment calculation method for Regional Center models differs from that of direct investment.
U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment amount for EB-5?
According to the 2022 legislation, the minimum for Target Employment Areas (TEA) is US$800,000, while other areas are US$1,050,000, and at least 10 full-time jobs must be created. Amounts may be adjusted in the future according to legal requirements, as per USCIS announcements.
How long does it generally take to get a green card through EB-5?
Timelines vary depending on the applicant's country of birth visa bulletin, I-526E petition processing speed, and individual circumstances; the authorities do not commit to specific case timelines. Upon approval of I-526E and completion of immigrant visa or adjustment of status, a conditional permanent residence (green card) is granted first, and after approximately two years, conditions are removed via Form I-829. For exact priority dates and processing times, please refer to USCIS and the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
Can the EB-5 include family members in the application?
Yes. The main applicant may generally include the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age in the application for conditional permanent residence. Age calculation for children may involve the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA); exact eligibility and documentation are assessed by USCIS on a case-by-case basis, and approval is determined accordingly.
How long does it take for the obtained green card to become a permanent green card?
EB-5 investors first obtain conditional permanent residence valid for approximately two years; they must file Form I-829 within 90 days before expiration, demonstrating that the investment has been maintained and job creation requirements have been met. Conditions are removed and a permanent green card is issued only after USCIS approval. Whether conditions can be removed depends on compliance with program rules, as determined by USCIS on a case-by-case basis.
What is the difference between a Regional Center and direct investment?
Direct investment involves establishing or investing in a business and directly creating 10 full-time jobs; the regional center program invests in USCIS-designated regional center projects, where job creation may include indirect and induced jobs, and management is typically passive. The two differ in job creation requirements, risk, and level of involvement. The authorization and regulations for regional center programs are subject to USCIS announcements; investment capital remains at risk with no guaranteed returns.
Official sources：USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) · Data Date：2026-06-14。This page is a neutral compilation of publicly available information, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice; programs are subject to the latest official announcements.