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US Green Card by Investment Through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a government-approved immigration pathway that allows foreign investors and their families to obtain permanent residency (US Green Card) by making a qualifying investment in the United States. Established in 1990 and administered by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the EB-5 program promotes US economic growth through capital investment and job creation.
By investing USD 800,000 in an approved EB-5 project located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or USD 1,050,000 in a non-TEA project, eligible investors, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21 can live, work, and study anywhere in the United States, with a clear pathway to US citizenship.
EB-5 Green Card at a Glance
- Minimum Investment:
USD 800,000 (TEA or rural area)
USD 1,050,000 (non-TEA) - Jobs Required: 10 full-time US jobs
- Residency Type: Permanent (Green Card)
- Family Included: Spouse + children under 21
- Administered By: USCIS
- Citizenship Eligibility: After 5 years
What Is a US Green Card?
A US Green Card, also known as lawful permanent residency, grants foreign nationals the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Green card holders enjoy many of the same rights as US citizens, including employment freedom, access to education benefits, and long-term stability.
Each year, the US government issues approximately one million green cards across various immigration categories. Among these, the EB-5 investment-based green card is one of the few options that does not require employer sponsorship, language proficiency, or prior US education.
What Is the US EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program is a US investment immigration program designed to attract foreign capital and generate employment for US workers. Under this program, eligible investors make a qualifying investment in a USCIS-approved EB-5 project, which must result in the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens or permanent residents.
In return, the investor and their qualifying family members receive:
- A conditional US Green Card (valid for 2 years)
- A permanent Green Card upon meeting program requirements
- Eligibility for US citizenship and passport
US EB-5 Green Card Requirements
To qualify for an EB-5 Green Card, applicants must meet the following USCIS-mandated criteria:
1. EB-5 Investment Amount
- USD 800,000 if the project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or rural area
- USD 1,050,000 for projects outside TEAs
2. Lawful Source of Funds
Applicants must clearly document that their investment capital was obtained through lawful means, such as:
- Business income
- Salary and savings
- Property sale
- Inheritance or gifts
USCIS carefully examines both the source and path of funds, making professional documentation essential.
3. Job Creation Requirement
The EB-5 investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying US workers within the required timeframe.
US EB-5 Green Card Application Process
The EB-5 Green Card process consists of four main stages, guiding investors from application to permanent residency.
Step 1: Select an EB-5 Consultant and Project
Working with an experienced EB-5 advisory and legal team helps reduce risks related to project selection, documentation errors, and application delays. At this stage, eligibility, admissibility, and investment suitability are assessed.
Step 2: File Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition)
The EB-5 application formally begins with Form I-526E, which includes:
- Proof of lawful source of funds
- Evidence of investment
- Project documentation
Step 3: Obtain Conditional Permanent Residency
Once the I-526E petition is approved:
- Applicants outside the US attend a US embassy interview
- Applicants inside the US apply for adjustment of status
This grants a 2-year conditional Green Card.
Step 4: File Form I-829 (Removal of Conditions)
After two years, investors file Form I-829 to demonstrate:
- Full investment was sustained
- Required jobs were created
Upon approval, the conditions are removed, and a permanent US Green Card is issued.
Benefits of the US EB-5 Green Card
The EB-5 program offers significant advantages for investors and their families:
1. Live Anywhere in the United States
Green card holders can live in any US state and maintain residences abroad, provided residency requirements are met.
2. Work Without Restrictions
Family members can work for any employer or start a business without needing additional visas such as H-1B.
3. Education Benefits
Children benefit from:
- Domestic tuition rates
- Scholarships and grants
- Access to top US universities
- Ability to remain in the US after graduation
4. Pathway to US Citizenship
After five years of residency, EB-5 investors may apply for US citizenship, subject to physical presence requirements.
5. Global Mobility
US Green Card holders enjoy easier travel to the US and Canada, while US citizens gain visa-free access to 186+ countries.
US Green Card Validity
- Conditional Green Card: Valid for 2 years
- Permanent Green Card: Renewable every 10 years
- Citizenship Eligibility: After 5 years of residency
EB-5 Program Updates & US Immigration Policy Changes
US immigration policies may evolve with changes in government leadership. However, the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 includes a grandfathering provision, ensuring that applicants who file before any regulatory changes remain protected under the rules in place at the time of application.
For this reason, investors are encouraged to begin the EB-5 process early to secure current investment thresholds and eligibility criteria.
Immigration Consultancy in Dubai
Step Global, based in Dubai, specializes in residency and citizenship by investment programs, including:
- US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
- Portugal Golden Visa
- Canada Start-Up Visa
- Caribbean Citizenship Programs
- UAE Golden Visa
With expert guidance, Step Global helps investors navigate complex immigration processes with confidence and clarity.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An EB-5 Green Card allows investors and their families to live and work anywhere in the US without employer sponsorship. It offers education benefits, business freedom, and long-term residency security.
EB-5 investments must be exposed to both potential gain and loss. Guaranteed returns are not permitted, though projects are structured to comply with USCIS rules while mitigating risk.
Processing times vary, but I-526E approval typically takes 12–24 months, followed by conditional residency and I-829 approval after two years.
While EB-5 investments are not guaranteed, many projects aim to return capital after the required sustainment period, subject to project performance.
No. The EB-5 program has no minimum education, age, or English language requirement.
Yes. Indian nationals, UAE residents, and NRIs are eligible, provided they meet USCIS requirements.
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