EB-5 Program for Applicants Outside the U.S.

Obtain a Green Card Through Consular Processing

For many families abroad, the EB-5 Investor Program is one of the most direct and independent ways to obtain U.S. permanent residency — without needing an employer, sponsor, or lottery.

Through EB-5, you can qualify for a U.S. Green Card by investing in a job-creating project in the United States and completing your visa interview at a U.S. consulate in your home country.

What Is the EB-5 Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to obtain a U.S. Green Card by investing at least $800,000 in a qualified business or project that creates 10 full-time American jobs.

Once approved, the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 receive conditional Green Cards for two years. After confirming job creation, they can apply for permanent Green Cards, and later, U.S. citizenship.

Why EB-5 Appeals to Investors Abroad?

1. Direct Path to U.S. Residency
EB-5 is one of the few programs that grants permanent residency through investment, without relying on sponsorship, employment, or family ties.

   
   

2. Full Family Immigration One investment covers the entire family — the main applicant, spouse, and dependent children under 21.

   
   

3. Flexibility of Location Because the process starts while you are outside the U.S., you don’t need to hold a temporary visa or relocate until your immigrant visa is approved.

   
   

4. Predictable Legal Path The process follows a well-defined U.S. consular procedure, offering a clear timeline from petition approval to visa issuance.

Basic Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Invest $800,000 in a project located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) — a rural or high-unemployment zone — or $1,050,000 in other locations.

• Prove the lawful source and path of your investment funds.

• Have no serious criminal or immigration violations.

The investment can come from personal savings, business profits, or gifts/loans from close family members, as long as every transaction is documented. You may combine multiple sources of funds.

Step-by-Step: EB-5 Consular Process

1. Choose your immigration attorney and EB-5 project. Work only with experienced professionals and financially strong EB-5 projects.


2. Transfer the investment funds and file Form I-526E with USCIS. This petition proves your investment and job-creation eligibility.


3. Wait for USCIS approval. Processing time for I-526E is typically 6–24 months, depending on your country of chargeability and project type (rural, TEA, or standard).


4. Submit Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) once your I-526E is approved. This step begins the consular process with the National Visa Center (NVC), which collects documents and schedules your U.S. consulate interview.


5. Attend the visa interview at the U.S. consulate in your home country. You’ll present your passport, police and medical clearances, and confirmation of your approved EB-5 petition.


6. Receive your immigrant visa and enter the U.S. Upon entry, you become a lawful permanent resident and receive your conditional Green Card by mail (valid 2 years).


7. Live in the U.S. and maintain residency for 2 years. Your Regional Center or project will provide proof of job creation for your next step.


8. File Form I-829 to remove conditions and obtain your 10-year Green Card.
Processing usually takes 24–48 months, during which your residency remains valid.


9. Apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence.

Common Questions

How long does the consular process take?

From filing I-526E to receiving your immigrant visa, the process typically takes 18–36 months, though it varies by country and project category.

Can my family travel with me?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 apply as dependents and receive their Green Cards simultaneously.

Do I need to live near the project I invest in?

No. You can live and work anywhere in the U.S. once your Green Card is issued.

Is the investment guaranteed?

No. The law requires all EB-5 investments to be “at risk.” You can reduce risk by choosing a strong, transparent, job-creating project with experienced developers and clear exit terms.

When can I recover my investment?

Usually after 4–6 years, depending on the project’s business plan and repayment schedule.

Final Thoughts

For investors living abroad, the EB-5 Program offers a secure, independent path to U.S. permanent residency — combining immigration benefits with real participation in the U.S. economy.

Our team structures EB-5 projects in a fast-growing sector of sports and recreation real estate in Texas, designed to meet job-creation and compliance standards.