Question 1

What do most investors choose: starting their own business or investing in an existing EB-5 project?

Accepted Answer

In the 2024 fiscal year, only 499 EB-5 visas were issued to investors who created their own business, while 14,002 visas went to those who invested through Regional Center projects. Choosing a ready-made project significantly simplifies the process for the investor – there’s no need to manage a business or hire employees directly. Moreover, most Regional Center projects are located in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), which qualify for the lower $800,000 investment threshold instead of $1,050,000.

Question 2

What are some examples of EB-5 projects?

Accepted Answer

EB-5 projects are most commonly found in the commercial real estate sector – including multifamily residential communities, hotels, logistics centers, sports complexes, and mixed-use developments. There are also infrastructure projects that focus on improving public facilities, transportation, and utilities through public–private partnerships. Each project must create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs per investor to qualify for the EB-5 program.

Question 3

Why Should You Invest in EB-5 Before September 2026?

Accepted Answer

Only investors who file their I-526E petition before September 30, 2026 are protected by the grandfathering rule, which guarantees that their application will be processed under the current EB-5 terms – even if the program later changes or is paused.

And there’s another reason to act now: in 2027, the minimum investment amount is set to increase under the Reform and Integrity Act (RIA 2022), which requires an adjustment for inflation. So if you invest in 2026, you’ll still qualify at the current $800,000 level for TEA projects instead of facing a higher threshold later.

In short – investing now means locking in today’s rules, lower costs, and a more predictable path to your U.S. Green Card.

Question 4

How long does it take to get a Green Card through the EB-5 program?

Accepted Answer

The EB-5 process is not fast – but it is predictable, and once you understand the stages, the waiting time becomes easier to plan for.

The key milestone for every investor is the approval of the Form I-526E (for Regional Center projects) or Form I-526 (for Direct investments). Once your petition is approved, you and your family can receive conditional Green Cards, allowing you to live, work, and study in the U.S. as permanent residents.

As of November 2025, average processing times reported by USCIS are:
 • I-526E | Regional Center Investors – approximately 14 months
 • I-526 | Direct Investors – approximately 29.5 months
 • 
After that, you will hold a conditional Green Card for two years. To remove the conditions and make your status permanent, you must file Form I-829, proving that your investment created at least ten full-time U.S. jobs. This stage takes longer – currently, the average I-829 processing time is about 47.5 months, though this figure may not fully reflect recent trends, as official data have not been updated for some time.

In short, EB-5 is a long-term process. However, once your initial petition is filed, you can legally remain in the U.S. while your case is pending (if you apply through a status adjustment from another visa). If you are applying from abroad, you can enter the U.S. after your I-526 petition is approved and the immigrant visa is issued – this step usually takes anywhere from a few months to about a year and a half, depending on processing times.

Question 5

Can my family members immigrate with me through the EB-5 Program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the EB-5 Program is that your entire immediate family can immigrate with you.

Your EB-5 petition automatically includes:
 • your spouse, and
 • your unmarried children under the age of 21.

All family members receive U.S. Green Cards at the same time as the principal investor and enjoy the same rights — they can live, work, and study anywhere in the United States.

Question 6

Is my EB-5 investment guaranteed? Can I get my money back?

Accepted Answer

No, an EB-5 investment is not guaranteed. In fact, U.S. immigration law requires that EB-5 funds be invested “at risk” — meaning the investment must carry the possibility of gain or loss. While many Regional Centers and projects aim for success, there is always a chance the investment could lose value or fail. The U.S. government does not insure or promise the return of your investment. Some projects may include terms for returning capital under certain conditions, but this depends on the individual project, not the EB-5 program itself.

Question 7

How is the EB-5 program different from President Trump’s proposed “Gold Card”?

Accepted Answer

The EB-5 program and the proposed “Gold Card” initiative are fundamentally different. EB-5, in place since 1990, allows investors to obtain a U.S. Green Card by making a capital investment of at least $800,000 in a business that creates jobs, with the potential to eventually recoup the invested funds. Importantly, EB-5 funds must be invested “at risk,” in compliance with U.S. immigration law.

By contrast, the proposed Gold Card program (as outlined in the September 19, 2025 executive order) would allow wealthy individuals to contribute $1 million – or U.S. companies $2 million per sponsored employee – to a U.S. Treasury fund supporting trade and industry. These contributions appear to be non-refundable, serving as proof of eligibility for certain employment-based visas (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, and related categories), rather than as traditional investments aimed at generating a financial return.

In short, EB-5 is an investment-for-jobs program with a potential return of capital, while the Gold Card would be a contribution-for-visa program without a guaranteed financial return. Additional details on the Gold Card are expected by December 2025.

Question 8

Can EB-5 be a good option for students or temporary visa holders already living in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

Yes, EB-5 can be a viable option for students or other nonimmigrant visa holders who are already in the U.S. While on a temporary visa (such as F-1 or H-1B), individuals can file an EB-5 petition to pursue permanent residency. Once the I-526 petition is approved, they can either adjust status in the U.S. or go through consular processing abroad to receive their Green Card.

Question 9

What should be the source of EB-5 investment funds?

Accepted Answer

EB-5 investment funds must come from lawful sources. This can include personal savings, business profits, salaries, gifts, inheritance, or the sale of property—anything that can be fully documented and traced. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires clear evidence showing that the funds were obtained legally, including tax returns, bank statements, contracts, or gift letters when applicable. Undocumented or illicit funds cannot be used for EB-5.

Question 10

Where do I start with the EB-5 program?

Accepted Answer

The first step in the EB-5 process is selecting a suitable investment project and consulting an experienced immigration attorney. Together with your attorney, verify that your funds come from a lawful source. Once you have invested the funds in the project, work with your attorney to prepare and submit the I-526 petition to USCIS, including all required documentation about your investment and the source of funds. After approval, you can either adjust status in the U.S. or go through consular processing abroad to obtain your Green Card.

EB-5 Program

Key Requirements

Job Creation

Min Investment Amount

Dudley Sports Plaza Woodlands

A fully capitalized, 75,000 sq. ft. industrial and retail development in The Woodlands, Texas — one of the wealthiest, fastest-growing regions in the U.S. As the largest master-planned sports and entertainment project in the area, it delivers both short-term stability and long-term value.

The main advantages of the EB-5 Program

Investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 all receive permanent residency (green cards).

Children can attend U.S. public schools and are eligible for in-state tuition at public universities. ﻿﻿Easier access to top U.S. universities and student funding options.

Unlike other visa types (like H-1B), you do not need an employer sponsor or a job offer.

No restrictions on where you or your family live, work, or go to school.

After 5 years as a green card holder (including the conditional period), you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

There are no English language tests, education levels, or work experience criteria.

What are the investment options for EB-5?

Regional Center

Direct EB-5

What is the Process and Timeline?

Determine Your Eligibility

Due Diligence on Project

I-526E Petition Filing

I-526E Approval & Interview

2-Year Conditional Green Card

I-829 Petition Filing

Permanent Green Card​​​

Is EB-5 fit to your immigration plans?

International Students

EB-5 Program For International Students Studying in the US.

Temporary visa holders

EB-5 Program For Temporary visa holders H1B,L1,E1,E2, O1 visas.

Applicants outside the US

EB-5 Program For Applicants outside the US Through Consular Procedure.

Requirements and also different by Location and type of Investment opportunity

​

Investment amount: $1,050,000 In general, Standard EB-5 Projects offer greater commercial stability and stronger market fundamentals but involve longer visa wait times and higher capital requirements.

EB-5 FAQ

What do most investors choose: starting their own business or investing in an existing EB-5 project?

What are some examples of EB-5 projects?

Why Should You Invest in EB-5 Before September 2026?

How long does it take to get a Green Card through the EB-5 program?

Can my family members immigrate with me through the EB-5 Program?

Is my EB-5 investment guaranteed? Can I get my money back?

How is the EB-5 program different from President Trump’s proposed “Gold Card”?

Can EB-5 be a good option for students or temporary visa holders already living in the U.S.?

What should be the source of EB-5 investment funds?

Where do I start with the EB-5 program?

Receive a full Guide for the EB-5 Process Here!

Children can attend U.S. public schools and are eligible for in-state tuition at public universities.

Easier access to top U.S. universities and student funding options.

Unlike other visa types (like
H-1B), you do not need an employer sponsor or a job offer.

Determine
Your Eligibility

Due Diligence
on Project

I-526E Petition
Filing

I-526E Approval
& Interview

2-Year
Conditional
Green Card

I-829 Petition
Filing

Permanent
Green Card

Requirements and also different by Location
and type of Investment opportunity

Investment amount: $1,050,000

In general, Standard EB-5 Projects offer greater commercial stability and stronger market fundamentals but involve longer visa wait times and higher capital requirements.