The USA EB-5 program offers a direct path to a green card, allowing applicants to obtain lawful permanent residency without the need for employer sponsorship. It imposes no language or work experience requirements, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. EB-5 visa holders enjoy the freedom to live and work anywhere in the United States, with no geographic restrictions. The program also supports family inclusion, allowing spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 to be included in the application. Furthermore, the EB-5 visa serves as a permanent residency pathway, making applicants eligible for U.S. citizenship after meeting the required residency and green card conditions.

To qualify for the EB-5 visa, applicants must invest a specified amount in a qualifying U.S. business. This investment must lead to the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, either directly or indirectly, within two years of the investor entering the United States. The funds used for the investment must be lawfully obtained, and the applicant must take on a managerial or policy-level role within the business. There are two investment options available: a standard investment of $1,050,000 in a new U.S. commercial enterprise, or a reduced investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which includes rural regions or areas with high unemployment.

The EB-5 visa process begins with submitting a petition that demonstrates the applicant’s investment eligibility, which typically takes between 12 to 18 months for approval. Once approved, the applicant is granted a 2-year temporary residency, during which they must fulfill the program’s job creation and investment requirements. After completing these conditions, the applicant can file a petition to remove the conditions on their green card. This final step also takes approximately 12 to 18 months for approval following the submission.