Program note
EB-5 visa availability changes monthly.
Current status & sources →
A route to U.S. permanent residency, created by Congress in 1990 — for investors whose participation supports American jobs.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by the United States Congress under the Immigration Act of 1990 — the fifth employment-based ("EB-5") category — to attract global investment and create American jobs. By making a qualifying investment that creates at least ten U.S. jobs, an investor, together with their spouse and unmarried children under 21, can obtain a Green Card.
It is not a scheme or a shortcut; it is an established part of U.S. immigration law, strengthened by the 2022 EB-5 Reform & Integrity Act with stronger oversight and investor protections.
You make a qualifying investment into an approved EB-5 project or enterprise after reviewing the immigration and investment documents with your independent professional advisers.
Your investment helps create the required U.S. jobs — the heart of the program's purpose.
You and your eligible family receive a conditional Green Card, then permanent residency.
EB-5 is merit-neutral. There is no maximum age, no degree requirement, and no IELTS/TOEFL or English test. The focus is your qualifying investment and a lawful, well-documented source of funds. A standard immigration medical exam and the usual admissibility rules still apply.
Qualifying rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure investments generally use the current US$800,000 statutory minimum. Project qualification and visa availability must be confirmed at the time of filing.
Investments outside the reduced-amount categories generally use the current US$1,050,000 statutory minimum. Amounts are scheduled for inflation adjustment beginning 1 January 2027.
| EB-5 | H-1B / employment route | F-1 student | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depends on an employer | No | Yes | Limited work rights |
| Subject to a lottery | No | Often (H-1B) | — |
| Family included | Spouse + children <21 | Dependent status | Limited |
| Leads to a Green Card | Potential pathway after required approvals | Long EB-2/EB-3 backlog for India | Needs sponsorship later |
Comparisons are general. Status, work permission, visa availability, and family eligibility depend on individual facts and current law.
A short preliminary readiness review or a private consultation can help identify the right independent professional next step.
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