U.S. Capitol building — EB-5 Investment Visa

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

U.S. Green Card Through Investment.

No employer. No sponsor. No language requirement. Invest in America and secure permanent residency for your entire family.

Free Consultation — (510) 562-7700

100,141+

Petitions Filed

2005–2025

140,735+

Green Cards Issued

Since program inception

92.1%

Choose Regional Center

Indirect investment method

#5

Korea Ranked

Among top EB-5 countries

What Is the EB-5 Visa?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a U.S. government program that grants permanent residency (a Green Card) to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates American jobs.

Unlike family-based or employment-based immigration, the EB-5 visa requires no U.S. employer, no family sponsor, no specific education level, and no English language proficiency. Your investment is your qualification.

Since 2005, over 100,141 EB-5 petitions have been filed and more than 140,735 Green Cards have been issued through this program.

No Employer or Sponsor Required

Unlike H-1B or employment-based Green Cards, EB-5 requires no U.S. employer to petition on your behalf. Your investment is your qualification.

Entire Family Included

Your spouse and all unmarried children under 21 years old receive Green Cards alongside you — at no additional investment.

Fast Processing (~18–24 Months)

EB-5 offers one of the fastest paths to a U.S. Green Card for investors, with concurrent filing available for U.S.-based applicants.

Full Refund if Denied

If your I-526E petition is denied, your investment capital is fully refunded. Your money is protected throughout the process.

Investment Capital Returned

After the required ~4–5 year investment period, your capital is returned to you. This is not a donation — it is a temporary investment.

No Language or Education Requirement

There is no English language test, no minimum education level, and no age restriction. Any investor who meets the financial threshold may apply.

Investment Requirements

Two investment tiers based on project location

Most Common

TEA Investment

$800,000

Targeted Employment Area — rural or high-unemployment zone

  • Lower minimum investment threshold
  • 92% of investors choose this path via Regional Centers
  • Qualifies for concurrent I-526E + I-485 filing if in the U.S.
  • Investment capital returned after ~4–5 year period

Non-TEA Investment

$1,050,000

Standard investment in non-targeted employment areas

  • Higher minimum investment threshold
  • Direct investment in a new commercial enterprise
  • Must create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs
  • Full refund if I-526E petition is denied

The EB-5 Application Process

Two paths depending on whether you are inside or outside the United States

U.S.-Based ApplicantsConcurrent filing — faster path
1

Select Regional Center & Project

Choose a USCIS-designated Regional Center and qualifying investment project in a TEA zone.

2

Transfer Investment Capital

Wire $800,000 (TEA) to the escrow account. Funds are held securely until petition approval.

3

File I-526E + I-485 Concurrently

File the immigrant investor petition and adjustment of status simultaneously — no need to leave the U.S.

4

Receive Conditional Green Card

Upon approval, receive a 2-year conditional permanent resident card for you and your family.

5

File I-829 to Remove Conditions

After 2 years, file Form I-829 to prove job creation and remove conditions — becoming a full permanent resident.

Overseas ApplicantsConsular processing path
1

Select Regional Center & Project

Choose a USCIS-designated Regional Center and qualifying TEA investment project.

2

Transfer Investment Capital

Wire $800,000 (TEA) to the escrow account. Funds held until petition approval.

3

File I-526E Petition

Submit the immigrant investor petition to USCIS. Average processing: 18–24 months.

4

NVC Processing & DS-260

After I-526E approval, the National Visa Center processes your case and you complete Form DS-260.

5

Consular Interview & Visa Issuance

Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy. Upon approval, receive an immigrant visa to enter the U.S.

6

Enter U.S. & Receive Green Card

Enter the U.S. on your immigrant visa. Your conditional Green Card is mailed to your U.S. address.

7

File I-829 to Remove Conditions

After 2 years, file Form I-829 to prove job creation and become a full permanent resident.

EB-5 vs. Other Immigration Paths

CategoryEB-5 InvestorH-1B Work VisaEB-2 / EB-3Family-Based
Employer Required?NoYesUsually YesNo
Family Included?Yes (spouse + children under 21)Spouse only (H-4)YesVaries
Processing Time~18–24 months3–6 months (lottery)1–3 years2–20+ years
Language Requirement?NoneNoneNoneNone
Investment Required?$800K–$1.05MNoneNoneNone
Annual Cap (Visas)?10,000/year85,000/year (lottery)40,000/yearVaries

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Start Your EB-5 Journey?

Schedule a free consultation with Joseph Jung & Associates. We will walk you through every step of the process — from selecting a Regional Center to filing your I-829.

Free Consultation — (510) 562-7700