The Employment-Based Fifth Preference category, commonly known as the EB-5 Visa, was introduced by the United States Congress in 1990. The EB-5 Visa category was created to provide U.S. immigration benefits to foreign investors seeking permanent residence through qualifying investments in the United States.
The EB-5 program was designed to attract foreign direct investment and promote job creation for U.S. workers. Each year, up to 10,000 immigrant visas are allocated for eligible foreign investors and their immediate family members.
For qualifying investors, the EB-5 Visa offers a structured pathway toward U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) and, over time, eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship, subject to applicable laws and approvals.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers eligible investors a structured pathway to U.S. permanent residency while supporting economic development and job creation in the United States. Beyond immigration benefits, the program provides long-term flexibility and opportunities for investors and their families.
The EB-5 program enables qualifying investors to pursue lawful permanent residency in the United States through a compliant, investment-based immigration process.
A qualifying investor's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be included under a single EB-5 investment.
Permanent residents may access the U.S. education system, including public schools and universities, often at in-state tuition rates.
EB-5 investors are not tied to a specific employer or location and may choose where to live, work, or pursue business opportunities.
The EB-5 program does not require a job offer, labor certification, or family sponsorship.
Eligibility is not dependent on educational background, professional skills, or English proficiency.
The EB-5 process follows a structured sequence, beginning with a qualifying investment and concluding with permanent residency, subject to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval. While individual timelines may vary, the stages below outline a typical EB-5 journey.
Approx. 15 Days
Initial documentation, source of funds review, and investment preparation.
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Capital investment is made and the immigrant petition is submitted to USCIS.
Approx. 22–24 Months
Upon petition approval, the investor and eligible family members may receive conditional permanent residency through consular processing or adjustment of status.
Approx. 42–44 Months
Filing of Form I-829 to demonstrate job creation and compliance with EB-5 requirements.
Approx. 52–70 Months
Subject to project terms and structure, capital repayment is typically planned following completion of the sustainment period.
Note: Timelines are approximate and provided for general informational purposes only. Actual processing times may vary.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a path to U.S. residency for investors who meet specific investment, job creation, and compliance requirements.
Qualifying investors must invest the required minimum amount based on the project's location, including reduced thresholds for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs).
Each EB-5 investment must result in the creation of at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs, either directly or indirectly, depending on project structure.
Investors must demonstrate that investment capital was obtained lawfully through verifiable documentation.
EB-5 regulations require that invested funds remain at risk for the purpose of job creation, with no guaranteed returns.
The investment must remain deployed in the job-creating enterprise for the required sustainment period under current EB-5 regulations.
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 introduced updated classifications for EB-5 projects, including rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure categories. These designations are intended to encourage investment in underserved areas and improve visa availability for certain investors.
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act reserves visa allocations for specific TEA categories, creating potential advantages for qualifying investors.
Projects located outside major metropolitan areas with populations under 20,000 residents.
Projects located in areas where unemployment rates are at least 150% of the national average.
Government-administered projects focused on public infrastructure, including transportation and utilities.
Common questions about the EB-5 program and ALDREAMS projects
Foreign nationals who meet EB-5 investment and lawful source-of-funds requirements may be eligible to apply.
No. All immigration benefits are subject to USCIS review and approval.
Yes. EB-5 regulations require that invested capital be at risk for the purpose of job creation.
An investor's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be included.
Processing times vary depending on USCIS workload, country of chargeability, and individual circumstances.
Disclaimer: The information provided in these FAQs is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. EB-5 program requirements and regulations are subject to change. Prospective investors should consult with qualified legal, tax, and immigration professionals before making any investment decisions. No guarantees are made regarding USCIS approval, processing times, or investment outcomes.
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