What USA EB-5 is and who it suits
USA EB-5 is the investment-based immigration category within the fifth preference group. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an investor who invests capital in a U.S. business project and creates at least 10 full-time jobs qualifies to apply for a Green Card for the whole family.
EB-5 is not based on skills, qualifications, or language ability — it suits entrepreneurs and financially capable individuals seeking a self-directed immigration pathway. Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA 2022), a portion of visas is set aside for rural and high-unemployment area projects.
Want to know whether EB-5 fits your financial plan? Take a free profile assessment or view the pricing page.
- No skills, qualifications, or IELTS required
- Green Cards for your spouse and children under 21
- Set-aside visa allocation — usually with less backlog
EB-5 Investment Amounts and Types
The minimum capital depends on where the investment is made. Under RIA 2022, these amounts will automatically adjust for inflation starting 01/01/2027.
Investment in a TEA
Targeted Employment Area / infrastructure
Investment in a rural area, high-unemployment area, or infrastructure project. This group is typically prioritized for set-aside visas.
Standard project investment
Outside a TEA
Investment in a non-TEA project, with a higher minimum capital but greater flexibility in location.
Direct or Regional Center
Two ways to invest capital
Direct investment (operating the business yourself) or through a designated Regional Center — the job-counting method differs between them.
The EB-5 Application Process
EB-5 grants a conditional Green Card first, then removes the conditions once the project meets the job requirements.
Step 1 — Choosing a project & proving the source of funds
M2W supports project due diligence and prepares the documentation to prove the lawful origin of the investment (source of funds).
Step 2 — Filing the I-526E or I-526 petition
File the investor petition (I-526E if through a Regional Center, I-526 if a direct investment) with USCIS.
Step 3 — Immigrant visa or I-485
Once the petition is approved and the Priority Date is current, file the DS-260 (consular) or I-485 (in the USA) to receive a 2-year conditional Green Card.
Step 4 — Removing conditions with the I-829
After 2 years, file the I-829 to prove the capital has been invested and 10 jobs have been created, to receive a permanent Green Card for the whole family.
Documents and Proof of Source of Funds
The most critical part of EB-5 is proving the lawful origin of the investment. M2W specialists carefully review your financial records before filing to minimize requests for evidence.
- Passports and personal identity documents for the whole family
- Proof of the lawful origin and path of the investment capital (salary, business, sale of assets, inheritance, loans, etc.)
- Multiple years of tax records and bank statements
- Investment contracts, project documents, and evidence that the capital has been transferred
- Criminal record checks and civil documents for the visa stage
EB-5 costs and processing time
Beyond the minimum investment capital ($800,000 USD in a TEA/infrastructure project or $1,050,000 USD for a standard project), an EB-5 case also involves the USCIS filing fee, project administration fees (with a Regional Center), medical examination, translation and service fees. Official filing fees follow the fee schedule of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
As for timing, the set-aside visa categories for rural and high-unemployment areas typically face less backlog, so they can be faster than other employment-based categories. M2W advises on the specific pathway and cost structure in the pricing section once we understand your financial plan.
Frequently asked questions about USA EB-5
How much investment does EB-5 require?
A minimum of $800,000 USD if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or infrastructure project, and $1,050,000 USD for a standard project. These amounts will adjust automatically for inflation from January 1, 2027.
Does EB-5 require English or qualifications?
No. EB-5 is based on investment and job creation, requiring no skills, qualifications, or language certificates.
How does direct investment differ from a Regional Center?
Direct investment means running your own business and having to create 10 direct jobs; through a Regional Center, indirect jobs can also be counted under an economic model.
What is a set-aside visa?
The RIA 2022 reserves 20% of EB-5 visas for rural-area projects, 10% for high-unemployment areas, and 2% for infrastructure. These groups usually have less backlog and can therefore be faster.
What does a conditional EB-5 Green Card mean?
Initially the investor receives a 2-year conditional Green Card. Then they file an I-829 petition proving the capital has been invested and 10 jobs created to remove the conditions and receive a permanent Green Card.
Is EB-5 right for your plans?
EB-5 is a proactive immigration pathway for entrepreneurs and investors that does not depend on your occupation or an employer. M2W specialists advise on projects, capital structuring and a transparent roadmap.
