EB-5 Immigrant Investor - United States

What it is

Fifth-preference employment-based immigrant visa for foreign investors who invest substantial capital in a new U.S. commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Key facts

Category: Business
Duration: Conditional permanent residence for 2 years, then full Green Card after I-829 approval
Processing time: Typically 2-5+ years end-to-end including I-526 adjudication and consular processing
Path to permanent residence: Direct route
Dependants: Yes
How to apply: Embassy

Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.

Fees

Application fee (immigrant visa processing fee): USD 345
Proof of funds (qualifying investment in a targeted area): USD 800,000
Proof of funds (qualifying investment, standard area): USD 1,050,000

Key requirements

Minimum investment of USD 1,050,000 (or USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area)
Investment in a new commercial enterprise
Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers
Lawful source of investment funds
Approved Form I-526/I-526E petition by USCIS

Working on this visa

Lawful permanent residents are authorized to be employed without restrictions as to location or type of employment (8 CFR 274a.12(a)(1)).

Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 3 August 2026.