EB-5 Investor Immigration
Explore investment-based U.S. immigration with guidance on the process, source-of-funds documentation and questions to review before investing.
Investment · Permanent residence pathway
Prepare your questions before an investment decision.
Organize the topics and documentation questions to review with the appropriate professionals.
Request a consultationWhat is the EB-5 investor green card?
EB-5 gives a U.S. green card to an investor who puts a set amount of capital into a new U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive green cards with you.
Unlike E-2, EB-5 leads to permanent residence, and you do not have to run the business yourself.
How much do you need to invest?
- US$800,000 in a targeted employment area (rural or high-unemployment) or an infrastructure project
- US$1,050,000 for all other projects
- These official minimums are set by law (EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022) and are scheduled to rise with inflation on 1 January 2027. The new amounts take effect only when USCIS publishes them; a petition filed before that date keeps the current amount.
- Government filing fees, project fees and legal costs come on top of the investment.
Regional center or direct investment?
- 01
Regional center (most common)
You invest in a project run by a USCIS-designated regional center. Indirect jobs count, and you do not manage the business. The regional center program is authorized until 30 September 2027.
- 02
Direct investment
You invest in and manage your own U.S. business, which must directly employ at least 10 full-time U.S. workers.
The EB-5 process, step by step
- 01
Source of funds and project review
Document how every dollar was earned and moved (salary, business, property sale, gift or loan), and review the project independently before investing.
- 02
Investment and I-526E / I-526 petition
After investing, you file the petition with USCIS. If you are already in the U.S. in valid status, you may be able to file for a green card at the same time and receive work and travel permits.
- 03
Immigrant visa
From abroad, the case goes to the National Visa Center and an interview at the U.S. Embassy (Dhaka for Bangladesh residents). Bangladesh is counted in the “rest of world” line of the Visa Bulletin.
- 04
Conditional green card, then I-829
You receive a two-year conditional green card. Before it expires you file I-829 to show the investment and jobs; after approval you receive the 10-year green card.
Risks to understand before investing
EB-5 capital must be at risk: no return of the money and no green card can be guaranteed. Check the project’s finances, the job-creation plan and the exit plan with independent professionals.
Reserved (set-aside) visas exist for rural (20%), high-unemployment (10%) and infrastructure (2%) projects, which can shorten waiting times. Petitions filed after 30 September 2026 do not have the “grandfathering” protection if the regional center program is not renewed in 2027.
A separate “Gold Card” programme based on a US$1,000,000 gift was launched by the U.S. government in December 2025. It is new and different from EB-5; we discuss it case by case.
Your preparation, step by step
- 01
Define your objectives
Discuss your family plans, investment questions and the professionals you need to consult.
- 02
Prepare source-of-funds records
Outline how funds were earned and transferred, and identify records to obtain.
- 03
Review project questions
Ask about business risks, job-creation evidence, fees and independent due diligence.
- 04
Separate immigration and investment decisions
Request clear written explanations of responsibilities and avoid treating either outcome as guaranteed.
Common questions
Do I get my investment back?
Only if the project succeeds and repays it, usually after several years. It is never guaranteed, and the law requires the money to be at risk.
Can the money be a gift or a loan?
Yes, if it is properly documented: a gift from family or a loan secured by your own assets can qualify, with records showing the lawful source.
How long does EB-5 take?
Usually several years from investment to the 10-year green card. It depends on USCIS processing, the Visa Bulletin for your category and the I-829 stage. See our Visa Bulletin history.
Can I enquire before my documents are ready?
Yes. Start with a short summary of your background and questions. We can discuss which documents to prepare next.
What happens after I send an enquiry?
Use the consultation form to share your preferred service, language and contact details. GVS can discuss your circumstances and the service scope. Current clients can sign in to their portal.
How do I confirm costs and timing?
Ask for a written breakdown of service fees, third-party costs and responsibilities. Timing and outcomes depend on the case and relevant authorities; the website does not promise approval or a fixed completion date.
Official information
General information, not legal, tax or investment advice. GVS does not sell investment projects.
Useful next steps
Eligibility, documentation and timing depend on your circumstances and the applicable program requirements.
Official program information