Green Card Through Real Estate Investment: EB-5 Program Guide
Must-Know Facts About Real Estate and Immigration
- Purchasing personal property in the U.S. does not qualify for immigration benefits.
- The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to obtain a U.S. green card through a qualifying investment in a U.S. enterprise.
- Investors may choose between:
- Regional Center Program – where USCIS-approved entities manage operations.
- Standalone Program – where the investor actively manages the business.
- Regional Center Program – where USCIS-approved entities manage operations.
- Required investment:
- $1,050,000 in standard areas.
- $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs).
- $1,050,000 in standard areas.
- Each investment must generate at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.
- In addition to the investment itself, applicants must cover USCIS filing fees (Forms I-526, I-485, and I-829), as well as potential administrative and legal costs.
For many foreign nationals, the EB-5 program is one of the most prestigious ways to achieve lawful permanent residency while also securing valuable financial opportunities in the United States. Real estate projects often serve as the foundation for these investments.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, international investors purchased over 54,000 U.S. properties, valued at more than $42 billion. While this was a decline compared to 2021, when foreign buyers acquired 107,000 properties worth $54.4 billion, the U.S. remains a global leader for real estate investment and immigration pathways.
How Does Getting a Green Card Through Real Estate Investment Work?
There are two main routes available to investors:
- EB-5 Standalone Program
- You, the investor, play an active role in running the business.
- Requires hands-on involvement in daily operations.
- You, the investor, play an active role in running the business.
- EB-5 Regional Center Program
- Invest through a USCIS-approved Regional Center.
- The managing entity handles development, approvals, and oversight.
- You become a partner/partial owner, with potential to share in cash flow and profits.
- Invest through a USCIS-approved Regional Center.
Investment Requirements:
- $1.05 million in most U.S. enterprises, or $800,000 in a TEA.
- Must create at least 10 permanent, full-time jobs.
What Is a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)?
A TEA can be either:
- A rural area – outside a metropolitan region or city/town of 20,000+ residents, based on U.S. census data.
- A high-unemployment area – with at least 150% of the national average unemployment rate.
Real Estate Investment Pathways
1. Invest Through an EB-5 Regional Center
- Land acquisition and entitlement.
- Development permits and construction oversight.
- Property management once completed.
Common EB-5 real estate projects include:
- Resort hotels
- Student housing
- Senior living facilities
- Shopping centers
- Restaurants
- Office buildings
As an investor, you gain partial ownership in the project and may share in both revenue and profits.
2. Buy Property to Launch Your EB-5 Enterprise
If you prefer to take an active ownership role, you may buy a U.S. property to establish or expand your own business. This allows you to:
- Invest in real estate as part of your enterprise.
- Use your investment to both purchase property and fund operations.
- Fulfill the EB-5 requirement of creating 10 full-time U.S. jobs.
Some investors purchase distressed properties at lower costs to reduce expenses, provided they still meet USCIS requirements. However, before making such decisions, it is crucial to consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to ensure compliance.
Benefits of Real Estate Investment for EB-5 Applicants
- Permanent Residency for You and Your Family
By fulfilling the EB-5 investment requirements, you, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21 can secure U.S. green cards and lawful permanent residency. - Financial Returns
Real estate investment offers potential long-term profit and asset appreciation, making it not only a pathway to immigration but also a wealth-building strategy. - Flexibility
Whether you choose the Regional Center Program or the Standalone Program, you can align your immigration path with your business and financial goals.
Why Work With Green Card Link?
The EB-5 process is complex and requires precise planning. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys guide investors through every stage—from selecting projects to preparing USCIS petitions. With professional experience and deep knowledge of immigration law, an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help maximize your chances of success while ensuring compliance with EB-5 regulations.
ROI: Building Wealth Through EB-5 Real Estate Investment
Beyond the life-changing opportunity of obtaining permanent residency, an EB-5 green card through real estate investment also provides an impressive financial return on investment (ROI). Investors who choose regional centers in real estate projects often benefit from steady annual payments as partial owners—an effective way to grow net worth while securing immigration benefits.
Alternatively, if you take the direct investment route and establish a new commercial enterprise, both the property and the business operating on it have the potential to appreciate and generate long-term profits.
Affordable Education Opportunities for Your Children
One of the major advantages of becoming a U.S. green card holder is the ability to give your children access to world-class education. As lawful permanent residents, your children are recognized as eligible noncitizens, which means they may qualify for federal and state financial aid, scholarships, loans, and grants. This significantly reduces the financial burden of higher education while placing them in an environment designed to support their academic and professional success.
Pathway to U.S. Citizenship
For investors whose long-term goal includes U.S. citizenship, the EB-5 program offers a strong starting point. By investing at least $800,000 or $1,050,000—depending on the project’s location—and creating at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs, you can secure permanent residency.
After maintaining lawful permanent resident status for five years, you and your family become eligible to apply for citizenship by filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and completing the interview and civics test.
If U.S. citizenship is not your goal, you can continue to enjoy permanent resident benefits indefinitely by simply renewing your green card every 10 years.
How Profitable Is U.S. Real Estate Investment?
Real estate remains one of the most reliable wealth-building tools in the United States. Whether you choose direct ownership or invest through an EB-5 regional center, U.S. properties have historically shown steady appreciation and income-generating potential.
For example, commercial rental properties can provide consistent cash flow after covering initial investment costs. In addition, during times of market growth, properties may appreciate as much as 20%, significantly increasing long-term profits.
The EB-5 Green Card Process Through Real Estate Investment
Applying for an EB-5 investor green card involves a structured, step-by-step process. The stages typically include:
- Consulting an Immigration Attorney at Green Card Link – Working with experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link ensures you choose the right EB-5 project and navigate the application process effectively.
- Selecting an EB-5 Approved Real Estate Project – Identify and commit to a qualifying real estate investment.
- Developing a Business Plan – A plan that meets EB-5 program requirements and outlines job creation.
- Preparing Supporting Documents – Including proof of lawful funds and investment strategy.
- Investing Capital – A minimum of $800,000 or $1.05 million, depending on location.
- Filing the I-526 Petition – The Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor.
Once approved, investors receive a conditional green card valid for two years. During this time, the investment must remain active, and at least 10 jobs must be created. Afterward, you may file Form I-829 to remove conditions and obtain a 10-year renewable green card.
Costs and Filing Fees for EB-5 Real Estate Green Cards
While expenses may vary depending on location and project type, here are the common costs associated with an EB-5 real estate green card:
- Initial Investment: $800,000 or $1.05 million
- I-526 Petition Filing Fee: $11,160
- Regional Center Investors (I-526E): Additional $1,000
- I-485 Adjustment of Status: $1,440
- I-829 Petition to Remove Conditions: $9,525 (filed after two years)
- Regional Center Administrative Fee: $30,000–$60,000
- Immigration Attorney Fees: Vary depending on services provided by Green Card Link.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in the U.S.?
Yes, foreign nationals from most countries are eligible to purchase property in the United States. Many EB-5 investors choose commercial properties because of their strong income potential. However, it’s important to understand the tax implications of U.S. property ownership.
Foreign investors may face a 30% tax on gross rental income, but this can often be reduced to a 30% tax on net income by filing under Section 871(d). Some investors may also benefit from tax treaties between their home country and the U.S., further minimizing tax liability.
Additionally, financing options are available for foreign investors—even without U.S. credit history—based on income and existing foreign business operations.
How Green Card Link Immigration Attorneys Can Help
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys have successfully guided numerous investors through the EB-5 green card process. From selecting the right real estate investment to preparing and filing your petition, our team ensures your application is strong and your capital is positioned for long-term success.
If you’re ready to begin your EB-5 journey through real estate, schedule a consultation with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link today.