Understanding EB-5 Green Card Costs and Requirements
Understanding the EB-5 Visa: Costs, Investment Requirements, and Process
Visas and green cards are significant milestones for foreign nationals, often requiring time, effort, and financial commitment. Among them, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program stands out as one of the most investment-driven pathways to U.S. permanent residency. If you are considering pursuing an EB-5 visa, it’s natural to want a clear understanding of the costs, investment requirements, and processing fees associated with this green card option.
Note: The details below reflect information that became effective on October 2, 2020.
EB-5 Visa Background
The EB-5 visa is unique compared to other employment-based green cards. While “EB” typically stands for “employment-based,” the EB-5 program is instead built around investment in the U.S. economy.
There are two main EB-5 pathways:
- The Basic Program
- The Regional Center Pilot Program
Regardless of which option you pursue, you must invest in a U.S. enterprise—either a newly established business or an existing company—with the potential to create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Because the goal of the program is to stimulate job growth, USCIS places significant emphasis on job creation when evaluating EB-5 petitions.
Some advantages of the EB-5 program include:
- No employer sponsorship required
- No minimum education requirement
- Self-petition eligibility (you can sponsor yourself)
Step-by-Step EB-5 Process
The EB-5 process involves several critical stages and forms:
- Make or irrevocably commit your qualifying investment
- File Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor)
- After approval, proceed with one of two options:
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if you are already in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as H-1B or E-2)
- Consular Processing (Form DS-260) if you are outside the U.S. or prefer this route
Adjustment of status allows eligible applicants to remain in the U.S. while their application is processed, whereas consular processing requires scheduling an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
EB-5 Visa Costs and Government Filing Fees
The exact EB-5 green card fees vary depending on whether you apply through adjustment of status or consular processing. Below is a breakdown:
Adjustment of Status
- $4,010 – I-526 filing fee
- $1,130 – I-485 adjustment of status application
- $30 – Biometrics fee (if applicable)
Consular Processing
- $4,010 – I-526 filing fee (applies in all cases)
- $230 – DS-260 immigrant visa application fee
- $30 – Biometrics fee
- $85 – Affidavit of support fee (may not apply to every case)
Other EB-5 Costs
- Travel expenses for consular appointments, if required
- Immigration attorney fees for professional legal guidance
EB-5 Investment Capital Requirements
One of the largest financial components of the EB-5 program is the required investment capital:
- $1,000,000 minimum investment in a U.S. enterprise
- $500,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)—a rural area or a location with unemployment at least 150% above the national average
Funds must come from lawful sources (employment, business, inheritance, or gifts). While USCIS requires proof of lawful acquisition, you don’t need to show that you personally earned the money. Importantly, this is considered an investment, not a fee—meaning it can grow and provide returns while fulfilling EB-5 requirements.
EB-5 Regional Centers
For those who prefer not to directly manage a business, EB-5 Regional Centers offer an alternative. These entities pool investor funds to finance large-scale economic projects that create jobs. By investing through a Regional Center, you don’t need to personally operate a business or directly create jobs.
USCIS grants EB-5 applicants a two-year conditional green card. To remove conditions and secure permanent residency, the investment must demonstrate sufficient job creation. Regional Centers take on the responsibility of managing these projects and proving job creation, which makes them a popular option for many investors.
Why Work with Immigration Attorneys at Green Card Link
Because the EB-5 visa represents a major financial and personal commitment, it is crucial to handle the process correctly the first time. USCIS is strict, and even small mistakes can cause costly delays or denials.
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys provide tailored guidance for EB-5 investors. They ensure all petitions and supporting evidence are properly prepared, help calculate fees, and address potential USCIS requests for evidence (RFEs). By working with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link, you protect both your financial investment and your immigration future.
If you’re ready to explore the EB-5 pathway, contact Green Card Link today to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys.