The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain a U.S. green card by making a qualifying investment in the United States. But how much do you actually need to invest? Let’s break it down.
Minimum Investment Amount
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has set specific investment thresholds for the EB-5 visa:
- Standard Investment – The minimum investment required is $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Targeted Employment Area (TEA) Investment – If the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (either a rural area or an area with high unemployment), the minimum required investment is $800,000.
What Qualifies as a TEA?
A Targeted Employment Area is designated by USCIS as:
- A rural area (outside a metropolitan statistical area and with a population of fewer than 20,000 people), or
- An area with high unemployment (at least 150% of the national average unemployment rate).
Investors looking to qualify for the lower investment threshold should work with legal and financial advisors to ensure their chosen location meets TEA requirements.
Investment Requirements
To qualify for an EB-5 visa, investors must:
- Invest in a new commercial enterprise (established after November 29, 1990) or restructure an existing business.
- Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
- Ensure the investment is at risk and not a passive holding.
Additional Costs to Consider:
Aside from the investment capital, EB-5 applicants should account for other expenses, such as:
- USCIS Filing Fees – The I-526E petition filing fee is approximately $11,160.
- Attorney Fees – Legal representation fees typically range from $15,000 to $50,000.
- Regional Center Fees (if applicable) – If investing through a USCIS-approved EB-5 Regional Center, there may be additional administrative costs ranging from $50,000 to $70,000.
- Government Processing Fees – These include visa application fees, biometrics, and other USCIS-related expenses.
EB-5 Regional Centers vs. Direct Investment
- Direct Investment – The investor actively manages a business and ensures job creation. This approach requires hands-on involvement.
- Regional Center Investment – Investors can pool funds into a USCIS-approved EB-5 Regional Center, which manages job creation and business operations. This option is more passive and popular among foreign investors.
Conclusion
The minimum investment for an EB-5 visa is either $800,000 (for TEA investments) or $1,050,000 (for standard investments). However, additional costs such as legal fees, USCIS processing fees, and administrative costs should be factored into your budget. Working with Texas Capital Partners and financial advisors can help navigate the process and ensure compliance with USCIS requirements.The EB-5 visa remains a viable option for those seeking permanent residency in the U.S. through investment, providing both financial and immigration benefits.
