Leading EB-5

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a U.S. immigration program created by Congress in 1990 that allows foreign nationals to make a qualifying investment into a new or existing U.S. commercial enterprise that creates 10 U.S. jobs to obtain a Green Card.

EB-5 Investors and their families gain Permanent Residency to live and work anywhere in the United States. One EB-5 investment allows the main applicant, spouse, and any unwed children under the age of 21 to all obtain Green Cards.

Here’s a breakdown of the EB-5 Program Process for investors who are based within the U.S. and those based outside the U.S:

• Select a qualifying EB-5 Project
• Hire a U.S. immigration attorney to prepare your case
• Document and verify lawful Source of Funds
• Invest the required capital into the EB-5 Project escrow
• File Form I-526E (EB-5 immigrant petition)
• If filing from the U.S., file concurrently for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
• If filing from outside the U.S., proceed through Consular Processing after I-526E approval
• Receive work authorization and travel permission (U.S. filings only)
• Obtain a two-year Conditional Green Card
• Project creates the required jobs during the conditional period
• File Form I-829 to remove conditions
• Receive a Permanent Green Card
• Become eligible for U.S. citizenship after five years of residency

Understanding the full cost structure is an important part of your EB-5 journey. Here’s what to expect beyond the base investment:

• $800,000 EB-5 investment (government requirement)
• $80,000 administrative fee
• Legal fees: $25,000-$35,000 for full process
• USCIS filing fees: $4,675 (I-526E + RIA integrity fee)
• I-485 (if filing in U.S.): $1,440
• I-829 removal of conditions: $3,750

Processing timelines vary by EB-5 Project type and whether the investor is filing inside or outside the U.S. Rural EB-5 Projects currently offer the fastest path to Permanent U.S. Residency:

Investors Filing Inside the U.S.

• Concurrent filing allowed | Rural Project (2–12 months) & Urban (24–36 months)
• Work authorization (EAD) and travel permit (AP) typically issued within 3-9 months
• Conditional Green Card issued after Adjustment of Status approval (1-7 months)

Typical timelines U.S.:

• Rural projects: 6–18 months
• High-unemployment / urban projects: 26–42 months

Investors Filing Outside the U.S.

• I-526E petition approval | Rural (2–12 months) & Urban (24–36 months)
• Consular Processing (6-12 months)
• Conditional Green Card issued upon entry to the U.S.

U.S. Typical timelines:

• Rural projects: 10–24 months
• High-unemployment / urban projects: 30–48 months

Investors can reduce risk to their EB-5 investment by choosing a safer position. EB-5 United structures investments to minimize exposure:

• Conservative positioning helps reduce investor exposure
• Senior debt: Safest position in the capital stack
• Mezzanine Loan: 2ndsafest position in the capital stack
• Preferred Equity: 3rd safest position in the capital stack
• Developer/Common Equity: Riskiest position in the capital stack

At EB5 United, we understand that your investment represents your family’s future, and that understanding guides our work. We stand as the dominant Regional Center in the post-RIA era and our leadership is supported by the following:

• 15+ years of experience in the EB-5 industry
• 30+ years of experience in real estate development and finance
• $2.2B+ EB-5 funds raised by Principals since 2011 ($1.67B+ raised post-RIA)
• 900+ I-526E approvals post-RIA (most in the industry)
• 2,500+ investors served
• 3,000+ U.S. Green Cards granted
• 1,250+ Rural EB-5 investors post-RIA
• 18,000+ EB-5 compliant jobs created since 2022
• A first-position loan strategy designed to protect investor capital
• Long-standing relationships with premier U.S. development partners