EB-5 Visa Cost and Fee Structure in 2026

The goal of a typical EB-5 investor is to obtain a Green Card and receive their investment principal back. Well-structured EB-5 offerings have a structured exit strategy in which the EB-5 investors are repaid in-full plus interest. The capital must remain invested or “at-risk” until the investor has completed their Conditional Residency, if they fail to do so their Green Card will not become permanent. Even though EB-5 investments need to be “at-risk” that does not mean that the investment needs to be inherently “risky”. EB5 United structures all deals with two primary objectives:

1. Reduce investment risk as much as possible.
2. Create well over 10 jobs per investor to ensure each investor obtains a Green Card.

The total costs for an EB-5 investment include:

• $800,000 principal investment ($1,050,000 in a Non-TEA Project)
• Administrative Fee (Typically 10% or $80,000)
• Attorney Fees (Typically $25,000-35,000 for the entire process)
• USCIS Fees ($12,160 for initial I-526E Petition, $9,525 for the I-829 Petition)

Proper documentation showing the source of funds for the entire $800,000 investment and Administrative Fee is critical. The funds to make an EB-5 Investment can come from anywhere in the world (including the US) as long as they legally sourced where the paper trail can be traced to its origin. Funds required for the investment may include, but are not limited to:

• Gifts
• Inheritance
• Property sale
• Loan against property
• Unsecured loans
• Accumulation of salary
• Earnings from business ownership
• Proceeds from sale/mortgage of real estate property

The timing for the return of your EB-5 investment money depends on the specifics of the project and its success. Typically, in projects facilitated through regional centers, business plans outline an exit strategy, allowing investors to potentially receive their principal investment back with interest. However, repayment is subject to the success of the project, economic conditions, and the terms of the investment. While loan terms can vary, EB-5 investors generally anticipate repayment within a three-to-seven-year period. It’s crucial to note that the investment must be “at risk” in the project per the program rules, and there cannot be a guarantee of repayment. For more accurate and up-to-date information, consulting with the regional center or project manager overseeing your investment is advisable.

When investing in an EB-5 Project, the method of repayment depends on the agreement between the Project Developer and the NCE (New Commercial Enterprise or “EB-5 Fund”). When it comes to repayment, the Developer will typically use cash profits, unit sales, a sale of a portion or all of the Project, or a refinance of a portion or all of the Project. Often times the Developer has the flexibility of using multiple of these options or a combination of them to repay the EB-5 Investors. The repayment is paid to the NCE and then distributed back to the EB-5 Investors.

Choosing an NCE Manager that is separate from the Developer is a crucial step to avoid conflicts of interest. In situations where the Developer defaults on the loan, having an independent NCE Manager becomes particularly valuable. In such cases, the NCE Manager can intervene and take control of the Project, ensuring the protection of EB-5 Investors whose financial interests align with theirs.

When investing with a company like EB5 United, rest assured that we are committed to acting as your Fiduciary. This means our interests are aligned with yours, and our primary goal is to safeguard and protect your investment throughout the Immigration Process.

It is necessary to hire a US EB-5 Immigration Attorney for your EB-5 investment due to the complexity of the process. Experienced attorneys provide crucial guidance, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and addressing potential challenges. They complete the Source of Funds (SOF) Documentation, review project documents from an immigration standpoint, and prepare United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), immigration petitions for investors throughout the EB-5 process. Given the complexity of EB-5 law and the importance of supporting documents, engaging an experienced attorney is necessary for any investor in an EB5 United Project.

When making an investment into an EB-5 Project the first thing you must do before you can make that investment is hire a U.S. immigration attorney. He/she will source of all of your funds for your investment to make sure they were lawfully obtained. Once you’ve put together your source of funds, you’ll make the investment into the Project of your choice and your attorney will file what is called an I-526E Petition. If you’re in U.S. already with a valid Visa when you file your I-526E Petition, you can utilize what is called Concurrent Filing, which will allow you to obtain a work authorization and travel permit within a few months after you file your petition.

Project Investment

Project Investment

*Fees and costs are subject to change *Attorney’s fees are typically paid in stages and are negotiated directly with the attorney

EB-5 investments, while offering a pathway to a U.S. Green Card, come with inherent risks including potential capital loss due to project challenges and immigration risks tied to program criteria. Success relies on factors beyond an investor’s control, emphasizing the need for thorough research and understanding investment terms. Financial risk is notable as invested capital must stay “at risk” without guaranteed returns. Immigration success depends on Form I-526E Approval and detailed proof of job creation in Form I-829. Careful research and professional guidance are crucial for navigating these multifaceted risks in EB-5 investments.