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United States of America (USA)
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa - Green Card (Permanent Residency) by Investment Program 2025
A Complete Guide
Minimum: USD 800,000 +
Processing Time: 24 - 60 months
Return to Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) Countries 2025
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Introduction
The United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa provides an established and secure pathway for foreign nationals to obtain United States of America (USA) Permanent Residency by Investment, more commonly known as the United States of America (USA) Green Card by Investment. Introduced in 1990 by the U.S. Congress, the EB-5 program was designed to boost the American economy through capital investment and job creation by international investors.
In 2025, the program has seen updates that include enhanced transparency, greater investor protections, and an increasingly streamlined application process. These reforms have further solidified its position as one of the world's leading residency-by-investment pathways, offering lawful access to United States of America (USA) Residency by Investment (RBI) and ultimately United States of America (USA) Citizenship. For High-Net-Worth Individuals seeking a proven route to United States of America (USA) Economic Residency, the EB-5 remains the premier solution.
Country Profile
The United States of America (USA) continues to be a beacon for investors globally, renowned for its economic power, political stability, and unmatched quality of life. With a GDP exceeding USD 27 trillion and a population of over 330 million, the U.S. economy is a fertile ground for United States of America (USA) Business Investment and global entrepreneurship.
Home to Fortune 500 companies, elite academic institutions, and world-class healthcare systems, the U.S. is a top choice for those seeking a strong environment for personal, professional, and financial growth. The legal and regulatory frameworks safeguard property rights and ensure contract enforcement, key factors for those pursuing the United States of America (USA) Golden Visa.
From New York to Silicon Valley to rural development zones, the diversity of the investment landscape offers flexibility for United States of America (USA) Residency by Investment candidates. As a melting pot of cultures and industries, the U.S. delivers a holistic setting for families and entrepreneurs alike.
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Official Name: United States of America
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Capital: Washington, D.C.
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Population: Approximately 334 million (as of recent estimates)
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Area: 9,833,520 square kilometres (3,796,742 sq. mi)
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Location: A country in North America, bordered by Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
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Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
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Official Language: None at the federal level; English is de facto
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Spoken Languages: English (predominantly), Spanish, Chinese, others
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Time Zone: Multiple time zones, ranging from Hawaii-Aleutian Time (UTC -10) to Eastern Time (UTC -5).
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Driving Side: Right
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Climate: Varies widely; tropical in Florida, arid in the southwest, temperate in much of the country, polar in Alaska.
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Government: Federal presidential constitutional republic
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Major Industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture
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Main Exports: Aircraft, vehicles, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals
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Famous For: Statue of Liberty, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, national parks
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Motto: "In God We Trust"
Financial Requirements
To qualify for the United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, applicants must meet rigorous financial criteria aimed at ensuring their capital directly benefits the U.S. economy:
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Minimum Investment Amounts:
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USD 1,050,000 for standard investments not located within TEAs (Targeted Employment Areas)
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USD 800,000 for United States of America (USA) Targeted Employment Area (TEA) Investments, typically in rural or high-unemployment areas
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Investment Vehicles:
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Investments must be made into a United States of America (USA) New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) Investment established after November 29, 1990
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Participation may also occur through United States of America (USA) Regional Centre Investments, which allow for indirect job creation
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Job Creation: Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the investor obtaining conditional residency
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Lawful Source of Funds: Applicants are required to provide thorough documentation of the lawful origins of their investment capital, including tax records, business profits, salary income, property sales, or inheritance
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At-Risk Investment: The capital must remain “at risk” throughout the investment period, with no guaranteed return, in compliance with USCIS requirements
General Requirements
In addition to financial obligations, applicants must meet several general conditions for obtaining the United States of America (USA) Investment Visa:
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Legal Age: No age restrictions, but individuals must be legally competent to enter into contracts
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Medical Examination: A health screening is required to ensure the absence of communicable diseases
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Clean Background: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character with no serious criminal history
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Intent to Reside: Must establish a genuine intent to live in the U.S., beyond financial motives
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Professional Background: Although not required, a business or management background is advantageous for those choosing direct investment routes
Family Inclusion
The United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa supports family unity by enabling principal applicants to include their immediate family members under the same petition, advancing their collective journey toward United States of America (USA) PR by Investment.
Eligible Dependents:
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Spouse
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Unmarried children under the age of 21
Family Benefits:
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Each family member receives a United States of America (USA) Green Card by Investment
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Unrestricted rights to live, study, and work throughout the United States
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Eligibility to apply for United States of America (USA) Citizenship after meeting residency requirements
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Access to top-tier education, healthcare, and public services
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Possibility of United States of America (USA) Dual Citizenship subject to their home country’s laws
The EB-5 visa thus represents a holistic investment in both economic and family security, offering full access to the benefits of United States of America (USA) Second Residency.
Benefits
The United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa program offers a range of impactful benefits that make it a standout among global residency-by-investment programs:
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Direct Path to Permanent Residency: Secure United States of America (USA) Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status without sponsorship, employment, or lottery requirements.
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Accelerated Route to Citizenship: Qualify for United States of America (USA) Citizenship after five years of permanent residency.
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Unlimited Business Opportunities: Invest, establish, or operate businesses with freedom under United States of America (USA) Business Investment provisions.
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Educational Access: Dependents can attend U.S. public schools and benefit from in-state university tuition rates.
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World-Class Healthcare: Full access to top-tier medical institutions and insurance options.
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Tax Optimization Potential: With proper legal guidance, investors can strategically navigate United States of America (USA) tax systems for optimal outcomes.
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Geographic Flexibility: Residency is not restricted to the state or region of investment.
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Legacy Building: Create a generational footprint through permanent access to U.S. opportunities and institutions.
Process & Procedures
The process to secure a United States of America (USA) Investment Visa through the EB-5 program involves a series of structured steps:
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Select Investment Path: Choose between Direct Investment and United States of America (USA) Regional Centre Investment.
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Engage Professional Advisors: Consult legal, tax, and financial experts to ensure compliance.
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Document Source of Funds: Gather required evidence of lawfully obtained investment capital.
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File Form I-526E Petition: Submit documentation including business plan, job creation strategy, and investment verification.
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Visa Processing: Attend consular interview (if abroad) or adjust status via Form I-485 (if in the U.S.).
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Receive Conditional Green Card: Two-year conditional status allowing full U.S. residency and travel.
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Fulfil Program Obligations: Meet job creation and investment requirements through active project monitoring.
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File Form I-829: Remove conditions by proving compliance with EB-5 program requirements.
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Achieve Lawful Permanent Residency: Receive unrestricted United States of America (USA) Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.
Conclusion
The United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa remains a flagship program in the global investment migration landscape. It delivers unparalleled access to United States of America (USA) Permanent Residency by Investment, economic freedom, and the eventual opportunity to acquire United States of America (USA) Citizenship.
Whether investing in an innovative urban project or a United States of America (USA) Targeted Employment Area (TEA), EB-5 participants are empowered to shape their futures while contributing to American economic growth. The program’s inclusion of family members, flexible investment options, and strong legal backing make it the most comprehensive path to United States of America (USA) Second Residency.
If you're seeking a proven strategy for global mobility, asset protection, and family legacy-building, the EB-5 program is your gateway to success. With expert support in United States of America (USA) Residency by Investment (RBI) planning, immigration law, and United States of America (USA) tax structuring, your journey toward the American dream starts today.
FAQs
1. What is the United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa?
The United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa is a federal immigration program that allows eligible foreign investors to obtain a Green Card via United States of America (USA) Permanent Residency by Investment by making a qualifying United States of America (USA) Business Investment in a New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) or Regional Centre that leads to the creation of U.S. jobs. It is one of the most direct routes to United States of America (USA) Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR) through investment.
2. How much do I need to invest for a United States of America (USA) Green Card by Investment?
As of 2025, the minimum investment thresholds for the United States of America (USA) Investment Visa through the EB-5 Program are:
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USD 800,000 for investments in a United States of America (USA) Targeted Employment Area (TEA) Investment.
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USD 1,050,000 for investments in other areas (non-TEA).
3. What is a United States of America (USA) Targeted Employment Area (TEA) Investment?
A TEA Investment refers to investments made in:
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Rural areas or,
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Areas with high unemployment (at least 150% of the national average).
Choosing a TEA investment may qualify you for the lower USD 800,000 investment threshold in your application for United States of America (USA) Residency by Investment (RBI).
4. What are the benefits of the United States of America (USA) EB-5 Visa Program?
Benefits include:
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A direct path to United States of America (USA) Permanent Residency by Investment.
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Inclusion of your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
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Eligibility for United States of America (USA) Citizenship after five years of being a United States of America (USA) Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).
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No sponsorship required.
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Freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in the USA.
5. What is the difference between a Direct EB-5 Investment and a United States of America (USA) Regional Centre Investment?
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Direct Investment: Requires the investor to actively manage the business and create 10 direct full-time jobs.
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United States of America (USA) Regional Centre Investment: Allows a passive role with job creation calculated using indirect and induced job models.
Many investors choose the Regional Centre Investment route for its simplicity and reduced personal involvement.
6. What is a United States of America (USA) New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) Investment?
A New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) is a for-profit entity formed after Nov 29, 1990. It can be:
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A sole proprietorship
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Partnership (limited or general)
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Corporation
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Joint venture
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Business trust or other public/private entities
Investment in an NCE is a core requirement of the USA EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa program.
7. Is the EB-5 a type of United States of America (USA) Golden Visa?
Yes. The United States of America (USA) EB-5 Visa is often referred to as the USA Golden Visa, similar to golden visa programs in Europe. It offers economic residency through investment with a clear path to United States of America (USA) Dual Citizenship, subject to eligibility.
8. Are there tax benefits or obligations for EB-5 investors?
Once you become a United States of America (USA) Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), you will be subject to United States of America (USA) tax obligations on worldwide income. However, smart pre-immigration tax planning can help minimize liabilities. It's highly recommended to consult a tax advisor familiar with United States of America (USA) Economic Residency structures.
9. Can I include my family in the United States of America (USA) PR by Investment application?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also obtain United States of America (USA) Permanent Residency by Investment under the same EB-5 application.
10. What is the timeline for receiving a United States of America (USA) Green Card by Investment?
Processing times can vary, but generally, it follows this order:
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Form I-526E approval (12–24 months average).
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Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if already in the USA, or Immigrant Visa Processing if outside the USA.
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Conditional Green Card valid for 2 years.
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Filing Form I-829 to remove conditions and get a permanent Green Card.
11. Can I maintain my current citizenship and obtain United States of America (USA) Dual Citizenship?
The USA permits dual citizenship. After 5 years as a USA Lawful Permanent Resident, you may apply for United States of America (USA) Citizenship, provided you meet all naturalization criteria.
12. What are the risks of the United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa program?
Risks include:
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Investment loss (your capital must be “at risk” to qualify).
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Failure to meet the job creation requirement.
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Possible delays or rejections due to program quotas or improper documentation.
Due diligence and expert legal and financial guidance are essential.
13. Can I apply for United States of America (USA) Second Residency through this program?
Yes. The EB-5 Program is considered a form of Second Residency and is a gateway to obtaining United States of America (USA) PR by Investment, followed by optional citizenship.
14. Is the EB-5 program suitable for entrepreneurs and High-Net-Worth Individuals?
Absolutely. The United States of America (USA) Investor Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, and High-Net-Worth Individuals seeking residency by investment or establishing a legacy in the U.S. through United States of America (USA) Business Investment.
15. Is there a fast-track or premium version of the EB-5 Visa or a new "Gold Card"?
In 2025, a new USD 5 million “Gold Card” visa program was proposed to attract ultra-wealthy investors, acting as an elite version of the USA Golden Visa. While not yet fully active, it's positioned to supplement or even replace traditional EB-5 offerings for select individuals.
16. Why Choose the United States of America (USA) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa?
If you're seeking United States of America (USA) Residency by Investment (RBI), a Green Card by Investment, or a path to citizenship through a reputable and established program, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa is one of the most effective and flexible immigration pathways available globally.
It allows you to secure United States of America (USA) Economic Residency, build a future for your family, and possibly gain United States of America (USA) Dual Citizenship, all while growing your international investment portfolio.