Question 1

How much do I need to invest in an EB-5?

Accepted Answer

The current minimum amount is $800,000 USD if the project is in a TEA (Targeted Employment Area—rural or high unemployment), or $1,050,000 USD outside of a TEA. Most Regional Center projects are structured to qualify as TEA and access the reduced amount.

Question 2

What is an APR and why does it reduce the investment amount?

Accepted Answer

A TEA is a rural or high-unemployment area designated by the government to incentivize investment. Projects located in a TEA qualify for the reduced minimum amount and, in many cases, for set-asides that expedite the application process.

Question 3

What is the difference between a stand-alone center and a regional center?

Accepted Answer

In the stand-alone program, you invest directly in your own business and participate in its day-to-day management; employment is counted directly. In the Regional Center program, you invest in a project managed by a third party designated by USCIS, without the need for active management, and you can count direct, indirect, and induced employment—making it easier to reach the required 10 jobs.

Question 4

What if my priority date is not valid for my country of birth?

Accepted Answer

Some countries (such as China and India) are experiencing delays in the EB-5 visa bulletin due to high demand. If your priority date is not current, your I-526/I-526E may still be approved, but you should wait before adjusting your status or pursuing consular processing. We assess this from the outset to set realistic expectations.

Question 5

What is I-829 and when is it filed?

Accepted Answer

Form I-829 is the petition to remove the conditions on residency and obtain a permanent green card. It must be filed within 90 days before the expiration of the two-year conditional residency period and must demonstrate that the investment was maintained and that the 10-job creation or preservation requirement was met.

Question 6

Do I need to be physically in the US to invest?

Accepted Answer

No. You can structure and make the investment, and file the I-526 or I-526E, while outside the United States. Physical presence is only required for consular processing or adjustment of status after the initial petition is approved.

GREEN CARD THROUGH INVESTMENT

EB-5: The Green Card That Doesn't Depend on Your Country, Age, or an Employer Sponsor

Green card family

No sponsor

Current set-sides

Any nationality

THE ESSENTIALS

What is EB-5 and how does it work?

💵 The amount and the source — substantial investment with legitimate funds and a documentable path without gaps.

🏢 The company (NCE) — a legally organized and actively operating New Commercial Enterprise.

👷 Jobs created — at least 10 full-time positions for American workers.

REQUIREMENTS

Who qualifies for the EB-5?

The EB-5 evaluates the investor and the investment separately. Green: Clearly meets requirements. Amber: Needs proper documentation. Red: Without this, the case is not viable.

THE QUESTION EVERYONE IS ASKING

Stand-alone or Regional Center: which is your case?

Both paths lead to the same place — the green card — but with very different roles and evidence.

OUR METHODOLOGY

Your EB-5, step by step

1

WEEK 1

Strategic assessment

We analyze your available capital, the jurisdiction of origin of the funds, and your long-term family goals.

2

THE ARMOR

Source and path of funds audit

We trace the legitimate origin of the capital and document every move before committing the investment.

3

THE WAY

Stand-alone or Regional Center, and TEA eligibility

We define the appropriate structure and verify if the project qualifies for TEA zone and set-asides.

4

THE PROJECT

Business plan or fund review

In stand-alone, we developed the business plan; at the Regional Center, we reviewed the I-956F and the fund documents.

5

THE REQUEST

Preparation of the I-526 / I-526E

We put together the complete dossier with evidence of investment, employment, and business structure.

6

THE RESIDENCE

Adjustment of status or consular process

We are moving towards conditional residency based on your location and the validity of your priority date.

FAQ