FAQ
Investment Structure
What is the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 Program allows individuals to obtain U.S. permanent residency (green card) by making an investment of either $800,000 or $1,050,000. In the case of Indirect EB-5, the required investment amount depends on the type of project. Investors can choose to invest in projects located in designated Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), such as regional centers or economic zones.
What are the benefits of the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 Program offers green cards not only to the primary applicant but also to their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. Only the principal applicant is required to invest, while the entire family can receive immigration benefits. Moreover, for applicants already residing in the U.S., it is possible to concurrently apply for a green card along with the EB-5 petition. During the waiting period, applicants may be eligible to receive a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) and a travel permit (Advance Parole).
Is the EB-5 investment refundable?
There is no guarantee that the investment will be returned. By nature, the EB-5 program requires that the investment be “at risk,” meaning there is a degree of financial risk involved. However, many projects have successfully returned investors’ funds. It is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence and carefully evaluate the project before making an investment decision.
Do I need to live in the area of the project or participate in its operations?
No, one of the key advantages of investing through a regional center or TEA project is that you are not required to manage the business yourself or reside in the project’s location. Once you obtain permanent residency through the EB-5 program, there are no restrictions on where you may live in the United States.
How does the EB-5 green card process work?
After selecting a project and making the investment, the applicant files Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor) with USCIS. If applying from abroad, once the I-526E is approved, the applicant may apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate or embassy and enter the U.S. as a conditional permanent resident. Upon entry, the applicant will receive a two-year conditional green card. Before it expires, the investor must file Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions) to obtain a permanent 10-year green card. Even while the I-829 is pending, the applicant retains lawful permanent resident status and continues to receive all the same benefits. For applicants within the U.S., it is possible to file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) together with the I-526E petition, which may expedite the overall process compared to applying from overseas.