EB-5 Investor Programme: a direct route to U.S. permanent residence
The United States is one of the largest and most influential nations globally, spanning 50 states across the majority of North America. Its geographic diversity is unmatched, ranging from deserts and forests to mountain ranges, coastlines, and tropical regions.
Beyond its physical landscape, the U.S. is widely regarded as a centre of opportunity. With a strong legal framework, advanced financial markets, and a culture that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, it remains a top destination for investors and families seeking long-term growth and security.
Its reputation as the “Land of Opportunity” continues to draw individuals who wish to build businesses, advance careers, and secure a future in a globally dominant economy.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme was established by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to stimulate economic development through foreign investment.
Under this programme, eligible investors and their immediate family members may obtain U.S. permanent residency (a Green Card) by investing in approved American enterprises that generate employment for U.S. workers. The standard minimum investment threshold is USD 1,050,000, or USD 800,000 when investing in a government-designated Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
Successful applicants are granted the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States. After maintaining permanent resident status for the required period, investors may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
To meet EB-5 criteria, applicants must make a qualifying investment of:
USD 1,050,000 in a standard project, or
USD 800,000 if the investment is located within a designated Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
Investments may be made directly into a new commercial enterprise or through USCIS-approved Regional Centers, which manage large-scale development projects designed to meet EB-5 requirements.
For an investment to qualify under the EB-5 programme, the following conditions must be met:
The investment must result in the creation of at least 10 full-time, permanent jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years of the investor receiving conditional permanent residence.
The invested capital must be at risk, meaning there can be no guaranteed returns or contractual assurances of repayment.
No. Unlike many U.S. immigration routes, the EB-5 Visa does not rely on employer or family sponsorship. Investors effectively sponsor themselves through their qualifying investment.
Yes. Approved EB-5 applicants may include the following family members, who will also receive U.S. permanent residency:
A legally married spouse or recognised partner
Unmarried children under the age of 21
The EB-5 Visa grants permanent resident status, not immediate citizenship. However, after holding a Green Card for five years and meeting residency and legal requirements, investors may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalisation.
A Targeted Employment Area is defined as either a rural location or an area experiencing unemployment levels of at least 150% of the U.S. national average. Investments made in TEAs qualify for the reduced EB-5 investment threshold of USD 800,000.
