Are you thinking about getting a US Green Card? The EB-5 Visa is a popular way for Indian investors to live and work in the United States by investing money in a US business. This visa allows you, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21 to apply for permanent residency through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the EB-5 Visa in 2025, including its requirements, investment amounts, processing times, and how to apply.
Overview of the EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 Investor Visa Program lets wealthy Indian families and other investors get permanent residence in the US by investing in a local business that creates jobs for at least 10 American workers. If your investment is in a rural area or a targeted employment area (TEA) with high unemployment, the minimum investment is $800,000 (around Rs 6.5 crore). For other areas, the investment is usually $1,050,000.
This program offers one of the fastest ways to get a US Green Card. It removes the challenges of visa lotteries like the H1-B and lets you own or work for start-ups or small businesses. After holding a Green Card for five years, you may apply for US citizenship.
Minimum Investment Amount for the EB-5 Visa
According to the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2024, an EB-5 investor must invest either $800,000 or $1,050,000 in a US business. Investments can be cash, equipment, inventory, secured debt, or tangible property, valued at fair market prices. The lower amount of $800,000 applies if the business is in a rural or high-unemployment area (TEA).
Job Creation Requirements for EB-5
USCIS requires that your investment creates 10 full-time jobs for Americans. These jobs must be created within the first two years after you get your conditional permanent residency. For direct investments, these must be direct jobs in the company you invest in. If you invest through a regional center, indirect or induced jobs that come from the project also count.
Who Can Apply for the EB-5 Visa?
To qualify, investors must meet USCIS criteria, which include making the required investment, creating the 10 jobs, and investing in an eligible business. If approved, you, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21 get US Green Cards.
Where Can You Invest for EB-5?
You can invest directly in a new business started after November 29, 1990, or in a regional center project. Businesses can be corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, trusts, or other types. Older businesses can qualify if the investment increases their net worth or employee numbers by 40% or significantly restructures the company. Regional centers pool EB-5 investor funds to manage investments more easily.
How Does the EB-5 Visa Work?
Under the Immigration Act of 1990, you can get the EB-5 visa by investing the required amount to create at least 10 full-time American jobs. The minimum investment is $1,050,000, or $800,000 in TEA areas. After applying, you may get a conditional green card within 2 to 3 years. Two years later, you can apply to remove conditions and get a permanent green card, which opens the path to citizenship. Unlike H1B visas, EB-5 holders can live, work, study, and start businesses anywhere in the US.
How to Apply for a US EB-5 Visa as an Individual
You have two options: invest directly in a US business or invest through a USCIS-approved Regional Center, which pools funds from many investors. The EB-5 application and investment happen at the same time but are separate processes. It’s important to understand both financial and immigration risks to protect your investment and green card.
Risks to Consider in the EB-5 Visa Program
Usually, applicants receive a conditional green card within 2-3 years. This allows you to live, work, and study in the US. After two years, you can apply to convert it to a permanent green card and ask for your investment money back. However, risks include:
- Insufficient proof of the source of your investment funds to USCIS.
- Your investment does not create the required 10 jobs or does not meet EB-5 rules.
- Failure to meet residency or travel requirements.
Knowing these risks well can help you make informed decisions about your EB-5 investment and immigration journey.