EB-5 is the U.S. green card for investors. This page explains investment amounts, direct vs. regional center investment, and source-of-funds documentation. If you are also a founder or professional, compare it with EB-2 NIW for entrepreneurs, which needs no investment.
Key takeaways
- Invest $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a TEA or infrastructure project.
- Create 10 full-time U.S. jobs per investor.
- Source of funds is the most scrutinized part of the case.
- Conditional green card for 2 years, then Form I-829.
- EB-5 is not eligible for premium processing.
How much does EB-5 require?
The standard minimum is $1,050,000. It drops to $800,000 for projects in a targeted employment area (rural or high-unemployment) or qualifying infrastructure projects.
Direct investment or regional center?
Direct investment suits investors who want to run their own business. A regional center suits investors who want a passive investment and the ability to count indirect jobs.
| Factor | Direct investment | Regional center |
|---|---|---|
| Your role | Actively manage your business | Limited partner, passive role |
| Job counting | Direct jobs only | Direct, indirect and induced jobs |
| Where you live | Usually near your business | Anywhere in the U.S. |
| Petition | Form I-526 | Form I-526E |
| Best for | Hands-on business owners | Families seeking a green card with less management |
What are EB-5 set-aside visas?
A share of EB-5 visas is reserved for investments in rural areas, high-unemployment areas and infrastructure projects, which can mean shorter waits for some investors.
Rural
20% of EB-5 visas reserved for rural-area projects.
High unemployment
10% reserved for high-unemployment area projects.
Infrastructure
2% reserved for qualifying infrastructure projects.
How do I prove the source of my funds?
You must trace every dollar from a lawful source, such as salary, business income, property sale or gift, through each transfer to the U.S. project.
- Tax returns and income records
- Property sale deeds and valuations
- Gift deeds and the donor's own source of funds
- Bank statements showing every transfer
- Business ownership and profit records
- Loan documents secured by your own assets
For Pakistani investors: document property sales (registry and transfer deeds), gifts from family (with the donor's source), and the full remittance trail through formal banking channels. Gaps in the trail are the most common cause of EB-5 delays.
If you are also a skilled professional or founder, EB-2 NIW may get you a green card without the investment. We'll compare both.
How much do the EB-5 government fees cost?
The main USCIS fees are for the investor petition and, later, for removing conditions. Project administration and other costs are separate.
| Fee | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-526 or I-526E | $11,160 | Investor petition |
| Form I-485 (if in the U.S.) | $1,440 per applicant aged 14+ | Green card stage |
| Form I-829 | $9,525 | Removing conditions |
| Project and admin fees | Set by the project | Varies |
Fees verified against the USCIS fee schedule (G-1055) and travel.state.gov on {date}. Government fees change periodically, so confirm before paying.
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Official sources
- USCIS: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
- USCIS: About the EB-5 Visa Classification
- USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055)
- U.S. Department of State: Visa Bulletin
Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services LLC is an immigration consulting firm, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Information on this page is general and may change; always confirm current rules on uscis.gov and travel.state.gov. Filing a petition or application does not guarantee approval.
