EB-5 Direct Investment Green Card — U.S. Residency Through Business Ownership

Are you a global investor or entrepreneur ready to turn your business vision into a permanent life in the United States? The EB-5 Direct Investment Green Card allows qualified individuals to gain U.S. permanent residency by actively investing in and operating a job-creating enterprise. It’s a compelling opportunity for those who want full control over their business and the future of their family in America.

At Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services, we guide investors through every stage of the EB-5 Direct process — from identifying or structuring a qualifying business, to preparing the necessary investment and documentation, all the way through Green Card approval and U.S. integration. Our team combines legal, financial, and operational expertise to ensure your EB-5 strategy is compliant, credible, and competitive.

What Is the EB-5 Direct Investment Visa?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), allows foreign nationals to obtain a Green Card by investing in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. Under the direct investment model, the investor maintains ownership and managerial involvement in the enterprise — offering greater transparency and flexibility than the pooled-fund Regional Center model.

To qualify for the EB-5 Direct Investment Visa:

• Invest $800,000 USD in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or
• Invest $1,050,000 USD in a non-TEA region
• Create at least 10 full-time positions for qualifying U.S. employees within two years

Investors must actively engage in the business in a managerial, policy-making, or executive role.

Who Should Consider the EB-5 Direct Path?

The EB-5 Direct route is designed for individuals who:

• Intend to start or acquire a U.S. business
• Prefer hands-on control over their investment
• Seek a direct, secure route to U.S. permanent residency
• Have legally obtained funds available for investment
• Wish to include a spouse and dependent children (under age 21) on their Green Card application
• Value the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.

This path is particularly ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who want both immigration benefits and operational autonomy.

Key Benefits of EB-5 Direct Investment

• Permanent residency (Green Card) for the investor, spouse, and children
• Full control over business decisions, strategy, and investment management
• No employment sponsorship, language test, or academic credentials required
• Eligibility for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residence
• Freedom to live and work anywhere in the U.S., without geographic or industry limitations
• Children may attend U.S. public schools or universities without international student restrictions

The EB-5 Direct Investment Process

1. Initial Consultation & Strategic Planning: We begin with a deep-dive consultation to understand your business background, investment goals, and preferred business structure. If you don’t have a specific venture in mind, we help you identify industries and models that qualify for EB-5 and align with your experience.
2. Business Formation & Investment Structuring: Once the project is defined, we assist with U.S. entity formation, banking, EIN registration, leasing, and license compliance. We also work with your financial team to track the lawful source and transfer of funds into the business.
3. EB-5 Petition Filing — Form I-526E: We prepare and submit Form I-526E, the investor petition. This includes detailed documentation covering the investment, job creation plan, business viability, and lawful source of funds. A strong business plan and financial projection are central to success.
4. Conditional Green Card Approval: Upon USCIS approval, you and your eligible family members receive a two-year conditional Green Card. If applying from within the U.S., concurrent adjustment of status (Form I-485) may be available.
5. Removal of Conditions — Form I-829: Toward the end of your two-year conditional period, we assist in filing Form I-829 to demonstrate that the business remains operational and has created the required jobs. Once approved, you receive permanent U.S. residency.

Typical EB-5 Documentation Requirements

• Proof of lawful source of funds (income records, asset sales, gifts, inheritance, or loans)
• Bank transfers, escrow statements, and financial instruments documenting the investment
• Business formation documents (LLC, corporation, partnership)
• A detailed business plan compliant with USCIS Matter of Ho standards
• Five-year financial projections with job creation timelines
• Employment and payroll plans
• Lease agreements, licenses, vendor contracts, and operational materials
• Personal identification, tax records, and immigration history

Why Work With Phoenix Immigration?

EB-5 Direct is one of the most documentation-heavy and financially sensitive U.S. immigration processes. Our team combines strategic insight, legal rigor, and immigration planning to help ensure that every aspect of your petition meets USCIS standards and reflects the full strength of your investment.

We offer:

• Professional guidance on project selection and business structure
• Comprehensive source of funds tracing and documentation support
• Entity formation, payroll setup, and operational compliance assistance
• Business plan development aligned with EB-5 adjudication guidelines
• Full USCIS petition preparation for Forms I-526E, I-485, and I-829
• Dependent visa coordination and relocation support
• Trusted collaboration with legal and tax experts

Whether you’re expanding an international business or starting a new venture, we provide the expertise and diligence to turn your investment into long-term opportunity.

EB-5 Timeline Overview

Concurrent adjustment of status may be available if you're already in the U.S. on a valid visa.