Who the EB-5 is for
#- Investors with qualifying capital for a U.S. enterprise
- Applicants willing to meet job creation requirements
- Investors with lawful source of funds documentation
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- Minimum investment and at-risk capital
- Job creation evidence and business plan
- USCIS I-526E petition approval
- DS-260 or adjustment of status
Documents and evidence
#- Source of funds documentation and investment records
- Business plan and job creation evidence
- I-526E approval notice
- Civil documents for immigrant processing
Step-by-step overview
#- Commit investment and compile source of funds evidence.
- File I-526E with USCIS.
- Complete NVC/DS-260 or adjustment steps.
- Enter the U.S. and maintain EB-5 conditions.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#USCIS petition fees and immigrant visa fees apply. USCIS, regional center, and immigrant visa fees apply.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Processing times
#Processing depends on USCIS petitions, priority dates, and interview availability. EB-5 timelines vary by country and project.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Incomplete source of funds documentation
- Unclear job creation evidence
- Investments not properly at risk
FAQs
How much investment is required for EB-5?
The required capital amount depends on the project and location. Check current USCIS guidance for minimum thresholds.
What is the difference between direct and regional center EB-5?
Direct EB-5 requires direct job creation, while regional center projects can use indirect job counts.
Does EB-5 allow family derivatives?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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