Investors can secure permanent residency in the United States by placing qualifying funds into a commercial enterprise and supporting job creation. Under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, you may obtain a green card when your investment meets federal requirements and creates or preserves at least ten full-time positions for U.S. workers. For many investors and their families, this program offers a structured path to long-term residence and future citizenship.
Who Qualifies for a Green Card Through Investment?
Your eligibility depends on meeting both financial and immigration criteria. USCIS evaluates the type of investment, the jobs created, and whether you meet the admissibility rules for permanent residency. You may qualify if you:
- Submit an approved Form I-526 or I-526E
- Invest the required amount into a new or existing commercial enterprise
- Help create or maintain at least ten full-time jobs for eligible U.S. workers
- Have an immigrant visa number available at the time you apply
- Meet general admissibility standards under U.S. immigration law
Investment amounts depend on the project location. Standard investments require $1,050,000, while qualifying investments in a targeted employment area (TEA), rural area, high-unemployment area, or certain infrastructure projects require $800,000. TEAs include certain rural regions and locations with high unemployment. If your petition is approved, you receive conditional permanent residency for two years.
How the EB-5 Process Works for Investors Inside or Outside the U.S.
The steps you take differ based on where you live when your petition is approved.
If You Live Outside the United States
You complete the process through consular processing. After USCIS approves your Form I-526 or I-526E and a visa is available, the National Visa Center coordinates your immigrant visa interview with the appropriate U.S. consulate. Once approved, you enter the United States as a conditional permanent resident.
If You Live Inside the United States
You may request conditional permanent residency through adjustment of status. After your petition is approved and your priority date is current, you can file Form I-485 to become a conditional resident without leaving the country. During this stage, we help ensure your supporting documents are complete so your application moves forward smoothly.
What Conditional Residency Means for Investors
Conditional permanent residency lasts two years. During this period, the investment must remain active and continue to support job creation. Before the two-year period ends, you must file Form I-829 to remove the conditions on your residency. USCIS reviews your business documentation, employment numbers, and project status before granting full permanent residency.
Can Your Family Also Receive Green Cards Through Your Investment?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply as derivative beneficiaries. When your petition is approved and a visa is available, each family member files their own Form I-485 if they are in the United States or attends a consular interview if they live abroad. All derivatives count toward the annual EB-5 visa cap, which means timing and planning are important. We guide families through this process so everyone remains aligned with USCIS deadlines.
Work and Travel While Your EB-5 Application Is Pending
If you apply for adjustment of status, you can request work authorization and advance parole by submitting Forms I-765 and I-131. These applications allow you to work legally and travel internationally while your green card case is pending. You must wait for approval before leaving the country. Departing without advance parole may cause USCIS to treat your application as abandoned, depending on your visa category. We help you understand what is safe and what could interrupt your progress.
Why Some Investors Choose the EB-5 Program
Investors often turn to the EB-5 program because it offers a direct path to permanent residency without requiring employment sponsorship. You maintain control over your investment model, and once you obtain full permanent residency, you have the ability to live, work, or study anywhere in the country. For many families, the program also supports long-term goals, including future naturalization.
Support for Every Stage of Your Investment Case
Reaching permanent residency through investment requires careful planning, accurate filings, and a strong understanding of how USCIS evaluates EB-5 cases. If you are considering this option, we can guide you through each stage and support both you and your family as you move toward residency in the United States.
Contact D’Alessio Law today to discuss your investment immigration goals and learn how we can assist you with the next steps.
