Everything You Need to Know to Invest, Immigrate, and Build Your Future in the United States

What Is the EB-5 Visa?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a direct pathway to permanent U.S. residency for foreign nationals who invest in the U.S. economy and create American jobs.

Introduced by Congress in 1990, the EB-5 visa allows qualified investors—and their spouses and unmarried children under 21—to obtain U.S. green cards in exchange for substantial investment and economic development.

In short:
Invest capital → Create jobs → Earn your U.S. green card.

Key Benefits of the EB-5 Visa

• Permanent U.S. Green Card for you and your immediate family
• Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States
• No employer sponsorship required
• Fast track to U.S. citizenship (after 5 years of permanent residency)
• Educational benefits for children (in-state tuition eligibility)

2025 EB-5 Investment Requirements

As of 2025, to qualify for the EB-5 program, you must:

• Invest at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) (rural area or high-unemployment zone)
  OR
• Invest $1,050,000 in any other qualifying commercial enterprise

In addition:

• Your investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs within two years.
• The investment funds must come from a lawful source (such as business profits, inheritance, property sales, or gifts).
• You must be actively involved (to a limited extent) in the business, depending on investment type.

Direct Investment vs. Regional Center Investment

Feature	Direct Investment	Regional Center Investment
Control	You manage or oversee the business	Managed by professionals
Job Creation	Must create 10 direct jobs	Can include indirect jobs
Risk	You control your project risk	Dependent on the Regional Center project
Involvement Level	High	Low (hands-off)

Verdie’s Tip: Direct investment is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to control their business. Regional center investment is often preferred by passive investors seeking a simpler path.

 

EB-5 Visa Application Process (2025 Step-by-Step)

1. Consultation & Investment Strategy

At Verdie Atienza US Business Immigration Solutions, we begin by evaluating your goals, risk tolerance, and desired timeline.

2. Capital Investment and Business Selection

Choose between direct investment (owning a U.S. business) or Regional Center investment (in a pooled project).

3. File Form I-526E Petition

Submit evidence of:

• Your investment
• Source and path of funds
• Business plan and job creation projections

4. Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

• If you are abroad, attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate.
• If you are already in the U.S., file Form I-485 to adjust status.

5. Receive Your Conditional Green Card

Valid for 2 years. Allows you and your family to move to the U.S.

6. File Form I-829 to Remove Conditions

After proving that job creation requirements were met, you and your family receive permanent green cards.

Common Challenges in the EB-5 Process (and How Verdie Atienza, Esq. Helps You Overcome Them)

• Documenting lawful source of funds:

Verdie provides detailed fund tracing guidance and works with international accountants if necessary.

• Choosing a reliable regional center:

We conduct thorough due diligence on EB-5 projects and partners.

• Meeting job creation requirements:

We structure your investment to maximize compliance, whether through direct or indirect job creation.

• Managing USCIS delays:

Proactive filing strategies and premium legal support to reduce setbacks.

EB-5 Visa FAQs

How long does the EB-5 process take in 2025?

Processing times vary, but recent updates aim to reduce backlogs. Expect 12–24 months for the I-526E approval.

Is the EB-5 program permanent?

Yes. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 reauthorized the Regional Center Program until 2027.

What happens if my investment fails?

As long as your investment was sustained and jobs were created, you may still qualify for the green card.

Can I bring my spouse and children?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive green cards under your EB-5 petition.

EB-5 vs. E-2 Visa: Which One Is Right for You?

Feature	EB-5 Visa	E-2 Visa
Green Card	Yes	No (nonimmigrant visa)
Investment Amount	$800k–$1.05M	Typically $100k–$200k+
Timeline to Live in U.S.	12–24 months	2–6 weeks
Work Authorization	Entire family (anywhere)	Principal must manage business
Treaty Country Requirement	No	Yes

Verdie’s Tip: If you’re from a non-treaty country (like China or India), EB-5 may be your best path. If you need a faster move and already have a treaty passport, start with E-2 and upgrade later.

Why Choose Verdie Atienza Immigration Solutions for Your EB-5 Visa

✅ 10+ years of business immigration experience
✅ Hundreds of successful client green cards
✅ Personalized strategy and full case management
✅ Direct access to your attorney—not paralegals
✅ Transparent flat-fee pricing

Start Your EB-5 Green Card Journey Today

Secure your future. Invest with confidence. Build your American dream.