If you are a high-net-worth individual looking to secure the American dream, the EB-5 USA Investor Visa offers one of the fastest and most reliable pathways to USA permanent residency. With the right investment, you can unlock access to USA Golden Visa privileges, USA Citizenship by Investment opportunities, and long-term benefits such as Indefinite Leave to Remain USA.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about the USA EB-5 Investment Visa, including USA permanent residency investment threshold, USA Tier 1 Investor Visa requirements, immigration lawyer USA fee, and USA passport benefits visa.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or global business leader, this visa category may be the key to securing your family’s future in the United States.
What Is the EB-5 USA Investor Visa?
The EB-5 USA Investor Visa is often referred to as the USA Golden Visa because it allows foreign investors to secure USA residency by investment. By making a qualifying financial investment, you can apply for a green card, live and work in the USA, and eventually become eligible for USA citizenship by investment.
This immigration pathway was created to stimulate the American economy by attracting foreign capital and creating jobs for U.S. workers. It combines high net worth immigration USA with long-term settlement opportunities.
Benefits of the USA EB-5 Investment Visa
The USA EB-5 Investment Visa offers a range of benefits that make it highly attractive:
-
Fast track to USA permanent residency through investment.
-
USA residency by investment without needing employer sponsorship.
-
Eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain USA after continuous lawful residence.
-
Opportunity to apply for USA citizenship by investment after 5 years of permanent residency.
-
Access to USA passport benefits visa, which provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
-
Ability to bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
-
Freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in the USA.
This makes it one of the most desirable immigrant investor programs in the world.
USA Permanent Residency Investment Threshold
To qualify for the EB-5 USA Investor Visa, you must meet the USA permanent residency investment threshold.
As of 2025, the requirements are:
-
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment in a new U.S. business.
-
Or $800,000 USD if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which includes rural regions or areas of high unemployment.
The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Meeting this USA permanent residency investment threshold is the most critical step in securing the EB-5 visa.
USA Tier 1 Investor Visa Requirements
While the EB-5 is technically the main USA Investor Visa, some experts compare it to the UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa system. To simplify, here are the USA Tier 1 Investor Visa requirements under EB-5:
-
Qualifying Investment – Invest either $1,050,000 or $800,000 (TEA).
-
Job Creation – The investment must generate at least 10 permanent jobs.
-
Lawful Funds – You must prove that the investment money comes from legal sources.
-
At-Risk Investment – Your funds must remain invested and at financial risk.
-
Regional Center or Direct Investment – Choose between investing directly in a business or through a USCIS-approved regional center.
These requirements ensure that your investment contributes to the U.S. economy and qualifies you for USA residency by investment.
The Role of Immigration Lawyer USA Fee
Navigating the USA EB-5 Investment Visa process can be complex, which is why many investors hire an immigration lawyer. The immigration lawyer USA fee usually ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 USD, depending on your case.
An experienced lawyer will:
-
Ensure your application meets USA Tier 1 Investor Visa requirements.
-
Help document the source of funds for your investment.
-
Advise on the best USA residency by investment strategy.
-
Increase your chances of approval.
Although the immigration lawyer USA fee adds to your total cost, it can save you from costly mistakes and delays.
Steps to Apply for the EB-5 USA Investor Visa
Here’s a step-by-step process:
-
Choose Your Investment – Decide between direct investment or a regional center project.
-
Consult an Immigration Lawyer – Pay the immigration lawyer USA fee and get expert advice.
-
File Form I-526E – Submit your EB-5 application to USCIS.
-
Wait for Approval – USCIS reviews your case and investment details.
-
Apply for Conditional Green Card – If approved, you and your family can enter the U.S.
-
Remove Conditions – After 2 years, file Form I-829 to prove job creation and secure full permanent residency.
-
Apply for Citizenship – After 5 years, apply for USA citizenship by investment.
USA Citizenship by Investment – The Final Goal
One of the main advantages of the EB-5 USA Investor Visa is that it opens the door to USA citizenship by investment. After 5 years of permanent residency, you can apply for naturalization.
Once approved, you will enjoy USA passport benefits visa, including:
-
Visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
-
The ability to live and work anywhere in the USA without restrictions.
-
Access to world-class healthcare and education.
-
Full protection under U.S. law.
This makes the USA EB-5 Investment Visa one of the most valuable immigration pathways worldwide.
High Net Worth Immigration USA – Who Should Apply?
The EB-5 program is designed for individuals seeking high net worth immigration USA. If you:
-
Have the funds to meet the USA permanent residency investment threshold,
-
Want USA residency by investment for yourself and your family,
-
Desire access to the USA Golden Visa lifestyle,
then the EB-5 is ideal for you.
It is particularly attractive to global entrepreneurs, business leaders, and families looking for better educational and healthcare opportunities.
Challenges and Risks of the EB-5 USA Investor Visa
While the program has many benefits, there are challenges too:
-
High Investment Threshold – Meeting the USA permanent residency investment threshold requires significant capital.
-
Processing Times – Applications may take 2–3 years to process.
-
Job Creation Requirement – Your investment must create jobs, or you risk visa denial.
-
Immigration Lawyer USA Fee – Adds extra cost to the process.
Still, with proper planning and guidance, the EB-5 remains the fastest route to USA residency by investment.
Frequently Asked Questions About USA Golden Visa
1. What is the minimum investment for the EB-5 visa?
The USA permanent residency investment threshold is $1,050,000, or $800,000 if investing in a TEA.
2. Can I include my family?
Yes. The USA EB-5 Investment Visa allows your spouse and children under 21 to join you.
3. How long until I get a green card?
Usually 12–24 months after approval of your USA EB-5 Investment Visa.
4. Do I need an immigration lawyer?
Yes. Paying the immigration lawyer USA fee ensures your case is handled correctly.
5. Can I get USA citizenship by investment?
Yes, after 5 years of permanent residency, you can apply for naturalization and enjoy USA passport benefits visa.
Final Thoughts On EB-5 USA Investor Visa
The EB-5 USA Investor Visa is one of the most powerful immigration programs in the world. It gives you a direct pathway to USA residency by investment, Indefinite Leave to Remain USA, and eventually USA citizenship by investment.
By meeting the USA permanent residency investment threshold and following the USA Tier 1 Investor Visa requirements, you can secure a future in the United States for yourself and your family.
With professional guidance, including paying the immigration lawyer USA fee, you can maximize your chances of success and enjoy the full range of USA passport benefits visa.
If you are a global investor seeking high net worth immigration USA, now is the best time to apply for the USA EB-5 Investment Visa.