What Is the EB-5 Visa?

Q: What does EB-5 stand for?

EB-5 stands for **Employment-Based Fifth Preference**, a U.S. immigrant visa category for qualifying investors who make a job-creating investment.

Q: How much does EB-5 cost?

The required investment is **$800,000** in a qualifying **TEA** project or **$1,050,000** otherwise, plus additional government filing fees and professional costs that vary by case and provider. An immigration attorney can help you estimate total costs based on your plan.

The EB-5 visa is a U.S. immigration program granting permanent residency to foreign investors who invest at least $800,000 and create 10 jobs.

EB-5 Definition (Quick Facts)

Here’s the EB-5 definition most investors want:

- Investment amount: $800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, or $1,050,000 for the standard minimum investment.

- Job creation: Your investment must support 10 full-time U.S. jobs (for qualifying U.S. workers).

- Who gets green cards: The investor, plus a spouse and unmarried children under 21 can typically be included in the same case.

- Program history: EB-5 has been authorized by Congress since 1990 and is currently governed by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) and USCIS policy.

EB-5 Explained: How It Works (High Level)

EB-5 is designed to bring foreign capital into the U.S. economy and create jobs. Most investors choose one of two paths:

### 1) Regional Center project (most common)

A Regional Center is a USCIS-approved organization that sponsors EB-5 projects (often real estate or infrastructure). Many Regional Center offerings allow job creation to be counted using economic models (not just direct payroll jobs), which is why they are popular with passive investors.

### 2) Direct investment (active business)

A direct EB-5 investment is typically into your own company or a business you control. In many direct cases, the 10 jobs generally need to be direct employees on the company’s payroll.

What Makes EB-5 Attractive to Investors?

- A potential path to U.S. permanent residence without needing a U.S. employer sponsor

- Ability to include your immediate family in the immigration process

- Investment thresholds that are fixed by law today: $800K TEA / $1.05M standard

For a step-by-step breakdown (process, timelines, project types, and documentation), see our main EB-5 guide: EB-5 Visa: The Complete Guide.

Timing Note: September 30, 2026 Grandfathering Deadline

If you file an EB-5 petition on or before September 30, 2026, current law includes “grandfathering” protections for properly filed cases even if the Regional Center program later faces reauthorization changes. Discuss timing strategy with an immigration attorney for your specific situation.

Ready to explore whether EB-5 fits your goals? Schedule a free EB-5 evaluation with our team and we’ll help you understand your options and next steps.

FAQs

What does EB-5 stand for?

EB-5 stands for Employment-Based Fifth Preference, a U.S. immigrant visa category for qualifying investors who make a job-creating investment.

How much does EB-5 cost?

The required investment is $800,000 in a qualifying TEA project or $1,050,000 otherwise, plus additional government filing fees and professional costs that vary by case and provider. An immigration attorney can help you estimate total costs based on your plan.

Who qualifies for EB-5?

To qualify, you generally must (1) invest the required amount, (2) show the funds come from a lawful source, and (3) demonstrate the investment creates or supports 10 full-time U.S. jobs. Eligibility can depend on project structure, documentation, and personal circumstances—confirm details with a qualified immigration attorney.