ABOUT EB-5

The EB-5 (Employment-Based Fifth Preference) immigration investment program was established in 1990, with the goal of attracting overseas investors to invest and create employment opportunities in the United States. According to the Immigration Act of 1990 Section 203(b)(5), an alien who uses his own lawfully gained capital to invest in establishing a commercial enterprise that creates 10 or more jobs may immigrate to the United States under the EB-5 classification. If the alien invests in a “regional center” approved by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), both indirect as well as direct jobs may be used to satisfy the job creation requirement. Of all immigration classifications, EB-5 Regional Center is the one with the shortest processing time and fewest restricting conditions.

EB-5 Immigration Application Progress

Applicants in United States

If entering the United States with F1 student visa, B1/B2 business tourist visa, and H1B work visa

Invest $800,000 in an USCIS approved program

About 90 days after entry

File I-526E “Immigrant Petition”
File I-485 “Adjustment of status”, receive EAD/AP Combo Card

I-526E Approval

Receive 2-year Conditional Green Card

Obtain 2-year Conditional Green Card for about 21 months

File I-829 “Petition to Remove Conditions”

I-829 Approved

Receive Permanent Green Card

Applicants outside of United States

Invest $800,000 in an USCIS approved program

File I-526E “Immigrant Petition”

I-526E Approval

Get notice from the Immigration Bureau to go to U.S. Consulate for an interview to obtain a Conditional Green Card

Obtain 2-year Conditional Green Card for about 21 months

File I-829 “Petition to Remove Conditions”

I-829 Approved

Receive Permanent Green Card