A Step-by-Step Guide to the
EB-5 Cost & Process
Understanding What it Takes to Complete the EB-5 Visa Process
The path to permanent residency is not without difficulties. The process can be lengthy and complicated. Partnering with the right regional center and immigration attorney can make a world of difference, but even with the right partners, we still recommend educating yourself on the process so you can be prepared. We’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to the process, as well as some answers to common questions. When in doubt, you can always schedule a call with one of our experts to learn more. We can also connect you with an immigration attorney who is skilled in EB-5 visa applications.
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EB-5 Process
What You Need to Know About the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act is an extensive reform of the EB-5 immigrant investor program that happened in 2022. The primary goal for the act was to make the process more transparent, efficient, and fair for everyone. With revised investment amounts, streamlined processes, and stricter security measures, the new legislation aims to improve the program’s effectiveness, integrity, and economic impact. Take a look at our comprehensive checklist outlining the updates.
- Adjustment for Investment Inflation
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act changed the program’s minimum investment requirements to better reflect the latest cost of living and inflation rates in the United States. The new minimum investment for an EB-5 green card is $1,050,000—which is lowered to $800,000 for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) or rural areas. - Project Prioritization in Targeted Employment Areas
To enhance rural and low-income neighborhoods in the United States, there are now better incentives for investors to prioritize projects in TEAs. The aim is to promote economic growth, job creation, and revitalize struggling communities. TEA investors now get access to exclusive set-aside visa categories, which can allow investors from popular countries like China and India to immigrate faster than previously possible. - Renewal of the EB-5 Regional Center Program
The program was extended to September 2027. - Improved Application Efficiency
The new act aims to make the application process more efficient and transparent. It allows for concurrent visa filing to boost efficiency and make it easier for immigrants to live in the U.S. while their paperwork is processing. - Enhanced Security Measures
When handling such a large amount of money, there are (understandably) concerns about fraud. The new legislation created rules like mandating background checks for regional center leaders and project developers, as well as empowering the Department of Homeland Security to perform inspections, in order to reduce the risk for investors.
EB-5 Visa FAQs
Want to know more? Browse frequently asked questions about the EB-5 visa program or head to our FAQ page to learn more.
How long does an EB-5 take to process?
Processing times vary, but investors should be prepared to wait twelve months or more for approval of the I-526E petition. It can then take 4-6 months to secure the visa from the consulate. Additional wait periods will apply if you are coming from a country that has exceeded its annual quota, requiring that you wait for a visa to become available. Currently this only applies to a few countries in the world… most countries have an EB-5 visa available and waiting for you right now.
What is the success rate of the EB-5 visa program?
Overall, the approval process is very high, nearly 100%, when investors choose an experienced EB-5 program like American Life, and utilize a skilled immigration attorney.
How much does the EB-5 visa cost?
The total cost of the EB-5 process includes the minimum investment amount of $800,000 for projects located in designated Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), which encompass rural and high-unemployment areas, or $1,050,000 if located elsewhere.
In addition to the investment, applicants should budget for legal fees, administration fees, and the USCIS filing fees– the combined total of which can sometimes exceed $100K.
What is the filing fee for an EB-5?
The USCIS charges a fee to file Form I-526E, also called the Immigrant Petition for Alien Entrepreneur Form. The current filing fee required for the form is $11,160.
Can I get a loan for an EB-5 investment?
You can get a loan from a bank, a lending institution, from friends or family, or even from a source in the United States, so long as the funds are from lawful means.
Can an EB-5 visa be delayed or rejected?
Yes, an EB-5 visa can be delayed or rejected at any stage in the process for various reasons. No immigration attorney or regional center can 100% guarantee success.
The most common problems encountered for EB-5 visa applications have been related to insufficient documentation of the source of funds by the investor. Due to privacy, and sometimes cultural reasons, many EB-5 investors try to disclose the least possible information only to have the file returned with a request for further information. It is better to provide too much information rather than too little. In this era of terror alerts and suspicions about money laundering, USCIS case examiners require well-documented support for the source of your invested funds.
We use the same investment model for each case and each project. USCIS has reviewed our investment model and has approved visa petitions based on our model. Furthermore USCIS changes its adjudication policies from time to time. Such changes often require further explanation of the project structure, which can delay visa approval, and occasionally result in visa denials. In the unlikely event of visa denial based on project structure, American Life, Inc. will defend its investors’ interests in Court at its expense.
Still have questions?
You can download our brochure for more information or schedule a call with one of our experts.
Schedule a CallPartner with the Trusted Name in EB-5 Immigration
American Life is the longest established EB-5 program in the United States, helping thousands of investors and their families achieve their American Dream. Are you ready to get started?
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8,000+ EB-5 Visas Granted
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3,000+ Investors
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45+ Projects Completed
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100% Required EB-5 Job Creation
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$1.5 B Total Market Value
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$225 M Capital Returned
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3,400+ I-829 Approvals
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$285 M Profit Distributions
Our $1.5 Billion Investor-Owned Real Estate Portfolio
Our portfolio of critically-acclaimed EB-5 equity projects includes partnerships with global brands like Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt hotels. It’s proof of our ability to develop successful, job-creating EB-5 projects that enhance the communities we work in, while also helping our investors achieve their American dream.
