According to the latest regulations issued in 2022, applicants (along with their spouse and unmarried children under 21) must invest 1.05 million USD (non-TEA areas) or 800,000 USD (TEA areas) into projects approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regional centers, and create at least 10 direct or indirect job opportunities. In addition, an immigration operation and supervision cost of 80,000 USD (management fee) must be paid.
Project Advantages
One investment allows the whole family (unmarried children under 21) to obtain U.S. green cards
Applicants are not required to participate in business management
Simple application process
No strict U.S. residency requirement, convenient travel
After obtaining a U.S. green card, holders enjoy the same rights as permanent residents
Applicants legally residing in the U.S. can simultaneously file I-526E (EB-5) and I-485 (Adjustment of Status), and may obtain work authorization and travel permission in about three months.
USCIS has clearly stated that the minimum investment period under the new EB-5 law is 2 years. There is no requirement to maintain the investment during the conditional green card period until filing for the permanent green card. The investment can be returned once sufficient job creation is achieved and the project’s repayment term is completed.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be at least 16 years old
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old can apply together
No requirement for business background, education level, or English language ability
Applicant’s assets do not need to be accumulated personally; they can also come from gifts, inheritance, or other legal sources
Application Process
Application Process (Overseas Filing)
Step
Description
Timeline
1
Sign agreement with intermediary and immigration lawyer, and complete payment
–
2
Prepare required documents, sign Regional Center subscription agreement, and remit investment funds as instructed
~2–3 months
3
Lawyer reviews documents and files Form I-526E
~3 months (child age is locked)
4
Receive case number from USCIS; funds are released into the investment project
~1 month
5
I-526E approval
~1–2 years (child age unlocks)
6
Case transferred to National Visa Center; interview scheduled and immigrant visa issued
~3 months (may have backlog/priority date delay; child age locks again)
7
Enter the U.S. and receive 2-year conditional green card
–
8
At month 21 of conditional green card, file Form I-829
–
9
I-829 approval and issuance of permanent green card
~1–2 years
Application Process (Inside U.S. Filing / Adjustment of Status)
Step
Description
Timeline
1
Sign agreement with intermediary and immigration lawyer, and complete payment
–
2
Prepare required documents and remit investment funds as instructed
~2–3 months
3
Lawyer reviews documents and simultaneously files Form I-526E, I-485, I-765, and I-131
~3 months (child age is locked)
4
Receive USCIS case number; funds are released into the investment project
~1 month
5
Approval of I-765 and I-131; receive Combo Card (work + travel authorization)
~3 months
6
I-526E approval
~1–2 years
7
I-485 approval and issuance of immigrant status/approval
May be subject to backlog; if no backlog, I-526E and I-485 may be approved together
8
Receive 2-year conditional green card
—
9
At month 21 of conditional green card, file Form I-829
—
10
I-829 approval and issuance of permanent green card
