EB-5 and Real Estate: Is Investing in Property a Good Strategy for Your Green Card?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is often associated with large-scale real estate projects—but many investors are surprised to learn that simply buying a home or commercial property does not qualify for a U.S. green card under EB-5.

Let’s break down the relationship between real estate and EB-5 investment, and what actually counts toward your eligibility.

What the EB-5 Program Requires

To qualify for an EB-5 visa, an investor must:

● Invest $800,000 or $1,050,000 in a U.S. business (depending on whether the project is in a Targeted Employment Area or not)

● Create or preserve at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs

● Prove that the capital was lawfully sourced

● Invest in a new commercial enterprise (NCE), not a passive asset

Where Real Estate Fits into EB-5

EB-5 funds is often used in real estate development projects—think hotels, multi-family housing, retail centers, or mixed-use developments. However, in these cases:

● You are investing in a job-creating business, not directly purchasing real estate for personal use.

● You’re usually part of a limited partnership in a Regional Center-sponsored project that pools funds for a large-scale development.

● The jobs created by construction and operations are what qualify you for the green card—not the property itself.

Why Buying a Home Doesn’t Qualify

A common misconception is that purchasing a house, apartment, or rental unit in the U.S. can qualify as an EB-5 investment. This is not true.

● Residential property is considered a passive investment.

● It does not create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

● There is no business activity, which is a key EB-5 requirement.

How to Use Real Estate Strategically in EB-5

While buying a home doesn’t count, you can leverage the EB-5 program through real estate if:

● You invest in a qualified commercial real estate project through a Regional Center

● The project has been approved by USCIS and has filed an I-956F

● The development will meet job creation requirements, often through indirect jobs during construction

Is Real Estate a Good EB-5 Strategy?

Yes, but only when structured correctly. Real estate-based EB-5 projects can be low-risk, with physical assets and high job creation potential—but you must:

● Do your due diligence on the developer and Regional Center

● Review the job creation methodology

● Understand the timeline and exit strategy for your capital

Final Thoughts

Buying property ≠ Green Card. Investing in a job-creating real estate project = Green Card.

If you’re considering EB-5 through real estate, work with a trusted Regional Center like Makaan Regional center and immigration attorney to ensure your investment aligns with USCIS regulations.

📞 Let us help you with the best path to a U.S. green card—📩 Book a Strategy Session