EB-5 and Real Estate: Is Investing in Property a Good Strategy for Your Green Card?
- Admin
- Jul 25
- 2 min read

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
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