The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa has become an increasingly attractive pathway to U.S. permanent residency for individuals and families around the world. While the promise of obtaining a green card for you and your immediate family is alluring, it comes with one major commitment: a substantial financial investment. But how much exactly do you need to invest? And where does this money go? In this blog, we’ll break down the financial requirements of the EB-5 visa and provide insights to help you understand the costs involved.

At Makaan Regional Center, we make it our mission to simplify the EB-5 process, ensuring that your investment not only meets the program’s criteria but also maximizes the potential for returns. Let’s dive into the details of what it takes to financially qualify for the EB-5 program.
The Investment Threshold: How Much Do You Need to Invest?
The minimum required investment for the EB-5 visa depends on where your funds are being directed:
$800,000: If you invest in a project located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). TEAs are either rural areas or regions with higher-than-average unemployment rates, making these locations a priority for U.S. job creation.
$1,050,000: For investments in non-TEA projects. These are generally located in more developed regions with stronger economies and lower unemployment rates.
While the amount is different depending on the location, the underlying requirement remains the same: the investment must go toward a U.S.-based project that creates jobs for American workers.
What is a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)?
A TEA is a region designated by the U.S. government to encourage economic growth in rural or high-unemployment areas. Investing in a TEA not only contributes to revitalizing these regions but also allows you to qualify for the lower investment threshold of $800,000.
TEA projects are often chosen by Regional Centers like Makaan because they offer a more affordable entry point for investors, while still fulfilling the program’s job creation and investment risk requirements. Additionally, TEA investments provide the same path to permanent residency as non-TEA projects, making them a popular choice among investors seeking value and opportunity.
Where Does the Money Go?
When you make an EB-5 investment, it’s important to understand where your money is going and how it is used. The primary goal of your investment is to create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. These jobs can be direct, indirect, or induced, depending on the structure of the investment project.
Typically, your investment will be channeled through a Regional Center, like Makaan, which manages large-scale development projects. These projects can include anything from real estate developments (such as hotels, apartment complexes, or shopping centers) to infrastructure projects like highways and energy facilities.
Additional Financial Requirements: Administrative and Legal Fees
In addition to the capital investment, there are several other costs associated with the EB-5 program that you’ll need to budget for:
Administrative Fees: Regional Centers often charge an administrative fee to cover the costs of managing your investment and ensuring compliance with EB-5 regulations. This fee typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000, depending on the project.
Legal Fees: You’ll also need to hire an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney to help you file the necessary paperwork and ensure that your application meets all USCIS requirements. Legal fees can range from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s experience.
Filing Fees: There are USCIS filing fees for submitting the I-526 petition (to qualify for conditional residency) and the I-829 petition (to remove conditions and obtain permanent residency). These fees can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $3,675 for each petition.
The Importance of Job Creation
To qualify for the EB-5 program, your investment must result in the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The success of your application hinges on this requirement, making it crucial to choose a project with a clear and reliable job creation methodology. At Makaan Regional Center, we carefully select projects that not only meet the job creation requirements but exceed them, providing a buffer to ensure your investment is secure.
The “At-Risk” Requirement: What Does it Mean?
One of the most critical elements of the EB-5 program is that your investment must be “at risk.” This means that there are no guarantees of a return on your capital. The U.S. government requires that EB-5 investments be made in a manner that allows for both the potential for profit as well as the risk of loss. This “at-risk” requirement is meant to ensure that EB-5 investments are genuine and contribute to the U.S. economy.
However, choosing a reputable Regional Center like Makaan, with a strong track record of successful projects and capital repayment, can help mitigate the risks involved. We have a history of carefully vetting investment opportunities to ensure that they meet all EB-5 program criteria and have a high likelihood of success.
Total Estimated Costs: What Should You Expect?
Let’s break down the total financial commitment for a typical EB-5 investment:
Capital Investment: $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA)
Administrative Fees: $50,000 - $90,000
Legal Fees: $15,000 - $25,000
Filing Fees: $3,675 (I-526) + $3,675 (I-829)
In total, for a TEA project, you can expect to spend around $875,000 to $900,000. For non-TEA projects, the total can range from $1,120,000 to $1,150,000.
Is the EB-5 Investment Right for You?
If you’re ready to commit to a significant financial investment in exchange for permanent residency in the U.S., the EB-5 program could be an excellent fit for you. It’s a powerful way to secure your future in the U.S., offering opportunities not just for you, but for your entire family. However, like any major financial decision, it’s essential to fully understand the costs, risks, and benefits involved.
At Makaan Regional Center, we are here to guide you every step of the way. With our team of experts, you can feel confident that your investment is being handled by professionals with a proven track record of success in the EB-5 industry. Contact us today to learn more about our current investment opportunities and start your journey to U.S. permanent residency.
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