The Ultimate EB-5 Glossary: 50 Terms Every Investor Should Know

Whether you're just beginning your EB-5 journey or already deep into the process, understanding the terminology used in EB-5 immigration is essential. Legal, financial, and immigration jargon can be overwhelming—but we've made it simple.

At Makaan Regional Center, we believe that informed investors make confident decisions. That’s why we’ve compiled The Ultimate EB-5 Glossary—a guide to 50 essential terms that every EB-5 investor should know.

A–Z Glossary of Key EB-5 Terms

A

●       Adjustment of Status (AOS): The process of applying for permanent residence (Green Card) while living in the U.S.

●       At-Risk Investment: USCIS requires your capital to be invested without guarantees of return during the EB-5 period.

B

●       Biometrics Appointment: Fingerprinting and identity verification process at USCIS.

●       Bona Fide Job: A genuine, full-time position created through the EB-5 investment.

C

●       Capital: Cash, equipment, inventory, or assets invested into the U.S. enterprise.

●       Concurrent Filing: Allows applicants in the U.S. to file Form I-526E and Form I-485 at the same time.

D

●       DS-260: Immigrant visa application for those applying from outside the U.S.

●       Due Diligence: The process of analyzing risks and legitimacy of an EB-5 project before investing.

E

●       EB-5 Visa: A U.S. immigration program for investors who meet job creation and investment criteria.

●       Eligible Family Members: Includes the main applicant, spouse, and unmarried children under 21.

F

●       Form I-526E: Petition to prove eligibility and intent to invest (filed after 2022 reform).

●       Form I-829: Petition to remove conditions after 2 years of conditional residency.

G

●       Green Card (Permanent Resident Card): Proof of lawful permanent residency in the U.S.

●       Gifted Funds: Legally received gifts can be used for investment with documentation.

H

●       H-1B Visa: A temporary work visa; many H-1B holders transition to EB-5 for permanent residency.

●       High-Unemployment Area: A TEA with 150%+ of the national average unemployment rate.

I

●       I-485: Application to register permanent residence (AOS).

●       I-956F: Project approval form submitted by regional centers for each EB-5 project.

J

●       Job Creation Requirement: Every EB-5 investment must create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

●       Job Cushion: Additional jobs created to cover potential shortfalls in investor projections.

K

●       Knowledgeable Employee: A term used in fund management to refer to senior-level staff with EB-5 awareness.

L

●       Lawful Source of Funds: All investment capital must be proven to come from legal sources.

●       Loan Model: An EB-5 investment structure where investor capital is loaned to a developer or project.

M

●       Makaan Regional Center: A USCIS-approved center guiding EB-5 investors with secure, job-creating projects.

●       Material Change: Any major project change that may affect investor eligibility; must be reported to USCIS.

N

●       NVC (National Visa Center): Processes EB-5 visa applications before consular interviews.

●       New Commercial Enterprise (NCE): The U.S. business entity receiving the EB-5 investment.

O

●       Opportunity Zones: Designated areas offering tax benefits and EB-5 project potential.

●       Offering Memorandum (OM): Legal document detailing the EB-5 project and investment terms.

P

●       Priority Date: The date USCIS receives your EB-5 petition—important for visa availability.

●       Private Placement Memorandum (PPM): Document that outlines project risks, financials, and job plans.

Q

●       Qualified Investment: An investment that meets all EB-5 criteria, including capital, structure, and job creation.

R

●       Regional Center: An organization like Makaan that manages EB-5 projects and tracks job creation.

●       RIA (Reform and Integrity Act of 2022): A major reform that introduced I-526E, new compliance rules, and visa set-asides.

S

●       Set-Aside Visas: Reserved visa categories for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure projects.

●       Source of Funds (SOF): Documents proving your EB-5 capital is legally earned.

T

●       Targeted Employment Area (TEA): Qualifies projects for reduced $800,000 investment threshold.

●       Third-Party Administrator (TPA): Independent firm overseeing fund disbursement and compliance.

U

●       USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services—the agency that handles EB-5 petitions.

●       Unlawful Presence: Time spent in the U.S. without valid status—can affect EB-5 eligibility.

V

●       Visa Bulletin: Monthly report by the U.S. State Department indicating visa availability by country and category.

●       Visa Retrogression: When EB-5 visa demand exceeds supply, causing delays in approvals.

W

●       Wire Transfer Receipt: Proof of capital transfer to the EB-5 project account.

Y

●       Year-End Filing Rush: Surge in applications before fiscal year-end for faster processing or set-aside access.

Conclusion: Know the Terms, Secure Your Future

Understanding EB-5 terminology helps you navigate the process more confidently and avoid common pitfalls. At Makaan Regional Center, we don’t just offer investment projects—we provide education, guidance, and full transparency every step of the way.

📞 Want to learn more? Reach out to Makaan Regional Center today for expert guidance on your EB-5 journey.

🌐 www.eb5makaan.com | ✉️ santhosh@makaaninvestmentgroup.com