A targeted employment area (rural or high-unemployment area); the minimum investment drops to USD 800,000 in these areas.

How long does it take to get a green card?

A conditional green card is issued first; after 2 years, the conditions are removed with proof of investment and employment, resulting in a permanent green card.

Does my family also get a green card?

Yes, a spouse and children under 21 receive a green card in the same application.

Can I get my money back?

EB-5 capital must be at risk; depending on project terms, the investment may be returned at the end of the investment period, but returns or return of principal are not guaranteed.

What is a regional center?

A USCIS-approved entity that pools investor capital and manages projects, providing investors with a passive participation opportunity.

Is there an advantage to rural TEA projects?

Yes, thanks to visa set-asides for rural projects under the 2022 RIA, these applications may receive priority processing.

When can I become a US citizen?

As a permanent green card holder, you can generally apply for citizenship after 5 years.

2026 Program Guide

USA Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The USA EB-5 Investor Visa opens the way to US permanent residence (green card) through an investment of USD 800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) or USD 1,050,000 in other areas. The investment must create 10 full-time jobs; the process covers a spouse and children under 21.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program: EB-5 Investor Visa
TEA investment: USD 800,000
Non-TEA investment: USD 1,050,000
Employment requirement: 10 full-time jobs
Outcome: Conditional green card -> permanent after 2 years
Family: Spouse and children under 21

Who is it for?

Investors seeking a path to US permanent residence (green card) and citizenship.
Families wishing to offer their children a US education and career opportunities.
Those with a budget of USD 800,000 or more who prefer passive (regional center) investment.
Those targeting a green card together with a spouse and children under 21.

How Does EB-5 Work?

EB-5 is a federal program that provides US permanent residence through investment. The investor places capital in an approved project (usually through a USCIS-approved regional center), and this investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs. The regional center route offers a passive investment opportunity without involvement in the day-to-day management of the business.

TEA and Investment Amount

In areas designated as Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) - rural or high-unemployment areas - the minimum investment is USD 800,000; in other areas, it is USD 1,050,000. The 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) introduced visa set-asides for rural projects, which may mean faster processing priority for some applicants.

Process and Timelines

The process begins with making the investment and submitting the I-526E petition. A conditional green card is issued after approval. At the end of two years, the conditions are removed through the I-829 petition, proving that the investment and employment have been maintained, resulting in a permanent green card. US citizenship can generally be applied for 5 years after obtaining permanent residence.

Benefits

The right to live, work, and study in the US.
Path to permanent residence (green card) and citizenship.
Family members receive a green card in the same application.
Freedom to live in any US state you choose.

Requirements

USD 800,000 investment in a TEA (or USD 1,050,000 outside a TEA).
Creation of at least 10 full-time jobs.
Legal source of funds and an approved project / regional center.

Costs

TEA investment: USD 800,000
Non-TEA investment: USD 1,050,000
Regional center and legal fees: Apply separately

FAQ

What is a TEA?: A targeted employment area (rural or high-unemployment area); the minimum investment drops to USD 800,000 in these areas.
How long does it take to get a green card?: A conditional green card is issued first; after 2 years, the conditions are removed with proof of investment and employment, resulting in a permanent green card.
Does my family also get a green card?: Yes, a spouse and children under 21 receive a green card in the same application.
Can I get my money back?: EB-5 capital must be at risk; depending on project terms, the investment may be returned at the end of the investment period, but returns or return of principal are not guaranteed.
What is a regional center?: A USCIS-approved entity that pools investor capital and manages projects, providing investors with a passive participation opportunity.
Is there an advantage to rural TEA projects?: Yes, thanks to visa set-asides for rural projects under the 2022 RIA, these applications may receive priority processing.
When can I become a US citizen?: As a permanent green card holder, you can generally apply for citizenship after 5 years.

Sources

USCIS - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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