United StatesResidence
US EB-5 investor green card (golden visa)
EB-5 immigrant investor program
In short
The EB-5 program gives conditional permanent residence to investors, with their spouse and unmarried children under 21, who invest $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project, in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time US jobs. Investors can invest directly or through a USCIS-designated regional center.
Apply on USCIS – EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program checked 25 October 2026
Key facts
- Validity
- Conditional green card for 2 years, then Form I-829 to remove conditions
- Fee
- US$3,675Form I-526 or I-526E per G-1055 edition 10/16/26, plus $1,000 Integrity Fund fee for I-526E; from 30 November 2026 the EB-5 fee rule sets I-526 at $7,615, I-526E at $7,850, Integrity fee $1,100 and I-829 at $5,000
- Funds required
- US$800,000In a targeted employment area or infrastructure project; $1,050,000 elsewhere (amounts for investments on or after 15 March 2022)
- Work
- Unrestricted once a permanent resident
- Family
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included
- Path to permanent residence
- Conditions removed through Form I-829; citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident
- Where to apply
- Petition with USCIS; immigrant visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate that processes immigrant visas for your place of residence
Job creation and regional centers
The new commercial enterprise must create full-time positions (at least 35 hours a week) for at least 10 qualifying US workers. Direct investors count only jobs the enterprise itself creates; investors through a regional center can meet up to 90% of the requirement with indirect jobs. Jobs must be permanent, not seasonal or temporary.
Investment amounts
For investments made on or after 15 March 2022, the standard minimum is $1,050,000 and the reduced minimum in a targeted employment area (rural or high-unemployment) or an infrastructure project is $800,000. The capital must be at risk and lawfully sourced; you must document the path of the funds from their origin.
Fees
Under USCIS Form G-1055 (edition 16 October 2026), Form I-526 and I-526E each cost $3,675, and an initial I-526E also needs a separate $1,000 EB-5 Integrity Fund fee. A final EB-5 fee rule effective 30 November 2026 sets I-526 at $7,615, I-526E at $7,850 (including a $75 technology fee), the Integrity Fund fee at $1,100 and I-829 at $5,000. Immigrant visa processing costs $345 at the embassy, plus the $235 USCIS immigrant fee.
From petition to green card
File Form I-526 (direct) or I-526E (regional center) with USCIS. After approval and when a visa number is available under the Visa Bulletin, the National Visa Center processes the case and the responsible U.S. embassy or consulate interviews you; all immigrant visa applicants need a medical exam by an embassy-approved physician. You receive a 2-year conditional green card and must file Form I-829 to remove conditions, showing the investment was sustained and the jobs created.
- Choose a direct investment or a USCIS-designated regional center project and confirm whether it is in a targeted employment area.
- Invest the required capital and document its lawful source.
- File Form I-526 or I-526E with USCIS and pay the fees.
- After approval, complete NVC processing and attend the immigrant visa interview at the responsible U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Enter the US as a conditional resident and file Form I-829 in the 90 days before the 2-year card expires.
Family members
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive green cards as derivatives on the same investment. Children who turn 21 during processing may be protected under the Child Status Protection Act in some cases.
Documents
Required documents
Identity
- Passports, birth and marriage certificates for all family members
Money
- Evidence of the investment: subscription agreement, escrow or transfer records
- Lawful source of funds: tax returns, sale contracts, salary records, inheritance or gift documents
Work
- Business plan and job creation evidence (or regional center project documents)
Supporting documents (where they apply)
Other
- Police certificates and embassy medical exam at the immigrant visa stage
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest for a US green card in 2026?
$800,000 in a targeted employment area or infrastructure project, or $1,050,000 elsewhere, plus fees and costs.
Is EB-5 a golden visa?
It is the US equivalent of residence by investment, but the green card is conditional for 2 years and the investment must create 10 jobs.
Can I live anywhere in the US?
Yes. Once admitted as a permanent resident you can live and work anywhere; you do not have to manage the business if you invest through a regional center.
Official sources
- USCIS – About the EB-5 Visa Classification
- USCIS – G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition 10/16/26)
- Federal Register – USCIS EB-5 Fee Rule (effective 30 November 2026)
- 22 CFR 22.1 – Schedule of fees for consular services
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye – U.S. Visa Services
- Proclamation 10998 – Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals (Federal Register, govinfo)
- Servicio oficial de citas de visa (México) – Anuncio sobre la entrevista de visas de inmigrante en el país de residencia
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for the United States
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP; an extension can be requested with Form I-539 if treatment continues
- Transit visa Maximum stay: Immediate and continuous transit only; never more than 29 days
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Investor visa Maximum stay: Admission normally for up to 2 years at a time, renewable while the business qualifies
Study and training
- Student visa Maximum stay: From 15 September 2026: the programme end date, up to 4 years, plus a 30-day departure period; longer study needs an extension from USCIS
- Researcher visa Maximum stay: Length of the programme, up to 5 years
- Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Interns up to 12 months; trainees up to 18 months (12 months in agriculture and hospitality and tourism)
- Au pair visa Maximum stay: 12 months, extendable by 6, 9 or 12 months with State Department approval
Work
- Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years in total
- Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Initial stay up to 3 years (1 year for a new office); total 7 years for L-1A and 5 for L-1B
- Work visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years initially; extensions in 1-year increments
- Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: Period of the certified need, usually up to 1 year, extendable to a 3-year maximum
Family
- Spouse and partner visa Validity: K-1: 90 days to marry; CR-1: 2-year conditional green card; IR-1: 10-year green card
- Family reunification visa Processing time: Immediate relatives: no queue after petition approval; preference categories: years, depending on the Visa Bulletin
Residence
- Permanent residence Validity: 10-year card (2-year conditional card for recent marriages and EB-5)
Online travel permits
- Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit
Faster processing
- Fast-track and priority visa services Processing time: Premium processing: 15 business days for most cases, 30 for I-765 and I-539, 45 for E13 and NIW I-140
Protection
- Asylum and international protection Processing time: No fixed timeline; affirmative cases are interviewed by a USCIS asylum office