The EB-5 green card, explained

What is the EB-5?

The EB-5 lets you get a green card by investing in a U.S. business that creates jobs. The idea is simple. You put money into the economy, that money helps create real jobs, and in return you and your family can become permanent residents.

You can invest directly into your own business, or through a regional center, which is a group that pools investor money into larger projects. Either way, your investment must create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

Para quem é?

The EB-5 is for people who have the money to invest and want a green card without needing an employer or a job offer. It suits investors, business owners, and families who want to live in the U.S. and can meet the investment rules.

O que você precisa para se qualificar

• An investment of about $1,050,000, or about $800,000 if the business is in a targeted employment area, meaning a rural or high-unemployment area.
• Proof the money came from a lawful source.
• The business must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
• Your investment must be at risk, meaning it is a real investment, not a loan back to yourself.

Como funciona o processo

1. Make your investment and file the petition (Form I-526E or I-526).
2. Wait for a visa to be available. Your priority date is your place in line, and the wait depends on your country.
3. Get a conditional green card, valid for two years. File to adjust status if you are in the U.S., or finish at a U.S. consulate if you are abroad.
4. Later, file to remove the conditions once the jobs and investment are shown, to get the full green card.

Quanto custa

How long it takes

Timelines vary. The petition can take a while to process, and your total wait depends on your home country and visa availability. Remember the green card starts as conditional for two years before you get the permanent one.

Erros comuns a evitar

• Not documenting where your money came from. This is a common reason cases stall.
• Choosing a project without checking if it can really create the 10 jobs.
• Assuming the investment amount is fixed. It is set by law and can change.
• Skipping the step to remove conditions, which is needed for the full green card.

Is the EB-5 right for you?

If you can make the investment and want a green card for your whole family without an employer, the EB-5 is a strong option. It is a big financial step, so it is worth careful planning. A quick check can help you see if it fits your goals.

Nailing your EB-5 interview

Here is what the EB-5 interview looks like and how to walk in ready.

The EB-5 immigrant visa interview is mostly about money: where your investment came from, how it reached the project, how much you put in, and what the project is. Know your I-526 petition well.

Perguntas que os oficiais costumam fazer

• How much did you invest, and where did the funds come from?
• Can you trace the path of the money to the project?
• What is the project, and when was it established?
• How does it create jobs?
• Tell me about your background: work, travel, health?

Antes de ir, o básico

• Agende com antecedência e chegue cedo, e leve todos os documentos listados na sua carta de agendamento, além do passaporte e da página de confirmação do seu DS-160 ou DS-260.
• Conheça o seu próprio processo: suas respostas em voz alta devem corresponder, em essência e palavra por palavra, ao que você escreveu no seu pedido.
• Responda apenas ao que for perguntado, em uma ou duas frases claras, e então pare; não ofereça informações extras.
• Seja honesto sobre tudo, inclusive recusas ou permanências além do prazo no passado; uma pequena verdade é sempre mais segura do que uma mentira descoberta.
• Leve seus documentos organizados e fáceis de entregar, mas espere o oficial pedir antes de tirar qualquer coisa.
• Fale por si mesmo em palavras simples; você não precisa de um inglês perfeito e não precisa decorar um roteiro.
• Mantenha a calma e a educação mesmo que o oficial seja seco; a maioria das entrevistas dura apenas de dois a cinco minutos.
• Vista-se de forma arrumada e trate o momento como um compromisso sério, porque a primeira impressão se forma rápido.
• Não leve telefones ou bolsas que não possa guardar, e nunca ofereça dinheiro ou presentes de qualquer tipo.
• Se não entender uma pergunta, tudo bem pedir ao oficial para repeti-la.

Perguntas frequentes

Can my family get green cards too?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in your EB-5 case.

What is a targeted employment area?

It is a rural area or an area with high unemployment. Investing there lowers the required amount to about $800,000.

What is a regional center?

It is an approved group that pools investor money into larger projects. It can make meeting the job rules easier, but you should review the project carefully.

Why is the green card conditional at first?

The first green card lasts two years. Once you show the investment and jobs are real, you file to remove the conditions and get the permanent green card.