Media

As of February 2025, the minimum investment amounts required for the EB-5 program are:

• $1,050,000 for investments in a non-Targeted Employment Area  
• $800,000 for investments in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)—which includes rural areas, high-unemployment regions, or infrastructure projects. By offering a lower investment threshold, TEAs incentivize investors to direct their funds to regions that need economic development and job opportunities the most.

These amounts were established under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and are subject to periodic adjustments for inflation.

What is the EB-5 Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a U.S. visa program that allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency (a Green Card) by making a significant investment in the U.S. economy. Established in 1990 by Congress, the program is designed to stimulate economic growth by attracting foreign capital and creating jobs for American workers.

To qualify, an investor must:

• Invest in a new commercial enterprise or a regional center project
• Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers

The EB-5 program is especially attractive because it provides a direct path to a U.S. Green Card without requiring family or employer sponsorship. Investors can also include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the application.

Will the Minimum EB-5 Investment Increase?

Yes, the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act mandates that the minimum investment amounts be adjusted for inflation every five years. The first adjustment is scheduled for January 1, 2027.

The increase will be calculated based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which tracks inflation in the U.S. economy. As of February 2025, the U.S. inflation rate is approximately 3.2% annually. If inflation continues at this rate, the minimum investment in 2027 could rise proportionally.

Key Benefits of the EB-5 Program

The EB-5 program continues to be one of the most attractive investment-based immigration options, offering:

• Green Card for the Whole Family – Investors, their spouses, and children under 21 receive U.S. permanent residency.
• No Sponsorship Requirement – Unlike H-1B and L-1 visas, EB-5 does not require an employer or family sponsorship.
• Freedom to Live, Work, and Study Anywhere – Green Card holders are not restricted to a specific job, state, or employer.
• Access to Top U.S. Education Institutions – Investors’ children can attend U.S. schools, benefit from lower in-state tuition at public universities, and qualify for federal student aid.
• Pathway to U.S. Citizenship – After five years as a Green Card holder, investors can apply for naturalization and obtain a U.S. passport.
• Potential Return on Investment – With careful project selection, EB-5 investors can secure residency while also recovering their capital over time.

What Should Investors Do?

If you are considering the EB-5 program, it is important to act before the next scheduled price increase in 2027. With the potential for a higher investment requirement, securing an EB-5 Green Card at the current $800,000 level could be a strategic financial decision.

To navigate the application process and ensure compliance with program requirements, consulting with an experienced EB-5 attorney or an investment advisor is highly recommended.

For more information on EB-5 opportunities, reach out to The American Legal Center—your trusted partner in EB-5 immigration.