Who Drives the Highest Demand for the EB-5 Visa?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a unique opportunity for foreign nationals to gain U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) by investing in U.S.-based businesses. Since its inception, the program has attracted investors from all over the world, but certain demographics have historically dominated the demand. Understanding who these top applicants are, and why they are drawn to the EB-5 program, can provide potential investors with important insights into the benefits of the program and the trends shaping its future.

Leading Countries of EB-5 Visa Applicants

While the EB-5 program is open to investors from any country, a few nations have consistently been the source of the largest numbers of applicants. These include China, India, and Vietnam—three countries with a rapidly growing group of business people and individuals seeking opportunities in the United States. However, new trends show that other regions, including Latin America and the Middle East, are also becoming significant players in the EB-5 market.

China: The Long-Time Leader

China has traditionally been the dominant source of EB-5 applicants. Since the program’s early years, Chinese investors have made up the majority of applicants, seeking U.S. residency for a variety of reasons. Many Chinese applicants are motivated by the desire for their children to attend American universities, which are often seen as offering superior education and more global opportunities.

Additionally, the economic stability and growth of the U.S. attract high-net-worth individuals who want to diversify their assets and secure a safe future for their families.

For FY 2024, Chinese investors received more than half of total unreserved visas issued.

India: A Growing Demand for U.S. Residency

In recent years, India has become an increasingly important source of EB-5 applicants. India’s growing middle and upper classes, along with its booming tech and business sectors, have led to an increased demand for second residency options. The U.S. is an attractive destination for Indian investors seeking better opportunities for their families, including top-tier education, access to global job markets, and potential business opportunities.

Vietnam: A Rising Star in EB-5 Investment

Vietnam has quickly emerged as a key player in the EB-5 market. The country’s rapid economic growth and increasing numbers of wealthy families have led many individuals to explore U.S. residency options. Vietnamese investors are particularly interested in sending their children to U.S. universities, many of which are perceived to offer world-class education and better job prospects after graduation. Vietnam is currently not retrogressed in the unreserved EB-5 category.

Emerging Markets: Latin America and the Middle East

While China and India have traditionally dominated the EB-5 market (and faced visa retrogression in the unreserved categories), emerging regions like Latin America and the Middle East are showing growing interest in the program. Several factors are contributing to this shift, including political instability, economic uncertainty, and a desire for better living conditions in the U.S.

Latin America: Seeking Stability and New Opportunities

Latin American countries, such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina, have seen increasing numbers of EB-5 applicants in recent years. Many individuals in these regions are looking to secure a safe future for their families amidst ongoing political and economic challenges. In addition, the desire for access to the U.S. healthcare system and better business opportunities has led to an uptick in demand for U.S. residency.

The Middle East: A Region in Transition

The Middle East is another region where demand for the EB-5 visa is growing. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have seen a rise in the number of wealthy individuals seeking U.S. residency. Many Middle Eastern applicants are drawn to the U.S. for political stability, security, and the ability to provide their families with world-class educational opportunities.

Why Are People Interested in the EB-5 Program?

The EB-5 visa program appeals to wealthy individuals for several reasons.

Economic Stability and Opportunity

For many, the main motivation is the desire for economic stability and opportunity. The U.S. is one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies, offering a wealth of business opportunities and a safe environment in which to grow and invest.

Educational and Career Opportunities

Additionally, many EB-5 applicants seek to secure better educational opportunities for their children. U.S. universities and schools are considered among the best in the world, and securing permanent residency through the EB-5 program is often seen as a way to gain access to this top-tier education system.

It is also a great opportunity for post-graduate life as it means they can look for jobs anywhere in the country and without relying on employer sponsorship or the H-1B lottery.

Healthcare

Furthermore, the EB-5 program offers access to U.S. healthcare, which is considered advanced and provides a higher standard of care compared to many other countries. For investors and their families, the ability to live in the U.S. means not only economic and educational benefits but also improved access to healthcare services.

EB5AN Can Help You With Your EB-5 Green Card Goals

The EB-5 program continues to attract growing interest from high-net-worth individuals around the world—not just for its economic potential, but for the promise of a better quality of life, education, and healthcare for their families. Investors from Latin America, Canada, the Middle East, and other emerging markets are also expected to be major drivers of the program’s evolution.

Regardless of where you’re from, partnering with a skilled immigration attorney and a seasoned EB-5 team is essential to secure the best possible financial and immigration results.

EB5AN has helped more than 2,300 families from 70+ countries relocate to the United States as lawful permanent residents. Our team has more than a decade of experience and offers clients first-rate, low-risk EB-5 regional center projects with a 100% USCIS project approval rate.

If you would like to know more about your EB-5 investment options, book a free call with our expert team today.