Is EB-5 Still the Best Immigration Investment Program for High-Net-Worth Individuals?

For foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in the United States, immigration options have historically been limited. While several visa pathways exist, each with its own requirements and potential advantages, few can match the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program when it comes to providing a direct route to a Green Card.

With ongoing discussions around the potential for new visa types and changing regulations, many investors wonder whether the EB-5 program still stands as the best option for those seeking to secure permanent residency—and eventual citizenship—in the U.S.

In this article, we’ll explore why EB-5 remains a preferred immigration program for high-net-worth individuals. We’ll analyze its benefits, the evolution of the program, and why it continues to be a top choice for those looking to invest in their future in the United States.

What Is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?

The EB-5 program, established by the U.S. Congress in 1990, offers eligible foreign investors and their immediate family members the opportunity to obtain a Green Card through investment in a U.S. business.

To qualify for the program, an individual must invest a minimum of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 if investing in a targeted employment area) in a new commercial enterprise that will create or maintain at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The investment must be “at risk,” meaning the investor could potentially lose their capital.

Once the investment is made and the required jobs are created, the investor and their dependent family members are granted conditional permanent residency for two years. After this period, they can apply to remove the conditions on their Green Cards, provided they meet all program requirements.

The entire process is streamlined in a way that offers direct access to U.S. permanent residency without the need for employer sponsorship or additional steps like labor certification.

The Changing Landscape of U.S. Immigration

Historically, U.S. immigration options for investors have been few and far between. While programs like the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa and the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa can offer temporary work visas, they do not lead directly to permanent residency, making them less appealing for those seeking a long-term move to the U.S.

In recent years, there have been discussions around introducing new visa types to address the needs of wealthy individuals who want to invest in the U.S. and gain permanent residency. Recently, President Trump introduced a potential “Gold Card” visa scheme. However, these proposals have yet to materialize into actual policy changes, and until they do, the EB-5 program remains the most viable route for high-net-worth individuals.

In addition, recent moves to overhaul the EB-5 program—most notably in 2022 with the reauthorization and modernization of the program via the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA)—have been designed to make the program more attractive and accessible rather than diminish its appeal.

Why EB-5 Continues to Stand Out

Despite the potential for new immigration pathways, several factors continue to make the EB-5 program the top choice for investors looking to secure a Green Card and achieve permanent residency in the U.S.

Let’s take a closer look at the core reasons why the EB-5 program remains the most viable option.

Direct Path to a Green Card

The primary appeal of the EB-5 program is its direct path to a Green Card. Other visa options, such as the E-2 or L-1, do not offer direct permanent residency. For many investors, the EB-5 program is the only straightforward option for securing long-term residence in the U.S. without needing an employer to sponsor them or navigating complex bureaucratic hurdles.

Additionally, the EB-5 program’s allowance for family members to apply as derivative beneficiaries makes it particularly attractive. The investor’s spouse and children under the age of 21 can also obtain Green Cards, offering an unparalleled level of family unity and opportunity.

Immigration Flexibility

The EB-5 program does not come with some of the limitations associated with other visa types. For example, an E-2 visa is only available to nationals of certain treaty countries, while L-1 visas are only available to executives and managers working for a multinational company. The EB-5 program, in contrast, is open to nationals from any country, offering high-net-worth individuals across the globe an opportunity to live and invest in the U.S. without country-specific restrictions (beyond per-country visa quotas).

Moreover, the EB-5 program allows investors to structure their investments in a variety of ways. Investors can choose to directly invest in a U.S. business or opt for a regional center project, which pools funds from multiple investors into large-scale development projects. In turn, these regional centers, which are approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), often handle the complexities of job creation and management, reducing the burden on investors.

Economic and Strategic Benefits

The U.S. is home to a diverse economy with a variety of industries, from technology and healthcare to real estate and entertainment. By investing in the U.S. through the EB-5 program, investors not only secure a path to permanent residency but also gain access to a robust business environment with significant economic opportunities. For high-net-worth individuals, the chance to diversify their investment portfolio into one of the world’s most lucrative and stable economies is a significant benefit.

Potential for Full Repayment

One of the unique aspects of the EB-5 program is its flexibility in terms of exit strategies.

Although the capital invested must remain “at risk” for the duration of the program, investors are not required to remain involved in the business indefinitely. Typically, once the conditions are lifted from their Green Card, investors can exit their investment while retaining their permanent residency and get 100% of their investment capital back.

Why EB-5 Remains the Preferred Choice

Despite the potential for new visa options and evolving immigration policies, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains the best immigration option for high-net-worth individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States. The program offers a direct, reliable path to a Green Card, family inclusivity, flexibility in investment opportunities, and access to a dynamic U.S. economy.

While alternative routes may one day emerge, the EB-5 program continues to be the leading choice for those looking for a clear and secure pathway to U.S. permanent residency. For those seeking to invest in both their future and the future of their family, the EB-5 program remains the best option available.

EB5AN has helped more than 2,300 families from 70+ countries relocate to the United States as lawful permanent residents. Our expert team has more than a decade of experience, and we offer our 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.