EB-5 Green Card 2026 Complete Step-by-Step Process Guide
Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Investment Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Investment Amount: $1.05 million in a standard area or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
Lawful Source of Funds: Must prove that the investment funds were obtained lawfully.
Choose Investment Type
Direct Investment: Investing directly in a business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
Regional Center Investment: Investing in a USCIS-approved Regional Center project that indirectly creates jobs.
Step 2: Select an EB-5 Project
Research and Due Diligence
Project Viability: Assess the business plan, financial projections, and market analysis.
Regional Center Track Record: Review the history and performance of the Regional Center.
Legal Compliance: Ensure the project complies with all EB-5 requirements.
Secure Investment Funds
Transfer the required investment amount to the chosen project’s escrow account or directly to the business.
Step 3: File Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor)
Prepare Documentation
Proof of Investment: Provide evidence of the investment amount and its lawful source.
Business Plan: Detailed business plan demonstrating how the investment will create at least 10 full-time jobs.
Regional Center Affiliation: If applicable, documentation showing the project’s affiliation with a Regional Center.
Submit Form I-526
File Form I-526 with USCIS, including all supporting documentation.
USCIS Review
