The EB-5 visa program is the fastest way for investors to gain U.S permanent residency. It is a direct path to a better future for many investors, but understanding the entire timeline from investing $800,000 to getting a green card is key. Updates in policies and processing times in 2025-26, and staying informed, can make a big difference and help investors plan smartly.
Understanding the EB-5 Visa Program
What is an EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 Visa is designed to bring foreign investors into the U.S economy who create jobs for US citizens. To qualify, the investors need to invest a minimum of $800,000 and meet other criteria. For investors from India, the EB-5 Visa India route has become an attractive option, offering a direct pathway to U.S. residency with fewer restrictions compared to other visas with random distribution on a lottery system, since the demand for visas exceeded that of visas available each year, which almost made it impossible for Indian citizens to get a Green Card through this route.
Therefore, for such situations, the EB-5 Visa has emerged as one of the fastest ways to get a Green Card.
Investment Requirements and Regional Centres
For this, the required investment amount is $800,000. But it must be linked to a qualifying project. Regional centres play a major role in this; USCIS has approved these agencies to promote economic growth through EB-5 projects. Investing through regional centres simplifies the process and offers more flexibility, potentially leading to more significant economic impacts and the creation of jobs.
Steps for EB-5 application
Pre-Investment preparation
Start your EB-5 journey with early and thorough planning. It begins by carefully researching approved regional centres and seeking guidance from experienced immigration attorneys, and collecting all essential documents, including personal identification and evidence of a lawful source of funds. It is important to understand that the required $800,000 investment amount is only a portion of the overall cost. Investors should also budget for other additional expenses, such as legal fees, administrative fees, and USCIS filing fees.
Filing the I-526E Petition
Once the documentation is complete, the I-526E form is filled out and submitted to USCIS. This petition demonstrates the source of investment funds and provides detailed information about the EB-5 project. The duration of this process may range from a few weeks to months. It can vary as it is influenced by factors such as the source of funds available and the required documents and funds for the investment.
Approval of the application
After applying, the applicant must wait for approval from the USCIS immigration officer, which can take a few months to years, depending on, type and location of the project, project approval status, and visa backlog.
Conditional Green Card Issuance
For an Individual living in the U.S on an F1 or H1-B visa, the EB-5 Green Card process typically takes 8 to 12 months. For those living outside the U.S, there’s an additional processing stage managed by National Visa Centres, which can additionally up to 6 to 12 months.
For Indian applicants, this process may vary depending on consular appointment availability and the specific case.
Once the investors receive their Green Card, they can start living in the U.S as a permanent resident.
Removal of conditions
After receiving the EB-5 Green Card, which is initially granted for two years, to convert it into a permanent Green Card, you must file the FORM I-829 to remove the conditions on Green Card issuance, as mentioned above. This process can take two years overall. However, during this time, you can continue to be a permanent resident of the U.S. and are still eligible for all the benefits there.
Thus, the EB-5 process has several steps and procedures from documenting the source of funds and making the investment, to ultimately removing conditions from your Green Card. Depending on your birth country or the category of investment project, the process of getting your Green Card overall takes 2 to 4 years. However, applicants who are already in the U.S on non-migrant visas such as F1 and H-1B can now also file for concurrent adjustment of status, which allows them to get benefits such as Employment Authorization Document (work permit) and advance parole (Travel permit) at the earliest.
The EB-5 is not just a path to a Green Card, it’s a journey for a better future in the U.S, and with careful planning and the right investment, this can be a life-changing experience.
Securing permanent Residency
After entering the U.S, the investors receive a conditional Green Card, which is valid for two years. Before it expires, they must file the FORM I-829 to remove the conditions, then the investors must demonstrate the sustained investment and job creation, and secure permanent residency through the Regional Centres Investment model.
Perks of Concurrent Filing
Non-migrant visa holders in the U.S can now file their EB-5 petition and Adjustment of Status simultaneously, allowing them to apply for an Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole while waiting for their Green Card approval.
Path your EB-5 process with Acquest Advisors
Starting on the EB-5 journey requires strategic planning and thorough preparation. Selecting a reputable EB-5 project and organizing your financial records is crucial to ensure a smooth EB-5 journey. With Acquest Advisors, leverage expert advice to navigate the EB-5 process efficiently, from application filing to achieving U.S residency.
Start your EB-5 journey
The EB-5 program is more than just a Visa for U.S residency, it’s an opportunity filled with happiness and a journey to a new life. And with thorough and strategic planning, this journey can be successful.
For detailed insights and expert guidance on EB-5 Visa processing time and priority processing options, click here to schedule a consultation with our EB-5 experts. Let Acquest Advisors be your partner in building a prosperous future in the United States.
Your U.S residency starts here :
With an EB-5 visa program, the dream of U.S residency is closer than ever. Start this journey with Acquest Advisors to ensure a smooth and fast opportunity to become an American resident.
About Acquest Advisors
Acquest Advisors is a trusted immigration consultant agency specializing in Business Immigration and Residency/Citizenship by Investment programs across the U.S., Europe, and the UAE.
We offer comprehensive, end-to-end support, assisting clients with source of funds planning, investment selection—whether in projects, property, or business—as well as documentation, business plan preparation, and foreign remittance. Our dedicated team ensures a smooth and hassle-free immigration journey.
With an in-house team of experts and a network of professionals, including top attorneys, bankers, chartered accountants, regional centers, developers, fund managers, and business sellers, we provide tailored solutions for investors. As an experienced EB-5 visa consultant, we guide clients through the EB-5 visa process, helping them achieve U.S. residency with confidence and clarity.