EB-5 Visa: Investment Path to U.S. Residency
Invest in the U.S. and secure permanent residency for you and your family. At Colombo & Hurd, we take pride in our 100% approval rate for EB-5 visas. Our experienced EB-5 lawyers guide clients through every step of the process from petition filing to green card approval.
- 100% approval rate in EB-5 visas
- Thousands of visas and green cards approved
More than 20 years of Excellence in Immigration Law
What Is the EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a unique opportunity for foreign investors and their families to obtain U.S. permanent residency by making a qualifying investment in the U.S. economy. To be eligible, investors must invest in a U.S. commercial enterprise and create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. Investment requirements vary based on location. A minimum investment of $800,000 is required in targeted employment areas (TEAs), which include rural or high-unemployment regions. In other areas, the minimum investment is $1,050,000.
Once work and travel permits are approved, and even before full approval of their petition, EB-5 investors can live and work anywhere in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. They can also travel freely in and out of the country, enroll in school, start a business, or work wherever they want in the U.S.
- Permanent residency
- No work restrictions
- Green cards for immediate family
EB-5 Visa Requirements: Do You Qualify?
Investment Requirements
The minimum investment is $1,050,000 (standard), or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or qualifying infrastructure project. The investment must be made in a new, for-profit commercial enterprise through a capital investment of cash, assets, or secured indebtedness.
Job Creation Requirements
The investor must create or preserve 10 permanent, full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. These jobs can be direct, indirect, or induced, and must last at least 2 years.
Documentation Requirements
Petitioners investing through a USCIS-designated regional center must file Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor). The petition should include:
- Proof of Investment: Evidence that the investor has invested or is actively investing the required capital ($1,050,000 or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area or investment project). Acceptable documents include bank statements, wire transfer records, and escrow agreements.
- Lawful Source of Funds: Comprehensive documentation demonstrating a lawful source of funds, which can include tax returns, employment records, sale deeds, or loan documentation.
- Form I-956F (Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise) Receipt Notice: A copy of the receipt notice or approval notice for Form I-956F, filed by the regional center, which associates the investor’s petition with the approved project.
- Personal Information: Biographical data, employment history, and information about family members.
Project-Related Documents: Regional centers are responsible for submitting these documents, such as business plans and economic impact analyses, through Form I-956F.
Achieve Your Immigration Goals with Experienced EB-5 Lawyers
Proven Experience with Expertise of a Former USCIS Officer
Our team of U.S.-licensed attorneys from top law schools has helped thousands achieve their immigration goals. With a former 13-year U.S. immigration officer on our team, we bring invaluable expertise to your case.
Global Reach, Local Support
With over 350 team members across the U.S. and around the globe, we serve professionals worldwide with personalized guidance that feels close to home—wherever you are.
Expert EB-5 Visa Guidance
Our law firm maintains a 100% approval rate in helping investors obtain their EB-5 visa. Leveraging our extensive experience in EB-5 immigration, we provide expert guidance to navigate the process and avoid potential legal pitfalls.
Exclusive Technology Platform
Our proprietary case management system keeps your case moving efficiently, providing clear updates and next steps—giving you confidence and control throughout your journey.
Reputation for Excellence
With an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest rating awarded based on peer reviews from other attorneys—and an A+ BBB rating, we’re recognized for our excellence and client-focused service.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers two primary investment routes: Direct Investment and Regional Centers. Understanding the pros and cons of each option is crucial for making an informed decision.
Direct Investment
- More control over business operations
- Flexibility in choosing investment type and location
- Potential for higher returns on investment
- Transparency in financial transactions
Regional Centers
- Convenience and hands-off investment management
- Job creation handled by the regional center
- Diversified portfolio across various projects
- Expertise from the regional center’s industry knowledge
While we cannot choose the investment project for you, our team can provide guidance on investment options, explain project requirements, and evaluate project risks. We offer comprehensive guidance on the EB-5 visa process, helping you navigate complexities and avoid potential legal pitfalls.
In general, the EB-5 visa application process is as follows:
- Pre-filing preparation: Choose investment route, select project, conduct due diligence.
- File Form I-526 or I-526E with business plan, financial statements, and tax returns.
- USCIS review: Verify eligibility, review business plan, conduct background check.
- Conditional residency: Receive 2-year conditional green card.
- File Form I-829: Submit evidence of job creation and investment.
- USCIS review and approval.
- Permanent residency: Receive unconditional green card upon approval.
Processing times for EB-5 application and approval vary widely based on several factors. These include the current workload at USCIS, the complexity of your application, background check delays, and interview scheduling. Additional variables like the type of investment you are pursuing, whether a regional center is involved, and your individual circumstances may also impact the timeline.
To minimize delays, it’s important to work closely with your immigration attorney to ensure accurate documentation and explore options like expedited processing. For the most accurate and up-to-date processing time estimates, visit the USCIS website.
Recent changes under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 allow for concurrent visa filing provided visa availability remains for the investor’s country of birth. Investors can apply for work permits, travel documents, and resident status at the same time, resulting in expedited path to live and work in the U.S.
When choosing an EB-5 visa lawyer, look for a team with extensive experience in immigration law, a proven track record of success, and a deep understanding of the EB-5 application process. At Colombo & Hurd, our immigration attorneys offer personalized guidance, with thousands of approved green cards and a 100% approval rate for EB-5 visas.
Helping Thousands Achieve Their American Dream
I had my EB-5 application approved through Colombo & Hurd
I had my EB-5 process approved through Colombo & Hurd, and today I already have my green card. I highly recommend the services of this firm. Dr. Carlos Colombo and his team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced.
Marcelo Junqueira
Hiring Colombo & Hurd was undoubtedly the best decision I made
From the very beginning, their support was constant, their feedback was clear, and they were very efficient with every request or question that arose during the process, making every requirement clearer and easier to build. I entrusted the most important project of my life to them, and I feel they met my expectations 100%. I will always be grateful for having found them and trusted their experience and guidance.
Laura Andrea Garcia
Amazing team with outstanding professionalism
Amazing team with outstanding professionalism. They genuinely communicate clearly at every level of the process.
Victor Ordoñez
I felt supported and accompanied at every step
From the very beginning of the process to obtain the EB2 national interest, they were very professional and proactive. I felt supported and accompanied at every step. I definitely recommend Colombo & Hurd to anyone who wants to immigrate to the USA with permanent residency!!
Ermela Saracco
Insights & Resources
Find Out If the EB-5 Visa is Right For You
Colombo & Hurd is an award winning boutique law firm founded by immigrants. We are dedicated to assisting clients—from the world's leading multinational corporations to entrepreneurs, investors and their families— who seek to live and work in the United States.
Location
301 E Pine St #450
Orlando, FL 32801
Contact
Phone: (407) 478-1111
