Green Card by Investment: EB-5 Steps and Benefits for International Families

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows families from around the world to obtain U.S. permanent residency through a secure investment. It offers a legal, strategic, and direct path to a better future in the United States.

In today’s increasingly competitive global immigration landscape, many families are searching for clear and reliable ways to relocate to the United States. Among all available options, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program has emerged as one of the most effective: it grants a U.S. Green Card (permanent residency) in exchange for a qualifying investment that stimulates job creation.

Unlike temporary visas, EB-5 requires no employer sponsorship, job offer, or English proficiency, and includes the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 in a single petition. In this article, we explain how the EB-5 Program works, its key benefits for international families, and how to choose the right project to ensure both immigration success and financial stability.

1. What is the EB-5 Program and how does it work?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, established by the U.S. Congress in 1990, aims to promote economic development through foreign direct investment. It offers a conditional Green Card in exchange for a minimum investment of:

• $1,050,000 USD in any U.S. location, or
  
• $800,000 USD if the project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), such as a rural or high-unemployment area.
  

The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within approximately two years.

What does the EB-5 Green Card include?

• Permanent residency for the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21.
  
• Freedom to live, work, or study in any U.S. state.
  
• Access to public education and lower in-state tuition at universities.
  
• Pathway to U.S. citizenship after five years.
  

2. Why is EB-5 an ideal option for international families?

For families seeking a long-term solution, EB-5 offers a secure, straightforward path to legal residency. It is a strong alternative to other visas like H-1B (work), F-1 (study), or E-2 (temporary investor), which do not grant permanent residency and often exclude family members.

Key benefits for international families:

• Legal stability and permanent status from the beginning of the process.
  
• Educational advantages for children at U.S. schools and universities.
  
• A phased relocation strategy—families can stay in their home country while the process moves forward.
  
• Access to Concurrent Filing for those already in the U.S. on valid visas.
  

EB-5 has grown in popularity among families from Brazil, India, China, Vietnam, South Africa, Nigeria, Mexico, and many others seeking a reliable immigration strategy.

3. What are the steps to get a Green Card through EB-5?

The EB-5 application process is well-defined and achievable with the right legal and financial guidance. Here are the key steps:

Step 1: Define your profile and goals

Start with a professional consultation to align your family’s objectives, budget, and timeline.

Step 2: Select a qualified EB-5 project

The project must be EB-5 compliant. A top example is Archer Place, located in a TEA-approved zone in Florida.

Step 3: Invest the required capital ($800,000 USD)

The funds are invested into a secure, job-creating project with proper documentation and return projections.

Step 4: Submit Form I-526E

This application includes personal, financial, and project information and is submitted to USCIS.

Step 5: Choose between adjustment of status or consular processing

If you’re in the U.S., you may apply for Concurrent Filing. If outside, you’ll go through your local U.S. consulate.

Step 6: Obtain conditional permanent residency

If approved, a conditional Green Card is granted for two years. It can be made permanent by filing Form I-829 after meeting job creation requirements.

4. What types of projects qualify for EB-5?

Not every investment opportunity qualifies for EB-5. To be approved by USCIS, a project must:

• Be a New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) with profit-generating potential.
  
• Create at least 10 full-time jobs per investor.
  
• Have clear economic and legal documentation.
  

Real-life example: Archer Place in Florida

Archer Place is a mixed-use real estate development that includes student housing, retail, and residential condominiums. Developed by BAI Capital, the project offers:

• Location in a designated TEA (Gainesville, Florida).
  
• Over 300 jobs created.
  
• 4.9% annual return plus potential end-of-project distributions.
  
• Concurrent Filing eligibility.
  
• Full documentation and a 100% approval record in previous EB-5 projects.
  

5. What is Concurrent Filing, and why is it valuable?

As of 2022, Concurrent Filing allows EB-5 investors who are already in the U.S. to submit their investment petition (Form I-526E) and adjustment of status application (Form I-485) at the same time.

Key advantages:

• Work and travel authorization in just 3–6 months.
  
• Legal stay in the U.S. while your petition is reviewed.
  
• Ability to begin a new life in the U.S. during the process.
  

This path has become popular for families with children already studying in the U.S., or those who arrived with valid tourist or student visas.

6. What are the risks of EB-5, and how can you reduce them?

The main risks of EB-5 include:

• The project failing to create the required jobs.
  
• The investment not being returned at the end of the project.
  

To minimize these risks:

• Choose developers with a strong track record like BAI Capital.
  
• Confirm USCIS-compliant job creation studies.
  
• Look for structured investment vehicles with transparent returns and exit options.
  

BAI Capital, the developer of Archer Place, brings over a decade of experience in EB-5 real estate with full legal compliance and high investor satisfaction.

7. How long does it take to obtain a Green Card through EB-5?

Processing times vary based on nationality and filing method. On average:

• Concurrent Filing: work permit in 3–6 months; conditional Green Card in 18–30 months.
  
• Consular processing: visa interview and approval in 24–36 months.
  

Projects located in rural or high-unemployment areas, like Archer Place, may qualify for priority processing under current EB-5 legislation.

Build your future in the U.S. with a smart investment

The EB-5 Program is more than a visa—it’s a strategic opportunity to invest in your future. For international families seeking long-term security, access to quality education, and a legal path to U.S. residency, EB-5 offers one of the most reliable solutions.

Archer Place, backed by BAI Capital, is one of the most trusted and EB-5-ready projects available today. If you’re ready to take the next step toward building a new life in the United States, now is the time to begin.

Learn more about how to secure your Green Card by Investment and explore top-tier projects like Archer Place with BAI Capital.