If you’re also an Indian parent seeking U.S. residency for your kids in the most effective & fastest way, understanding a few things about the EB-5 visa investment amount is your first step. As a number of policies and processes are underway change in Trump’s regime, it’s advisable to be updated with EB-5 visa minimum investment limits so as to plan ahead.
This blog is your go-to guide for everything related to the current investment requirements, key benefits, and smart funding strategies to make your American dream a reality.
Also read: What exactly is EB-5 Visa?
What Is the EB-5 Visa and Who Can Apply?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was primarily created to inject a fresh inflow of investments into the US economy. It allows foreign nationals to obtain their U.S. Green Card by investing a particular amount into designated U.S.-based commercial projects that create a stipulated number of jobs for the American workers.
It’s a win-win for both parties as it’s the fastest and the most sought-after way of obtaining permanent U.S. residency with a whole lot of perks and rights.
Benefits
The unmissable benefits of EB-5 that make it such a desired program include:
- Green card for entire immediate family including children (under 21 yrs)
- No more dependence on employer sponsorship
- It’s the fastest way of obtaining U.S. residency in just 5-6 years with a conditional Green Card in only 2 yrs
- It gives complete freedom for you and your family to choose your choice of profession in any part of American.
- You get full benefits of healthcare and education
Also read: Step-by-Step Process To Apply For An EB-5
Basic Eligibility Criteria for Indian Investors
- You must invest the stipulated EB-5 visa investment amount in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)-approved projects
- You must provide the 100% legal proof of your entire source of funds
- Your investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for the U.S. workers.
- You must have a 100% clean criminal record
EB-5 Visa Minimum Investment Amount
Standard Minimum Investment Requirement (TEA vs non-TEA)
As of 2025, the latest EB-5 visa investment amount stands at:
- $800,000 for investing in Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
- $1,050,000 if the investment is for non-TEA
Simply put, a TEA is a high-unemployment region or rural area. USCIS has marked these areas to encourage economic development. The non-TEA areas are areas that are economically stable and more developed than the TEA.
Investing in each of these areas calls for different amounts and offers slightly different privileges to the investor. You must make an informed investment decision based on these factors.
Why the Amount Increased After the Reform Act
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 aimed to modernize and bolster this program. One major update was the increase in the minimum EB-5 visa investment amount of $500,000 that had remained unchanged for decades. With growing inflation and current economic conditions, this number has bumped up and is now subject to revision every 5 years.
EB-5 Investment Trends for Indian Nationals
Indians have become the leading applicant groups for the EB-5 program in recent years. With increasing backlogs in other visa categories (like H-1B and family sponsorship), the EB-5 route is increasingly attractive for high-net-worth Indian families. That’s why understanding the EB-5 visa minimum investment is especially crucial when planning early for children’s education or relocation.
Direct EB-5 vs Regional Center Investment
The EB-5 investment can be made in either of the two ways.
What Is a Direct EB-5 Investment?
A Direct EB-5 investment involves investing in a non-TEA category and actively managing a new commercial enterprise. This is typically good for those who are entrepreneurs and want to setup or expand their own business in the U.S. One can also become a part-owner here and is directly responsible for creating minimum 10 full time jobs for the U.S. workers. They need to be also actively involved in the day-to-day operations of such projects.
What Is a Regional Center Investment?
A regional center is an organization approved by USCIS to handle projects for EB-5 investors. This is best for those who want to seek jobs in the U.S. Unlike the direct investment route, their investments here are managed by these centers.
Pros and Cons of Each Type
| Feature | Direct EB-5 | Regional Center |
| Involvement | Requires active management in operations | The project responsibility is on the center. |
| Control | Your investment, your control | Less control |
| Risk & Time | High risk- high time commitment | Lower risk, less time invested |
| Location | Anywhere in the U.S. | Often in TEAs (less developed areas with high unemployment) |
| Investor profile | Suitable for entrepreneurs who want to setup and/or expand their business in the U.S. | More common among Indian investors looking for employment and other roles without direct involvement in managing employment generation from their EB-5 investment. |
Additional Costs Involved in the EB-5 Visa Process
Apart from the minimum and maximum investment amount, one must keep in mind the amount needed to complete the process. Here is a brief breakup for your info.
Legal and Filing Fees
- Attorney fees: $15,000 – $25,000 depending on complexity of your application
- Filing fees for Form I-526E: Starting at $3,675
- Translation, documentation, and administrative expenses: Varies from case to case
Escrow Setup
Your investment amount is parked in an escrow account until USCIS approves your petition. Setting up this account carries some legal and banking costs to be paid by the petitioner.
Consultancy Expense
Due to the importance and complexity of the process, it’s advised that one hires a consultant while carrying out the process. With EduFund’s long standing expertise in the EB-5 domain, they offer end-to-end planning for EB-5 investors, particularly helpful for Indian families who want absolute clarity before spending the EB-5 visa investment amount.
Funding Options for EB-5 Investment
Can You Take a Loan for EB-5 Investment?
This is a very important point! Yes, you can take a loan as long as it’s against your own assets, not borrowed or rented. Also, the funds cannot be borrowed against EB-5 project itself. It’s important to furnish proof of repayment ability along with listing down all the legal sources of your funds.
Using Real Estate or Family Wealth
Many Indian applicants fund their EB-5 investment using:
- Real estate sales or mortgage
- Family gifts (with proper documentation)
- Business income or liquidation of assets
Remember, transparency in the entire documentation is the key to getting your EB-5 application approved. Click here for a more detailed read on fund source and requirements.
Is EB-5 Investment Worth It for Indian Families?
India ranks as one of the top originators of EB-5 applications. Families that can afford it are prioritizing permanent U.S. residency for themselves and their children as it bypasses the long queues and hassles associated with other types of visas like H-1B. They want quality education and employment opportunities. But this comes along with higher costs and financial risks. And that’s why we advise you take proper professional guidance while deciding on your EB-5 visa investment route and application process.
FAQs
Can I invest less than $800,000?
No, $800,000 is the minimum required amount for EB-5 visa investment for TEA projects.
How long does the EB-5 process take?
It can take 2–3 years or more, depending on the USCIS backlog and country caps.
Can I include my family in one application?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children (under 21) are included in the application.
What happens if the project fails?
Job creation of at least 10 full time jobs for U.S. workers is the single most important factor. If the project fails for any reason and the jobs are not created, your visa could be denied. That’s why you must choose your project wisely.
