The US Golden Visa – Your Complete Guide To Getting Green Card Through EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

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The article was updated on 23 Januray, 2026

The US Golden Visa is also known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

The EB-5 Visa offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the US (a Green Card) by investing in government-approved US businesses and creating jobs for American workers.

With the US golden visa, you can live, study, work, and retire anywhere in the US.

The golden visa is a direct route to a US Green Card and, eventually, US citizenship.

The US Golden Visa Application Guide -EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Key Takeaways

  • The US Golden Visa (EB-5) offers a direct path to a US Green Card through investment.
  • Minimum investment starts at $800,000 in approved projects.
  • Investors receive a 2-year conditional green card, followed by permanent residency.
  • The visa allows living, working, studying, and retiring anywhere in the US.

What are the eligibility criteria for a US golden visa?

Investors must meet the following criteria to qualify for the US golden visa or EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program:

  • The applicant must make a substantial investment in a US business. There are two primary investment options: Direct investments and investing through an EB-5 regional centre.
  • The investment must create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs per investor for US workers within two years of receiving their conditional green card.
  • Investment must be in a new, for-profit US commercial enterprise.
  • The applicant must prove that the investment funds have been legally acquired.

What is the minimum investment amount required for a US golden visa?

The minimum investment amount required for a US golden visa depends on the location of the project.

If the project is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), you have to invest a minimum of $800,000. TEA is either a rural area or a location which has high-unemployment.

If you are investing in a non-TEA project or in a new commercial enterprise, the minimum amount required is $1,050,000.

Step-by-step guide to filing a US golden visa application online

Here is the step-by-step guide to filing a US golden visa (EB-5) application online:

Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria, i.e., the investment requirements.

Step 2: Choose your investment option – either direct investment or investing through an EB-5 regional center.

Step 3: Create a USCIS account in the USCIS portal.

Step 4: File the relevant form and submit it online along with the required documents. Form I-526E, if investing through a Regional Centre, and Form I-526 if making a Direct Investment.

Step 5: If you are applying for a green card from abroad (outside the US), you have to file Form DS-260 online (Immigrant Visa Application). If you are applying from inside the US, you are required to file Form I-485 online or by mail.

Step 6: Pay the required fees.

Step 7: Once the application is approved, you will receive your conditional permanent residency card with a validity of 2 years.

Step 8: File Form I-829 Online (Condition Removal) within 90 days before your 2-year conditional green card expires.

Step 9: If approved, you will receive a 10-year permanent green card.

Step 10: Renew a green card every 10 years using Form I-90.  Apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residence requirements, usually 5 years.

How to Renew or Extend the US Golden Visa /EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?

Renewal or extension of a US golden visa/ EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program works this way. After your EB-5 visa is approved, you get a conditional Green Card that is valid for two years.

Within 90 days before the two-year conditional period expires, you must file Form I-829 with the U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to remove the conditions, proving that the investment is still active, the business is viable, and 10 jobs were created.

Once approved by the USCIS, you will receive the 10-year permanent green card.

The permanent green card can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years by filing Form I-90.

If you fail to submit Form I-829 before the conditional status expires, USCIS can terminate your status.

FAQs on the US Golden Visa/ EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

What is the best platforms to track the US golden visa application status?

The best platforms to track the status of a US golden visa application are the official Consular Electronic Application Centre (CEAC) portal or the USCIS Case Status Online tool.

You need to provide the visa case number, DS-160 Confirmation Number, or receipt number. You can also contact the US Embassy consulates via phone or email to know your application status.

How long does the US golden visa processing take on average?

As the US golden visa process has multiple stages, the processing time can vary depending on your investment type and whether you are applying from inside or outside the US. On average, it can take around 12 months.

Can I switch my US golden visa service provider during the application?

Yes, you canswitch your visa service provider, but make sure the handover is done properly. Inform your current provider about your decision to switch.

If your visa interview has already been scheduled, you need to cancel it and coordinate with the new provider.

Are there any Indian firms specializing in US golden visa legal advice?

Yes, there are several legal firms and immigration consultants in India offering end-to-end support for the US golden visa process.

Some of the firms are Davies & Associates, FRR Immigration, Gehis Immigration & International Legal Services, and IMB Immigration Law.

What are popular real estate options for US golden visa investments?

Some of the popular real estate options where you can invest are hotels, residential projects (villas, apartment complexes), commercial properties, retail, rural projects, etc.

Can a US golden visa be converted into permanent residency?

Yes, a US golden visa directly leads to permanent residency or a green card after two years, provided you meet the investment and job creation requirements.

Can I get a free consultation for US golden visa application?

Yes, you can. Many US-based immigration law firms, EB-5 consulting agencies, and online platforms provide free initial consultation on the eligibility criteria, investment requirements, documentation, etc before you hire them.

Source: https://in.usembassy.gov/

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