Question 1

What is the minimum investment for EB-5?

Accepted Answer

The minimum EB-5 investment is $800,000 for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA), which include rural areas or areas with high unemployment. For projects outside TEA zones, the minimum investment is $1,050,000. These amounts are adjusted periodically based on inflation.

Question 2

How many jobs does EB-5 require?

Accepted Answer

Each EB-5 investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. For Regional Center projects, these can include direct, indirect, and induced jobs calculated through USCIS-approved economic models. Direct investments can only count direct (W-2) employees.

Question 3

Can my family get green cards through EB-5?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EB-5 investors can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 in their application. All qualifying family members receive conditional green cards along with the primary investor, with the same path to permanent residency.

Question 4

What is a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)?

Accepted Answer

A TEA is either a rural area or an area with unemployment at least 150% of the national average. Investing in a TEA-designated project qualifies for the reduced $800,000 investment threshold instead of the standard $1,050,000.

Question 5

What is a Regional Center?

Accepted Answer

A Regional Center is a USCIS-designated entity that sponsors EB-5 projects. Regional Centers allow investors to count indirect and induced jobs toward the 10-job requirement, making compliance easier. Over 90% of EB-5 investors use Regional Center projects.

Question 6

How long does EB-5 take to process?

Accepted Answer

The total EB-5 timeline from investment to permanent green card typically takes 3-5 years. This includes I-526E processing (12-24 months), consular processing or adjustment of status (6-12 months), 2 years conditional residence, and I-829 processing (12-24 months).

Question 7

What is EB-5 processing time by country?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary by country. Most countries have no visa backlog. China and India may experience longer waits due to per-country visa limits. The EB-5 Reform Act created visa set-asides for rural (20%), high-unemployment TEA (10%), and infrastructure projects (2%), which provide faster processing.

Question 8

What is the I-526E petition?

Accepted Answer

Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor) is the initial petition filed with USCIS to establish eligibility for the EB-5 visa. It includes evidence of your investment, source of funds, and the project's job creation plan.

Question 9

What is the I-829 petition?

Accepted Answer

Form I-829 is filed 90 days before your conditional green card expires to remove conditions and obtain a permanent 10-year green card. It demonstrates that your investment was sustained and the required jobs were created.

Question 10

Can I work while my EB-5 is processing?

Accepted Answer

If you're in the U.S. on another valid status and file I-485 (Adjustment of Status) after I-526E approval, you can apply for work authorization (EAD). If you're abroad, you must wait until you receive your immigrant visa and enter the U.S.

Question 11

When do I get my EB-5 investment back?

Accepted Answer

EB-5 investments must remain 'at risk' until the I-829 petition is approved—typically 4-5 years after the initial investment. The timing and terms of capital return depend on the specific project's structure and are outlined in offering documents.

Question 12

What does 'at risk' mean for EB-5?

Accepted Answer

An 'at risk' investment means the capital must be genuinely exposed to potential gain or loss without any guaranteed return of capital. USCIS requires this to ensure the investment genuinely supports job creation rather than serving as a loan with guaranteed repayment.

Question 13

What happens if my EB-5 project fails?

Accepted Answer

If a project fails to create the required jobs, your I-829 petition may be denied. This is why thorough due diligence on project selection is critical. Work with experienced immigration counsel and consider projects with established developers and strong track records.

Question 14

Is my EB-5 investment guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. By law, EB-5 investments cannot be guaranteed. The capital must be at risk for job creation. While quality projects aim to return capital after I-829 approval, all investments carry risk. Evaluate projects carefully and review offering documents with qualified counsel.

Question 15

What are the best EB-5 investments?

Accepted Answer

Strong EB-5 investments typically feature: experienced developers with completion track records, conservative job creation cushions, clear TEA designation, diversified revenue sources, and experienced immigration counsel oversight. Healthcare projects often excel due to high job creation intensity.

Question 16

Can I invest in healthcare with EB-5?

Accepted Answer

Yes, healthcare is an excellent sector for EB-5 investment. Healthcare projects typically generate high job counts per dollar invested (15-25 jobs per $1M), represent essential, recession-resistant industry participation, and often qualify for TEA designation in underserved communities.

Question 17

Why is healthcare good for EB-5 job creation?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare is inherently labor-intensive. Medical facilities require extensive staffing across clinical roles (doctors, nurses, technicians), administrative functions, and support services. This high labor intensity translates to strong job creation per invested dollar.

Question 18

How does EB-5 healthcare compare to real estate?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare offers several advantages over traditional hotel/real estate EB-5: higher job creation (15-25 vs 8-12 jobs per $1M), essential industry status, recession resistance, meaningful social impact, and growing market demand from an aging population.

Question 19

Does Veracor Capital accept EB-5 investment?

Accepted Answer

Veracor Capital is exploring pathways to accept EB-5 investment in the Kure Health Ecosystem Fund. We are finalizing our EB-5 program structure. Contact us to discuss international investment opportunities and be notified when our EB-5 offering becomes available.

Question 20

What are EB-5 healthcare investment opportunities?

Accepted Answer

EB-5 healthcare investment opportunities allow international investors to obtain U.S. permanent residency by investing in job-creating healthcare projects. Healthcare is particularly attractive for EB-5 because it generates 15-25 jobs per $1M invested (vs. 8-12 for hotels/real estate), represents an essential recession-resistant industry, often qualifies for TEA designation reducing the minimum to $800,000, and creates meaningful social impact in underserved communities. Veracor Capital's Kure Health Ecosystem Fund focuses on Signal-Based Medicine companies with documented 95% patient success rates.

Question 21

Who is eligible for EB-5?

Accepted Answer

Any foreign national who can demonstrate a lawful source of funds and make the required investment is eligible for EB-5. There are no education, language, age, or business experience requirements—unlike other employment-based visas.

Question 22

What source of funds is acceptable for EB-5?

Accepted Answer

Acceptable sources include: employment income, business ownership, sale of assets (real estate, investments), inheritance, gifts, loans secured by assets, and other lawful means. You must document the complete trail of funds from original source to investment.

Question 23

Do I need to manage the EB-5 business?

Accepted Answer

For Regional Center investments: No—you can be a passive investor. For direct investments: Yes—you must have a policy-making role or manage day-to-day operations. Most investors choose Regional Center projects for this flexibility.

Question 24

Can I live anywhere in the U.S. with EB-5?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Unlike some visa categories, EB-5 permanent residents are free to live and work anywhere in the United States. There is no requirement to live near your investment project.

EB-5 Frequently Asked Questions

EB-5 Basics

Timeline & Process

Investment & Risk

Healthcare EB-5

Eligibility & Requirements

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