EB-5 is a United States immigration program that offers citizens of other countries the opportunity to seek permanent U.S. residency through job creation in the U.S.

Administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the EB-5 program directs foreign investments into projects that revitalize local economies; investors whose money creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers become eligible for a U.S. green card.

For investments in areas other than “targeted employment areas,” the minimum amount of investment is $1 million. Investments in “targeted employment areas,” which include most regional center projects, can qualify with a minimum of $500,000.

A targeted employment area is a rural area or a geographical area that has experienced unemployment at a rate of at least 150% of the national average rate. Individual states are authorized to designate geographical areas within the state to qualify as targeted employment areas.

Any person who can demonstrate the ability to: 1) deploy the required amount into the U.S. economy, 2) document that the capital was legally earned, and 3) satisfy general eligibility requirements, is qualified to apply for the EB-5 program.

The investor, spouse, and any unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible to apply for a green card through the EB-5 Visa Program.