How Much Does EB-5 Visa Cost for a Family of Four in 2025? All-In Cost Explained

For families seeking to relocate to the United States, the EB-5 visa presents a viable path to U.S. permanent residency through investment. But one of the first questions investors ask is: how much does EB-5 visa cost? Understanding the full financial scope is critical before initiating the EB-5 process, especially when it involves dependents, such as a spouse and children. 

This comprehensive guide breaks down the all-in cost of obtaining an EB-5 visa for a family of four, including investment thresholds, legal and government fees, administrative expenses, and relocation costs.

What Is the EB-5 Visa Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to stimulate the economy through job creation and foreign capital investment. It allows eligible immigrant investors to become lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) by investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

A key benefit of this program is that it extends to the investor's immediate family: the spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21. Thus, one investment can provide permanent residency for a family of four.

Core Investment Amount: TEA vs. Non-TEA Projects

One of the most significant financial components of the EB-5 visa is the core investment amount, which varies depending on whether the chosen EB-5 project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or not.

Understanding the distinction between TEA and non-TEA projects can help investors determine where they might achieve the best value while still fulfilling all U.S. immigration requirements.

Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)

TEAs are defined as either rural areas or regions experiencing high unemployment—specifically, at least 150% of the national average. Projects situated in these zones are eligible for a lower minimum investment amount, currently set at $800,000. This threshold was reaffirmed under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and continues to apply in 2025.

Why TEA Projects Can Be a Strategic Choice:

• Cost savings of $250,000+ compared to non-TEA projects.

• Lower financial risk while still qualifying for the same immigration benefit.

• Often located in areas targeted for economic development, which may increase project support and visibility.

• Higher likelihood of meeting job creation requirements, especially in projects facilitated through regional centers.

Investors are encouraged to consult with an experienced EB-5 Investment Advisor who can help them navigate the landscape of qualifying TEA opportunities.

Moreover, partnering with approved EB-5 regional centers can streamline the process of identifying and verifying whether a project falls within a TEA, further reducing the risk of investing in a non-qualifying opportunity.

Non-TEA Projects

For EB-5 projects located outside of TEAs—typically in economically developed or urban settings—the minimum investment requirement increases to $1,050,000. These projects may offer strategic advantages, such as being situated in high-demand real estate markets or having access to better infrastructure.

However, the increased investment threshold naturally raises the financial risk and requires deeper due diligence.

While some investors may be attracted to the perceived stability and prestige of non-TEA projects, it’s important to assess whether the additional cost aligns with your immigration and financial goals. In many cases, the marginal benefits of investing an extra $250,000 might not outweigh the cost efficiency and flexibility provided by TEA projects.

Investors can work with EB-5 regional centers to identify qualifying TEA projects that allow them to benefit from the reduced investment threshold.

Legal Fees for EB-5 Investors and Family Members

Hiring a qualified immigration attorney is essential. Legal fees vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, whether a direct or regional center investment is chosen, and the number of dependents involved.

Estimated Legal Fee Range (2025):

• Primary Petition (I-526E): Often ranges from $15,000 to $30,000

• Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing for Each Dependent: Frequently falls between $2,000 and $5,000 per person

For a family of four, the legal expenditure might range between $21,000 and $40,000, based on these industry-standard estimates observed from leading immigration law firms.

Direct EB-5 investors will also require business and corporate law services, which adds to the legal complexity and cost.

EB-5 Administrative Fees (For Regional Center Projects)

Investors using EB-5 Regional Centers should budget for administrative fees, which are typically non-refundable and used to cover operational and marketing expenses.

Common Fee Range:

• Approximately $50,000 to $80,000

This range is based on project-level data and disclosures from various regional centers. The fee structure is generally fixed regardless of the number of dependents included in the application.

USCIS Filing and Government Fees

These fees are set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and are mandatory for each relevant form involved in the EB-5 application process. 

In 2025, the following updated amounts apply based on the latest USCIS fee schedule proposals and industry assumptions. While these figures are considered accurate at the time of writing, they may vary slightly depending on official updates, processing category, or future USCIS adjustments.

Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor)

• Filing Fee: $11,160

• Additional Fee: $1,000 

Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or DS-260 (Consular Processing)

• Adjustment of Status: $1,440 per applicant, plus $85 for biometrics

• Adjustment of Status for applicants under 14:  $950

Estimated adjustment cost for a family of four:

• Two Adults: 1,440 + $85 = $1,525 × 2 = $3,050

• Two Children under 14: Flat fee: $950 × 2 = $1,900

• Also consider fees for disbursement, roughly $200 

• Combined Estimate: $3,050 + $1,900 + $200 = $5,150

Form I-829 (Removal of Conditions)

• Filing Fee: $9,525

Total Filing & Government Fees: Roughly $26,835

Note: These fees are based on the official USCIS fee schedule (last updated July 2025). 

Business Plan and TEA Report Costs (Direct Investment Only)

If you choose the direct EB-5 investment route, several third-party documentation services are required:

• Business Plan Drafting: Typically falls between $5,000 and $10,000

• TEA Certification Report: Can range from $2,500 to $5,000

Engaging an experienced economist or EB-5 business consultant is advisable to ensure USCIS compliance.

Relocation Costs for a Family of Four

Relocating a family internationally involves considerable costs, many of which depend on the country of origin, chosen U.S. destination, and lifestyle preferences. Below are some commonly reported cost ranges:

While there is no fixed cost structure, the following categories offer a realistic breakdown of what families can expect to spend, here are the estimated costs:

Household Shipping and Moving Services: 

Shipping household goods across continents is one of the most expensive parts of relocation.

• Estimated Range: $10,000 – $20,000

• Factors That Influence Cost: Volume of items, distance between origin and U.S. destination, air vs. sea freight, and whether door-to-door services are included.

Pro Tip: Families can reduce costs by downsizing belongings and using consolidated container shipping options.

Airfare for Four Passengers

Airfare costs can vary significantly depending on the season and class of service.

• Estimated Range: $3,000 – $6,000 (economy class for four people)

• Premium travel or last-minute bookings could easily double this figure.

Pro Tip: Booking well in advance and flying during off-peak seasons can help save significantly.

Temporary Housing (First 1–3 Months)

Before securing long-term accommodation, most EB-5 families rent short-term housing such as serviced apartments or Airbnbs in desirable school districts.

• Estimated Range: $5,000 – $15,000 depending on city and duration

• Major Cost Drivers: Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles command the highest rates, while suburban or secondary markets offer more affordable options.

  
  

Vehicle Purchase or Lease

Most U.S. cities outside of major metros like New York or Washington, D.C. require a personal vehicle for daily commuting.

• Estimated Range: $15,000 – $30,000

• Leasing is often preferred for new immigrants without established U.S. credit, though this may require a larger upfront payment.

• Used car markets offer more budget-friendly choices, though inspection and insurance should not be overlooked.

Schooling, Registration, and Childcare

If the children are school-aged, families must prepare for initial costs associated with registration, school supplies, and possibly daycare or preschool for younger children.

• Estimated Range: $5,000 – $20,000

• Key Considerations: Public schooling is free, but private schools can cost significantly more. International families sometimes opt for private or charter schools to ease the academic transition.

  
  

Household Setup and Initial Utilities

Once long-term housing is arranged, families will face costs for setting up internet, electricity, water, gas, and essential furnishings.

• Estimated Range: $5,000 or more

• Hidden Expenses: Security deposits, utility setup fees, renters’ insurance, and furniture essentials (beds, kitchen appliances, etc.) can quickly add up.

Total Estimated Relocation Budget (Without EB-5 Investment or Legal Fees)

While it's difficult to assign a fixed number, most EB-5 families relocating to the U.S. should prepare for a relocation budget that typically starts at around $40,000 and may extend well beyond $90,000, depending on multiple variables. Here's how those numbers come together:

• At the lower end (~$40,000 – $50,000): Families who ship fewer belongings, choose more affordable cities (e.g., Houston, Phoenix, Tampa), fly economy, rent modest housing in suburban areas, and buy used vehicles can manage relocation within this bracket. This assumes basic household setup and enrollment in public schools.

  
  

• Mid-range budgets (~$60,000 – $75,000): This applies to families who balance comfort with cost-efficiency—shipping moderate household items, flying economy or premium economy, leasing a new vehicle, staying in mid-tier neighborhoods, and potentially enrolling one child in private school or daycare.

  
  

• High-end estimates (~$80,000 – $100,000+): If the family relocates to high-cost areas like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, ships a full household container, purchases a new car, lives in a furnished rental in a premium school district, and enrolls children in private or international schools, relocation costs can easily exceed $100,000.

Planning your EB-5 visa move to the U.S.? Speak to EB-5 Choice's experts now for personalized cost planning.

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Working with an EB-5 Investment Advisor

Given the financial commitment and immigration complexity of the EB-5 process, working with a qualified EB-5 investment advisor isn’t just helpful—it’s often crucial to success.

These advisors specialize in aligning your financial goals with strict U.S. immigration standards, helping you avoid costly missteps and delays.

A skilled EB-5 advisor provides support across several critical areas:

• Verifying TEA status: Advisors help ensure that your chosen project qualifies for the reduced $800,000 investment threshold by verifying its Targeted Employment Area (TEA) status. TEA designations change periodically and depend on state data and USCIS approval, so accurate verification is vital to avoid disqualification.

  
  

• Evaluating project risk and returns: Advisors conduct in-depth assessments of project feasibility, economic modeling, market demand, developer reputation, and exit strategies—giving you a clear picture of potential returns and risks.

  
  

• Job Creation Compliance: Meeting the requirement of creating at least 10 qualifying jobs is central to EB-5 approval. Advisors work closely with regional centers and economists to confirm that job creation forecasts are realistic, properly documented, and USCIS-compliant.

  
  

• Document Preparation and Due Diligence: From source-of-funds tracing to aligning investment documentation with USCIS filing expectations, advisors ensure your I-526E petition is thoroughly prepared. 

This professional guidance can be especially valuable for families navigating time-sensitive educational or relocation goals.

Is Understanding How Much Does EB5 Visa Cost Important for Families?

For families considering U.S. immigration, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is more than a visa—it’s a strategic investment in long-term security, opportunity, and upward mobility. While the minimum investment requirement starts at $800,000, the value it can generate for families goes far beyond monetary returns.

Many families choose EB-5 for the lifestyle and advantages it unlocks:

• Access to Top-Tier Education: Children can attend public or private schools, with eventual access to in-state tuition and prestigious U.S. universities.

  
  

• World-Class Healthcare: Families benefit from some of the best healthcare systems globally, with options for both public and private insurance.

  
  

• Freedom to Live and Work Anywhere in the U.S.: EB-5 investors and their family members are not tied to an employer or region, offering flexibility in lifestyle and career choices.

  
  

• Pathway to Citizenship: After holding a Green Card for five years, families may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship—something not guaranteed under many other visa types.

  
  

• Permanent Residency for Dependents: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 receive derivative Green Cards, allowing the entire family to relocate together.

  
  

• Business Opportunities: EB-5 investors have the right to work and pursue business opportunities in the world’s strongest economy. 

Unlike employment-based visas or lottery-driven options,, the EB-5 program offers a self-directed, relatively predictable path to U.S. permanent residency by investment. Investors control their own timeline by selecting a qualifying project and initiating the process without relying on external sponsors.

While the upfront cost may seem substantial, families with the financial capacity often find the long-term benefits—education, security, healthcare, freedom, and future citizenship—far outweigh the initial investment.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does EB-5 cost for a family of four in 2025? While numbers vary, prospective investors should plan for an investment and associated fees totaling somewhere between $927,000 to over $1 million, depending on project selection, legal strategy, and relocation needs.

When working with reputable professionals, such as seasoned attorneys and trusted eb5 investment advisor teams, families can mitigate risk and move confidently toward U.S. residency.

To dive deeper into the benefits and process of regional projects, explore our resources on eb-5 regional centers and their role in simplifying the investment pathway.