How to Get EB-5 Visa from India in 2025- A Complete Roadmap
- Zoe Wollenschlaeger
- Nov 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 20
The EB-5 visa has become one of the most attractive immigration options for Indian investors seeking to secure permanent residency in the United States. Whether you want to expand your business presence, access better educational opportunities for your children, or build a new life in America, the EB-5 route offers a direct pathway. However, understanding how to get an EB-5 visa from India in 2025 requires a clear roadmap, awareness of current regulations, and a strategic approach to investment and documentation.
This complete guide breaks down every stage of the process, from eligibility to final approval, and helps you navigate the changing EB-5 landscape with confidence.
What Is the EB-5 Visa Program?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, launched in 1990, allows foreign investors to obtain U.S. Green Cards by investing in qualifying U.S. businesses that create jobs for American workers. It is administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
By 2025, the EB-5 program remains one of the most reliable routes to long-term immigration security, especially for Indian investors seeking stable opportunities and faster visa issuance under priority categories such as rural or infrastructure projects.
Why More Indians Are Choosing the EB-5 Visa Route
India has consistently ranked among the top five countries for EB-5 visa applicants. Several factors explain this growing interest:
Education and career opportunities – Indian parents often use the EB-5 route to give their children access to U.S. universities and unrestricted work opportunities after graduation.
Simpler immigration pathway – Unlike employment-based H-1B visas, the EB-5 program does not require a U.S. employer to sponsor you. The EB-5 visa is also current whereas other visa categories, such as EB-2, have been in retrogression for years.
Family migration in one process – The EB-5 program covers the investor, spouse, and children together.
Fast-track processing through rural projects – The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 offers priority processing for investments in rural or high-unemployment areas.
These advantages make the EB-5 visa an appealing option for Indian families seeking both security and flexibility in their move to the U.S.
Step-by-Step Roadmap to Get EB 5 Visa from India in 2025
To make the process clear, here is a detailed roadmap every Indian investor should follow:
Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Requirements
Before starting, make sure you meet the EB-5 program’s basic criteria:
Minimum investment amount:
USD 800,000 for projects in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) – either rural or high-unemployment areas.
USD 1,050,000 for non-TEA projects.
Lawful source of funds: USCIS requires you to prove that the invested money comes from legitimate and traceable sources such as salary income, business profits, property sales, gifts, or inheritance.
Job creation: The project you invest in must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years.
Step 2: Choose Between Direct Investment and Regional Center
You can invest in the EB-5 program through two routes:
Direct Investment – You invest directly in your own business or a commercial enterprise that creates the required jobs.
Suitable for entrepreneurs seeking control over operations.
Requires close management and job documentation.
Regional Center Investment – You invest through a government-approved regional center that pools funds from multiple investors for larger projects.
Ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach.
Regional centers can count indirect and induced jobs, making job creation easier to prove.
Most Indian investors in 2025 are opting for regional center projects because they provide professional management, less day-to-day involvement, and clearer documentation.
Step 3: Conduct Due Diligence on Projects
Once you have chosen your investment type, conduct a deep review of available projects. This is where professional assistance becomes invaluable and our team at EB-5 Choice can assist.
Evaluate:
The project’s business model and financial forecasts.
Job creation methodology and economic reports.
Developer reputation and track record.
Exit strategy for capital repayment after your investment period ends.
Working with an experienced EB-5 broker dealer can simplify this step, ensuring your funds are placed in a compliant, transparent, and well-structured opportunity. Read our expert-backed guide on how to evaluate an EB-5 regional center before investing
Step 4: Prepare Proof of Source and Path of Funds
This is one of the most critical stages of your EB-5 petition. USCIS must be convinced that your investment funds are legally obtained and traceable.
Your attorney will help gather:
Tax returns and business registration documents.
Property sale deeds, gift affidavits, or loan documentation.
Bank statements showing the movement of funds from origin to investment.
Meticulous financial documentation minimizes delays and strengthens your I-526E petition.
Step 5: File Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor)
Once your investment is made and your documentation is ready, your EB-5 immigration attorney files Form I-526E with USCIS. This form establishes that your investment meets program requirements.
Your attorney will file Form I-526E (for Regional Center) or Form I-526 (for Direct Investment).
Processing times vary depending on project category and your country of chargeability, but in 2025, rural and infrastructure projects receive faster processing under visa set-asides.
After approval, your next step depends on whether you are in the U.S. or abroad.
Step 6: Apply for Your Conditional Green Card
If you are in India, you will apply for an immigrant visa through the National Visa Center (NVC) and then attend an interview at the U.S. Consulate.
If you are already in the U.S. on another visa, you can apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). This form is typically filed concurrently with the I-526E form, along with Form I-765 for employment authorization and Form I-131 for advanced parole.
Upon approval, you receive a conditional Green Card valid for two years. During this period, you must maintain your investment and ensure job creation targets are met.
Step 7: File Form I-829 to Remove Conditions
After two years of conditional residency, you will file Form I-829 to remove conditions and obtain permanent residency.
Your application must include proof that:
The required investment was sustained throughout the conditional period.
At least 10 full-time jobs were created or maintained.
Once approved, you and your family receive permanent Green Cards.
Step 8: Transition to U.S. Citizenship
After holding permanent residency for five years, you may apply for naturalization. For many Indian investors, the EB-5 journey is a gateway to achieving US citizenship by investment in the long term.
The pathway offers lasting benefits such as unrestricted work rights, access to global travel, and eligibility for government programs once you become a citizen.
Common Mistakes Indian Investors Should Avoid
While the EB-5 program seems straightforward, several errors can delay or jeopardize your case. Avoid the following pitfalls:
Relying solely on marketing materials or word of mouth – Always verify the project’s documentation and developer background independently. Don’t blindly trust the opinions of other investors- work with an experienced attorney, do your own research, read the offering documents, and don’t rely too heavily on information shared in EB-5 WhatsApp groups.
Incomplete source of funds evidence – USCIS is strict about tracing every dollar of investment capital.
Misunderstanding exchange control regulations – Transferring large sums from India requires compliance with the RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme.
Ignoring project timelines – Choose projects with a clear exit strategy aligned with your immigration goals.
Delaying the I-829 filing – This could result in lapses in your residency status.
Proper professional guidance helps minimize these risks and keeps your EB-5 journey on track.
Read our complete guide on EB-5 project exit strategies and how they affect your immigration timeline
Timeline Overview: From Investment to Citizenship
Here’s a simplified overview of the expected timeline for Indian investors in 2025:
Stage | Approximate Duration |
Project Selection & Fund Preparation | 1–3 months |
Filing I-526E | 1 month |
USCIS Processing (TEA Projects) | 12–18 months |
NVC and Consular Processing | 6–10 months |
Conditional Green Card Validity | 2 years |
I-829 Processing for Permanent Residency | 24–30 months |
Eligibility for Citizenship | After 5 years as permanent resident |
The entire journey may take 6–8 years from the date of investment to full citizenship, depending on your project type and USCIS processing times.
The Role of Compliance and Transparency
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) continues to strengthen investor protection. Regional centers must maintain strict transparency and escrow control to ensure that investor funds are used only for approved purposes.
Investors should review project audits, third-party reports, and escrow release conditions before transferring funds. A reliable project partner will provide detailed offering documents such as the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM), subscription agreements, and job creation reports.
Need Expert EB-5 Visa Guidance for Indians? Connect With EB-5 Choice Today
EB-5 Visa and the Path to Long-Term Security
For Indian investors seeking stability, the EB-5 program offers dual benefits: U.S. residency and the potential for business growth. It combines security with scalability, providing a balanced approach to global mobility and legacy planning.
The program also creates a bridge for second-generation aspirations, enabling children to study, work, and thrive in the U.S. without restrictions. Many successful applicants eventually transition from permanent residents to full EB-5 visa citizenship, completing a journey that begins with a single strategic investment.
Final Thoughts
The process to get an EB-5 visa from India in 2025 requires careful planning, financial readiness, and professional support. By choosing credible projects, maintaining transparent documentation, and working with the right advisors, you can confidently navigate each stage of your immigration journey.
The EB-5 visa is more than a program - it is a life-changing opportunity for Indian investors who seek global mobility, financial growth, and a secure future in the United States. With clarity and diligence, your investment today can become the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
