The EB-5 Visa Cost

To understand the true cost of obtaining an EB-5 visa, it’s important to look beyond the minimum investment amount. The EB-5 journey involves several layers of expenses like- legal, administrative, regulatory, and logistical, that vary depending on the type of EB-5 investment you choose and your personal financial circumstances.

This guide breaks down each cost component based on updated 2024–2025 regulations. Let's break down the key elements that determine the financial commitment associated with the EB-5 program:

EB-5 Visa Cost: Minimum Investment 

The foundation of the EB-5 cost structure is the minimum investment requirement, which is contingent on the project's location:

Targeted Employment Area (TEA)

For projects situated in Targeted Employment Areas, where the goal is to stimulate job growth in areas with high unemployment or rural designation, the minimum investment is $800,000. Under the RIA, rural projects also receive priority processing, which can significantly speed up adjudication timelines.

Non-TEA

If the project is not located in a TEA, the minimum investment amount rises to $1,050,000.

Immigrating with family? See the full EB-5 visa cost for a family of four in 2025, including all key fees and planning tips.

Direct or Regional Center 

The next major factor determining the cost of your EB-5 Visa is the type of investment you choose to make:

For Regional Center Investment

• Administrative Fees: EB-5 Regional Center investments are pre-structured and require minimal investor involvement. Administrative fees cover regional center operations and third-party services, such as agents and EB-5 broker dealers. With added RIA compliance requirements, these fees typically range from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the project.

  
  

• Legal Fees: Attorneys typically verify that the source of funds for your investment is compliant with the relevant laws. Engaging an immigration attorney is essential to navigate the complex immigration process. Legal fees for EB-5 cases may vary, depending on the attorney's experience and the specific services required.

• Filing & Government Fees (Updated for 2024–2025):

  
  

  The USCIS requires several mandatory filing and government fees as part of the EB-5 immigration process. These costs apply to each form submitted and are an essential part of planning your total investment and immigration budget. Key USCIS Fees for EB-5 Applicants are follows-

  • Form I-526/I-526E: 11,160 dollars (source)

  • Form I-829: 9,525 dollars (source)

Check out our blog post titled the regional center advantage in EB-5 to know more about the advantages of EB-5 investment through the Regional Centers.

Get a personalized EB-5 Cost breakdown for your case. Contact EB-5 Choice to talk to an EB-5 expert today

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Direct Investment

Direct EB-5 investments typically involve a more hands-on approach for investors. While they may not entail some of the fees associated with EB-5 regional center investments, investors should be prepared for additional costs:

• Legal Fees: Legal assistance is still necessary to ensure compliance with immigration laws and to navigate the EB-5 application process. The legal process for a direct investment is significantly more complex than a regional center, as the Attorney must verify that all aspects of the EB-5 investment are compliant with the US laws. You may need to consult corporate attorneys to ensure your business is compliant.

• Business Expenses: Direct investors should consider the costs related to establishing and managing their new commercial enterprise, such as real estate acquisition, business development, and operational expenses.

  
  

• Business Plan Fee: You need to hire a third-party to create a business plan. The business plan will demonstrate to USCIS that your EB-5 project meets the necessary job creation and capital investment requirements.

  
  

• TEA Report: You also need to hire a third-party to create a report verifying that your project is located in a rural or targeted employment area if you wish to qualify for the lower investment amount.

• Relocation Costs: You should also consider the cost, monetary and time, of moving to the United States. It will take significant time and money to sell property, move furniture, find housing in the United States, etc. 

Check out our blog on Return on Capital for EB-5 Investors to know more about how useful is the EB-5 investment against its cost.

Conclusion

In both EB-5 regional center and direct investment scenarios, it is crucial to consider the comprehensive costs beyond the minimum investment amount.

Each investor's situation may vary, but understanding the full scope of fees, expenses, and the unique features of your chosen project is paramount to accurately estimating the true cost of your EB-5 visa journey.

By doing so, you can make an informed financial plan and ensure a smoother path to securing your U.S. permanent residency by investment through the EB-5 program.

In both regional center and direct investment scenarios, it is crucial to consider the comprehensive costs beyond the minimum investment amount.