EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
A U.S. government-administered pathway to permanent residency through qualifying real estate investment — structured, transparent, and professionally managed.
Program Overview
What Is the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign nationals. It allows qualifying investors — and their immediate family members — to obtain U.S. lawful permanent residency (a "green card") by investing in a qualifying commercial enterprise that creates jobs for American workers.
The program has two primary pathways: direct investment in a new commercial enterprise, and investment through a USCIS-designated Regional Center. The Regional Center pathway is the most commonly used structure for real estate development projects, as it allows for indirect job creation counting — meaning jobs created throughout the broader economic impact of the project, not just direct employees.
Program Requirements
Eligibility & Investment Thresholds
To qualify for the EB-5 program, investors must meet specific capital and job creation requirements established by USCIS. The following thresholds are current as of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.
Standard Investment
$1,050,000
Minimum capital investment in a qualifying commercial enterprise located outside a Targeted Employment Area.
TEA Investment
$800,000
Reduced minimum for investments in Targeted Employment Areas — rural areas or areas with high unemployment (at least 150% of the national average).
Job Creation
10 Jobs
Each investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time positions for qualifying U.S. workers. Regional Center investments may count indirect and induced jobs.
At-Risk Capital
Required
The invested capital must be placed at risk for the duration of the investor's conditional residency period. Guaranteed returns or capital protection arrangements are not permitted.
The Process
How the EB-5 Process Works
The EB-5 process involves multiple stages across USCIS, the National Visa Center, and U.S. consular or immigration courts. Processing times vary based on the investor's country of birth and current USCIS workloads. The following outlines the general sequence of steps.
Select a Qualifying Project
The investor identifies a USCIS-compliant investment opportunity — typically a real estate development project sponsored by a USCIS-designated Regional Center — and conducts due diligence on the project, the developer, and the offering documents.
Commit Capital
The investor executes the subscription agreement and transfers the required capital (plus administrative fees) into an escrow account. Funds are typically released to the project upon I-526E approval or at a defined milestone.
File Form I-526E
The investor's immigration attorney files Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor) with USCIS. This petition establishes the investor's eligibility and the project's compliance with EB-5 requirements.
Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
Upon I-526E approval, the investor applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate (if outside the U.S.) or files for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if already in the U.S. lawfully.
Conditional Permanent Residency
The investor and qualifying family members receive conditional permanent resident status (a two-year conditional green card). During this period, the investment must remain at risk and the job creation requirements must be on track.
Remove Conditions — Form I-829
Within the 90-day window before the conditional green card expires, the investor files Form I-829 to remove conditions. Upon approval, the investor and family members receive unconditional permanent residency.
Our Role
How Copper Investment Capital Participates
Copper Investment Capital participates in qualifying real estate development projects structured to meet USCIS EB-5 requirements. We work alongside experienced Regional Center operators, immigration counsel, and project developers to identify and evaluate opportunities that combine sound real estate fundamentals with EB-5 program compliance.
Project Evaluation
We evaluate EB-5 eligible projects using the same disciplined underwriting framework we apply to all real estate investments — assessing market fundamentals, developer track record, capital stack structure, and job creation methodology.
Investor Guidance
We work with prospective EB-5 investors to explain the investment structure, the project's compliance framework, and the capital deployment timeline — helping investors make informed decisions alongside their immigration and legal advisors.
Ongoing Oversight
We maintain active involvement in the projects we participate in, monitoring construction progress, job creation milestones, and USCIS reporting requirements throughout the investor's conditional residency period.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or investment advice. EB-5 visa eligibility is subject to USCIS review and approval. Investors should consult qualified immigration counsel and independent financial advisors before making any investment decision. Investment in real estate involves significant risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Interested in EB-5 Investment Opportunities?
We welcome inquiries from foreign national investors exploring the EB-5 pathway. Contact us to discuss current qualifying projects and how our investment approach may align with your objectives.