When I speak with families and professionals from Latin America and Europe, one question comes up repeatedly: “Is there a clear, legal way to live permanently in the United States without depending on a relative or an employer?”
The answer is yes, and it lies in a pathway created by the U.S. Congress back in 1990: the EB-5 program.
My goal here is to explain in detail how it works, what benefits it offers, and—most importantly—who qualifies. But before I begin, let me ask you this: what would you do if your work, effort, and financial planning could become the key to opening the doors of the United States for your family? Keep reading, and you’ll see how.
The EB-5 is an immigrant visa category, often referred to as the visa eb5, that provides the opportunity to obtain a green card (permanent residency) by participating in projects that meet very specific criteria set by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
The central idea of the EB5 program is both simple and powerful: allow foreign families to settle in the United States while simultaneously generating jobs and strengthening local economies. It is truly a double-impact mechanism: long-term stability for the applying family and tangible growth for the communities where the projects are developed.
The EB-5 program was not created by chance. It was designed with three very clear objectives:
1. Promote job creation within the U.S.
2. Channel foreign capital toward areas in need of development.
3. Offer a solid immigration pathway to families who want to build a future in America.
While most discussions center on the green card, the real significance of the visa eb5 is its broader social and economic impact, especially in housing, infrastructure, and local jobgrowth.
A common myth is that the EB-5 is reserved only for millionaires or elite businesspeople. That’s simply not true. The personal requirements are clear and realistic:
● Be at least 18 years old.
● Provide proof of the legal, verifiable origin of funds.
● Have no relevant criminal record.
● Have no history of immigration violations in the U.S.
The benefits also extend to the spouse and unmarried children under 21. In other words, the decision impacts the entire family from day one.
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Before thinking about timelines, make sure you actually qualify. EB-5 is straightforward when you meet the basics and can prove them.
Personal requirements
● 18+ years old, valid passport, and admissibility to the U.S.
● No relevant criminal record or prior serious immigration violations.
● Family coverage: spouse and unmarried children under 21 qualify as derivatives.
Civil & ID evidence
● Passports, birth and marriage certificates, name-change records (if any).
Lawful source of funds (SoF)
● Demonstrate that your capital comes from legal, traceable sources: salary/bonuses, business profits, property sales, inheritances, documented gifts, or dividends.
● Build the “paper trail”: tax returns, bank statements, property deeds, sale contracts, wire slips, gift/loan agreements where applicable.
● Show the path of funds from origin → your account(s) → the project’s escrow/controlled account.
Other essentials
● Country-specific banking or currency-control documents (si aplican).
● Sanctions/AML compliance where relevant.
● Child status protection: filing the I-526E generally “locks in” a child’s age for EB-5 purposes, reducing age-out risk.
Minimum capital thresholds
● $800,000 for projects in TEA (rural/high-unemployment).
● $1,050,000 for non-TEA locations.
(These are current statutory levels; always confirm at the time you file.)
Where the money sits
● Funds typically go to escrow or a controlled account and are released upon stated milestones (e.g., I-526E filing/approval or construction triggers) per the project’s agreements.
How long the capital stays deployed
● Expect a multi-year timeline aligned with project delivery and immigration milestones. If a project completes early while your immigration process continues, redeployment policies may apply; the sponsor should disclose how and where capital is redeployed.
Costs you should anticipate
● Government filing fees (I-526E/I-485 or consular, and later I-829).
● Legal fees (immigration and, if you choose, independent counsel).
● Possible administrative fees charged by the project/sponsor.
● Translation, document retrieval, and courier costs for source-of-funds evidence.
Cash flow reality
● EB-5 is designed for immigration + job creation. Do not expect guaranteed yields or fixed returns (they’re not compatible with program rules). Seek clarity and compliance, not promises.
I often hear the same concerns repeated, so let me address them directly:
● “It’s only for millionaires.” → False. Many participants are professionals and families with structured financial planning.
● “Any project works.” → Wrong. Only USCIS-approved projects qualify.
● “It’s too risky.” → With the right guidance and a certified project, the visa eb5 is one of the most structured and transparent immigration paths available.
Connect with Emilio Guzmán, CEO of Open EB5, by clicking here.
What makes the Eb-5 truly unique is that it doesn’t just benefit applicants. Each certified project creates jobs, housing, and stronger communities.
For example, in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, multifamily projects like Midtown Pharr meet the housing demand of a growing region while generating hundreds of jobs. This ensures compliance with USCIS standards while providing real benefits to local families and participating applicants alike.
How long does the process take?
On average, between 2 and 5 years depending on the case and country of origin.
Can I live in any U.S. city?
Yes, the green card grants full mobility across the country.
Do my children receive the same benefits?
Yes, they enjoy the same rights to education, healthcare, and residence.
Does EB-5 guarantee citizenship?
Not directly. But after 5 years of permanent residency, you can apply for U.S. naturalization.
The reasons I see most often are straightforward: security, opportunity, and long-term stability. Unlike other immigration paths that depend on family sponsorship or random lotteries, the Eb-5 program is clear, structured, and designed to deliver lasting results.
The Eb-5 is not just a way to move to the United States. It is a strategic decision for families who want security, access to education, labor freedom, and the possibility of citizenship. If you live in Latin America or Europe and are asking yourself which path is the most reliable toward the green card, the answer may lie here. The visa eb5 is a regulated mechanism, with defined steps, clear benefits, and a proven impact.
So let me leave you with this question: what would you do if you had the chance to open America’s doors for your family today? Schedule a consultation with our team by clicking here NOW.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was penned by Eduardo Prato, a marketing specialist at Open EB5. The commentary appears in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author.
