EB-5 Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens (November 2026)

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program has become one of the most talked-about routes to a US green card among Indian families. It offers permanent residence in exchange for a qualifying investment that creates American jobs, without needing an employer sponsor or a long H-1B queue. It is not quick or cheap, but for the right family it can be transformative.

How EB-5 works

Under the EB-5 programme, a foreign investor puts money into a new commercial enterprise in the US that creates at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. If the investment meets the rules, the investor, their spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive green cards.

Investment amounts

Since the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, the minimum investment amounts are:

• $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (a rural area or one with high unemployment) or certain infrastructure projects
• $1,050,000 for other investments

The law provides for these amounts to be adjusted for inflation in future, so check the current figures with USCIS before investing. Most Indian investors choose the lower $800,000 route through a Regional Center project.

Regional Centers vs direct investment

Regional Centers are organisations approved by USCIS to pool investor funds into large projects. Jobs created indirectly can count towards the ten-job requirement, which makes compliance easier for passive investors. Direct investment means running or closely managing your own business, with jobs counted directly. Most Indian families prefer the Regional Center route.

The visa backlog for India

India has seen strong EB-5 demand, which has created waiting times in the unreserved category. The 2022 law created set-aside visas for rural, high-unemployment and infrastructure projects. These reserved categories have often moved faster for Indian applicants. Check the monthly US Visa Bulletin to see current dates.

Source of funds

This is often the hardest part. You must show that your investment came from lawful sources and trace the money's path. Common sources include salary savings, business profits, property sales, gifts and loans secured on personal assets. Indian investors also need to comply with RBI rules under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, which caps how much an individual can send abroad each year, so families often plan transfers over time.

Step-by-step process

1. Choose a project and complete due diligence.
2. Transfer the investment and file Form I-526E with USCIS.
3. After approval, apply for an immigrant visa through the US consulate, or adjust status if already in the US.
4. Receive a two-year conditional green card on entry.
5. File Form I-829 to remove conditions once job creation is shown.

Concurrent filing for those in the US

Indian nationals already in the US on H-1B, F-1 or other visas may be able to file their I-526E and green card application together when a visa number is available. This allows them to receive work and travel permits while waiting.

Risks to consider

• Your investment must be at risk, so returns are not guaranteed.
• Project failure can affect both your money and your green card.
• Processing times can be long.

Final word

EB-5 can be a powerful path for Indian families, especially those facing long employment-based queues. Work with an experienced US immigration lawyer and verify every project carefully before committing funds.