How Indian Investors Can Obtain the EB-5 Visa in 2025

For many Indian families, the EB-5 Investor Visa is the fastest route to a U.S. Green Card.

By investing $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 elsewhere, investors can secure permanent residency for themselves, their spouse, and children under 21.

In 2025, demand from India is strong, driven by better access to U.S. education, healthcare, and global opportunities.

Recent reforms have eased backlogs and shortened processing times, making the program more attractive than ever.

This guide explains how the EB-5 works for Indian nationals, covering requirements, eligibility, costs, and the step-by-step process to residency.

Understanding the EB-5 Visa Program for Indians

What Is the EB-5 Visa Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was introduced in 1990 to attract foreign capital into the U.S. economy.

In exchange for a qualifying investment that creates at least 10 full-time jobs, investors and their immediate family members can obtain a U.S. Green Card.

For Indian nationals, this means the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States with a direct pathway to citizenship.

Benefits for Indian Investors

• Family inclusion – The main applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included in one petition.

• Education advantage – Children gain access to U.S. schools and universities at the same tuition rates as domestic students.

• Business flexibility – Investors can establish or manage businesses in the U.S. without sponsorship requirements.

• Path to citizenship – After holding a Green Card for five years, Indian investors can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Recent Changes and Updates

• Reduced wait times – Priority processing has been introduced for certain projects, helping Indians avoid the backlogs seen in earlier years.

• Targeted Employment Area focus – Most Indian investors choose the $800,000 TEA option, which often qualifies for faster adjudication.

• Compliance tightening – U.S. authorities now require stronger documentation for the source of funds, meaning Indian applicants should be prepared for detailed financial reviews.

EB-5 Investment Requirements for Indian Nationals

Investment Amount Options

Indian applicants must invest either:

• $800,000 in a government-designated Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or
• $1,050,000 in non-TEA projects

The lower threshold applies to rural areas or regions with higher unemployment, which are preferred by most Indian investors due to affordability and faster processing.

Job Creation Requirements

Every EB-5 investment must result in at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. These jobs must last a minimum of two years and cannot include the investor or their immediate family.

Investment Project Types

Investments can be made in:

• Real estate developments (hotels, residential complexes, mixed-use projects)
• Infrastructure or energy projects
• New commercial enterprises in the U.S.

Choosing the right project is crucial, as only those that meet USCIS standards for job creation qualify.

Regional Center vs Direct Investment

• Regional Center: The most popular route for Indian investors. It allows for up to 90% indirect job creation, offers professional management, and reduces the burden on the investor to directly run the business

• Direct Investment: Requires active involvement in managing the enterprise and proving direct job creation. Less common among Indians due to higher risks and administrative demands

Eligibility Criteria for Indian EB-5 Applicants

Source of Funds Documentation

USCIS requires investors to prove that their investment capital comes from lawful sources. Indian applicants often use:

• Business profits or dividends
• Salary and accumulated savings
• Sale of property or assets
• Inheritance or gifts

Every transfer must be backed by audited financial records, bank statements, and tax filings.

Given India’s strict regulations on overseas remittances, careful planning under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) is essential.

Personal Eligibility Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Have no criminal record
• Be in good health (a medical exam is required at a later stage)
• Must demonstrate lawful immigration intent and provide complete documentation

Family Inclusion Benefits

The EB-5 petition can include the spouse and unmarried children under 21.

These family members receive the same residency rights as the main applicant, including access to education and work authorization.

EB-5 Application Process for Indians

Step-by-Step Application Guide

• Hire an immigration attorney or advisor – To ensure compliance and accurate documentation

• Select an investment project – Usually through a Regional Center

• Transfer funds – Make the qualifying investment and place money in escrow if required

• File Form I-526E – Petition to prove eligibility and investment

• Consular processing or adjustment of status – Indian applicants outside the U.S. apply through the U.S. Consulate in India; those already in the U.S. may file for adjustment of status.

• Receive conditional Green Card – Granted for two years once the petition is approved

• File Form I-829 – Within 90 days of conditional Green Card expiration to obtain permanent residency

Required Documentation

• Passports and identity records

• Proof of lawful source of funds (bank statements, tax returns, property sale deeds, etc.)

• Business and financial records if applicable

• Marriage and birth certificates for dependents

• Medical exam reports at the final stage

Processing Timeframes

• I-526E Petition: 6–36 months on average

• Conditional Green Card issuance: 6–12 months after approval

• I-829 Petition: Filed after two years of conditional residency, typically takes 1–2 years

USCIS Filing Procedures

All petitions are filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

For Indian applicants, most filings are routed through Regional Centers with pre-approved projects to speed up the process and lower risks.

Investment Project Selection for Indian Investors

Due Diligence Process

Choosing the right project is the most critical step. Indian investors should review:

• The project developer’s track record
• USCIS approval history
• Financial stability of the project
• Clear job creation methodology

Independent due diligence, often conducted by third-party analysts, helps avoid fraud or underperforming projects.

Risk Assessment

EB-5 investments are at-risk by law, meaning returns are not guaranteed. Indian investors should evaluate:

• Market demand for the project (e.g., real estate location, tourism potential)
• Project completion risk (construction timelines, financing sources)
• Repayment terms and exit strategy

Regional Center Evaluation

Most Indians invest through Regional Centers because they simplify compliance and allow both direct and indirect job creation. Key points to check:

• Transparency of reporting
• Length of operation and reputation
• Record of investors successfully obtaining Green Cards

Investment Security Measures

While returns cannot be guaranteed, investors can protect themselves by:

• Reviewing audited financials
• Confirming escrow arrangements
• Seeking projects with strong third-party oversight
• Working only with USCIS-approved Regional Centers

EB-5 Processing Times and Priority Dates

Current Wait Times for Indians

Indian applicants once faced some of the longest EB-5 backlogs.

However, as of 2025, wait times have eased significantly compared to earlier years. On average:

• I-526E Petition approval: 6–36 months
• Conditional Green Card issuance: 6–12 months after petition approval
• I-829 Petition for permanent residency: 1–2 years

Visa Bulletin Updates

The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin that sets “priority dates” for EB-5 applicants from each country.

For India, the EB-5 category has seen steady movement, with fewer retrogressions than before.

Investors should track these updates to estimate when they can move forward with consular processing or adjustment of status.

Expedited Processing Options

In some cases, investors may qualify for priority or expedited processing, especially when:

• Investing in infrastructure or projects deemed of national interest
• Regional Centers request expedited handling due to job creation urgency

While not common, this option can shorten the wait by several months or more.

Legal Considerations for Indian EB-5 Investors

Immigration Attorney Role

An experienced U.S. immigration attorney is essential for Indian EB-5 applicants. They:

• Guide on project selection and compliance
• Prepare and file petitions (I-526E, I-829)
• Ensure lawful fund transfers under Indian and U.S. regulations
• Represent investors in communication with USCIS

Compliance Requirements

Investors must maintain strict compliance throughout the process:

• Demonstrating the lawful source and path of funds
• Meeting the job creation threshold
• Maintaining the investment during the required period (at least two years)
• Following RBI guidelines for overseas remittances under India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

Maintaining Investment Status

• The investment must remain at risk until permanent residency is approved
• Early withdrawals or changes in the project can lead to denial of the I-829 petition
• Investors must also meet U.S. residency obligations to keep their Green Card active (generally at least 6 months of residence per year)

Cost Breakdown for Indian EB-5 Applicants

Investment Capital Requirements

• $800,000 – Minimum investment in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
• $1,050,000 – Investment in non-TEA projects

The investment must stay committed until the I-829 petition for permanent residency is approved.

Administrative and Legal Fees

Beyond the investment itself, Indian applicants should budget for:

• Regional Center administrative fees: about $60,000–$80,000 per family (depending on project)

• Immigration attorney fees: around $20,000–$30,000, varying by case complexity

Additional Expenses

• USCIS filing fees:
  • I-526E petition – $3,675 + $1,000 fraud prevention fee
  • I-829 petition – $3,750 + $85 biometrics per applicant
  • Green Card processing (I-485 or DS-260) – $325–$1,225 per person depending on age and location

• Document translations and certifications (for Indian financial and legal records)

• Medical exams and police certificates

• Travel expenses for U.S. consular interviews and relocation

In total, most Indian families should expect an outlay of around $900,000–$1.2 million, including the qualifying investment and related fees.

Success Rate and Return on Investment

Statistical Data for Indian Investors

Indian participation in the EB-5 program has grown steadily over the past decade.

Approval rates for Indian applicants remain high when funds are properly documented and invested in USCIS-approved projects.

In recent years, over 90% of EB-5 petitions filed by Indian investors have been approved, provided compliance requirements are met.

Investment Recovery Timeline

EB-5 investments are typically held for 5–7 years before capital is repaid.

The exact timeline depends on the project’s exit strategy, construction completion, and job creation requirements.

Most Regional Center projects outline repayment plans once investors’ I-829 petitions are cleared.

Green Card Success Rates

• Conditional Green Card: Issued after I-526E approval, with a high success rate for compliant applications

• Permanent Green Card: Granted upon I-829 approval once the job creation requirement is verified

• Path to Citizenship: After holding a Green Card for 5 years, Indian investors and their families may apply for U.S. citizenship

While the EB-5 program is not designed to generate high financial returns, it remains one of the most reliable routes for Indians seeking long-term residency and eventual citizenship in the U.S.

Common Challenges for Indian EB-5 Investors

Documentation Hurdles

Indian applicants often face delays due to incomplete or inconsistent paperwork.

USCIS requires full transparency, including tax filings, property records, bank transfers, and proof of lawful income. Any gaps or errors can slow down or jeopardize approval.

Source of Funds Verification

The source and path of funds requirement is one of the toughest parts of the EB-5 process.

Investors must show not only where the money came from but also how it moved from India to the U.S. under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

This often involves multiple levels of certification and can be time-consuming.

Project Selection Risks

Not all EB-5 projects guarantee success. Some may fail to deliver on job creation or repayment timelines, leaving investors at risk of losing both their money and their immigration status.

Choosing a reputable Regional Center and conducting independent due diligence is critical to reduce these risks.

Life After EB-5 Approval

Path to U.S. Citizenship

Once Indian investors and their families receive permanent Green Cards, they can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of residency.

This provides access to a U.S. passport, expanded mobility, and full civic rights.

Business Opportunities

With permanent residency, investors can:

• Establish or expand businesses in any U.S. state
• Access U.S. banking, financing, and credit facilities
• Invest in real estate or other ventures without restrictions tied to immigration status

Family Benefits

• Education: Children qualify for in-state tuition at public universities, often saving families hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to international student rates

• Healthcare: Families gain access to the U.S. healthcare system and cutting-edge private medical procedures

• Lifestyle: Permanent residency allows freedom to live, work, and retire anywhere in the United States

FAQs on EB-5 Visa for Indian Investors

1. How much do Indians need to invest for the EB-5 Visa in 2025?

Indian investors must invest $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA project.

2. Can Indians include their family in one EB-5 application?

Yes. A single EB-5 petition covers the main applicant, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21.

3. How long does it take for Indians to get a Green Card through EB-5?

On average, 5–6 years from initial filing to permanent Green Card approval, though timelines vary based on USCIS processing and project factors.

4. Do EB-5 investors get their money back?

Capital must remain “at risk” during the process, but most Regional Center projects aim to return funds in 5–7 years after job creation and I-829 approval.

5. Is the EB-5 Visa a direct path to U.S. citizenship?

Yes. After holding a Green Card for 5 years, EB-5 investors and their families can apply for U.S. citizenship.

References

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). (2025). EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program

U.S. Department of State. (2025). Visa Bulletin. Bureau of Consular Affairs. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-september-2025.html

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). (2023). Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/i-526e

U.S. Department of State. (2024). Report of the Visa Office 2024. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-statistics.html

Congressional Research Service. (2022). EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa. CRS Report R44475. Retrieved from https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R44475