WHat is eb-5 ?
The EB-5 Visa Program, created by the U.S. Congress in 1990, allows foreign investors to obtain a U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) by making a qualifying investment in a U.S. business that creates jobs for American workers. The program requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in non-TEA regions. This investment must result in the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, helping to stimulate the American economy while providing you with a path to permanent residency.
If you are already in the U.S. on a temporary visa (H-1B, F-1, L-1, E-2, etc.), you may be eligible to apply for an EB-5 visa without leaving the country. This allows you to transition from your current visa status to permanent residency while maintaining your stay in the U.S. Our team can guide you through this process to ensure compliance with USCIS regulations.
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Key benefits of EB-5 visa
The EB-5 Visa Program offers a range of valuable benefits for investors and their families, making it one of the most attractive pathways to U.S. residency.
U.S. Green Card for the Whole Family
Investors, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21 receive U.S. permanent residency.
No Sponsorship Required
Unlike other visa categories, no employer or family sponsorship is needed—your investment qualifies you.
Freedom to Live, study & work Anywhere in the U.S.
No restrictions on where you reside, work, or start a business—unlike other work-based visas.
Access to Top-Tier U.S. Education
Children qualify for public schools, top universities, and in-state tuition benefits in many states.
Pathway to U.S. Citizenship
After five years as a Green Card holder, you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Potential for Investment Returns
Investments are structured with exit strategies to aim for capital return and equity growth
No Day-to-Day Business Management Required
Unlike other investor visas, the EB-5 allows passive investment through USCIS-approved regional centers.
EB-5 visa is a Dual Intent Visa
The EB-5 visa allows intent to immigrate, making it easier to transition from a visa to permanent residency.
Your journey to U.s Residency
At MARC, We’re committed to Guiding You Through Every Step of the EB-5 Process From Investment to Permanent Residency with Expertise and Care.
Check Eligibility
1. Choose Your Investment
Begin by selecting the investment route that aligns with your goals—either through a Regional Center or a Direct Investment. Both options require a minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA, with the essential goal of creating at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Work with our team of experienced professionals to compile all necessary documentation. This includes proving that your investment funds are from lawful sources, drafting a comprehensive business plan, and ensuring all legal, financial, and immigration paperwork is in order. Our experts will guide you through each requirement, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
3. File Your I-526E Petition
Submit the I-526E Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor to USCIS. This petition is a critical step where you demonstrate that your investment meets all EB-5 requirements. Our team will meticulously prepare your application to maximize the chances of approval.
4. Attend Your Interview (If Required)
After the I-526 approval, you may need to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate (if applying from abroad) or a USCIS office (if within the U.S.) as part of obtaining your conditional Green Card. We will help you prepare for this interview to ensure you present your case effectively.
5. Obtain Your Conditional Green Card
Upon successful completion of the interview and approval of your application, you and your family will receive a conditional Green Card, granting you two years of conditional permanent residency in the United States.
6. File Your I-829 Petition
As you approach the end of your two-year conditional residency, it’s time to file the I-829 petition to remove the conditions on your residency. This petition includes evidence that your investment has met the job creation and other program requirements. We will assist you in gathering and submitting all necessary documentation.
7. Receive Your Permanent Green Card
USCIS may require a final interview during the I-829 process, Our team will support you through this step, ensuring you are well-prepared. Once your I-829 petition is approved, the conditions on your residency are removed, and you and your family will receive your permanent Green Cards. This marks the successful completion of your journey to U.S. permanent residency.
Investment Requirements
Each investment must meet these criteria and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers to qualify for the EB-5 Visa Program, ensuring that your contribution supports U.S. economic growth while paving the way for your family’s future.
$800,000
Minimum Investment in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
A TEA is defined by USCIS as an area that either has a high unemployment rate—at least 150% of the national average—or is classified as a rural area. Investments in TEAs benefit from a lower minimum investment threshold of $800,000, making them a more accessible option for EB-5 investors.
$1,050,000
Minimum Investment in Urban Areas (Non-TEA)
Non-TEA areas are those that do not meet the criteria for high unemployment or rural classification. These areas, often located in more economically developed urban regions with stronger job markets, require a higher minimum investment of $1,050,000 under the EB-5 program.
Source of funds
requirements
Proving the legal source of your EB-5 investment funds and providing clear documentation is a critical aspect of the EB-5 application process. The following are common types of documentation required by USCIS to establish that your funds are legitimate.
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Salary and Wages
Evidence includes W-2 forms (if in the U.S.), tax returns, bank statements showing consistent salary deposits, and employment contracts.
Income from Business:
Provide tax returns, business registration documents, financial statements, and bank records showing the accumulation of business income.
Investment or Savings Accounts:
Documentation of interest income from investments or savings, including bank statements and account summaries.
Inheritance
Wills, probate documents, and bank statements showing the transfer of inherited funds should be provided to establish a clear lineage of the funds.
Property Sales
Closing statements, bills of sale, and bank statements evidencing the sale proceeds should be included to document funds derived from property sales.
Legal Settlements
For funds obtained through legal settlements, provide court documents, IRS tax returns, and bank statements showing the deposit of settlement proceeds.
Stock Sales
Records of stock ownership, sales transactions, and bank statements showing the proceeds from stock sales should be included to document these funds.
Loans
Loans used for EB-5 investments must be accompanied by proof that the loan provider legally sourced the funds. Loan agreements and bank statements are required, but the loan must not be secured against the EB-5 project itself.
Gifts
If the investment funds are a gift, the source of the funds must be documented by the giver. Provide a notarized gift affidavit, along with bank statements or other financial documents that prove the funds were lawfully acquired.
Why Marc
MARC provides EB-5 funding through structured financial investments that are secure, compliant, and designed to create U.S. jobs. Our team brings over 75 years of combined expertise in finance, real estate, and investment, making us one of the most experienced and trusted EB-5 Regional Centers in the industry.
At MARC, we actively monitor investment funds, project progress, and job creation compliance. Our role extends from guiding investors through the I-526 filing process to ensuring they meet USCIS requirements for permanent residency through I-829 approval.
Expert Fund Management
Our team consists of seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in investment strategy, real estate development, and structured financing.
Proven Success in EB-5 Capital Raising
We have a strong record of securing legitimate EB-5 capital from qualified international investors and combining it with traditional U.S. funding sources.
Top-Tier Legal & Immigration Counsel
MARC collaborates with industry-leading securities, immigration, and real estate attorneys to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation, supported by a professional overseas team that assists investors in international markets.
Diverse & Impactful Investment Portfolio
MARC invests in diverse asset classes, including real estate, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, healthcare and medical facilities, transportation, manufacturing, and municipal projects, hospitality and accommodations, and higher education, including student housing.
Important Considerations
Making an informed EB-5 investment is crucial to achieving success. Investors should carefully evaluate business plans, financial stability, compliance requirements, and job creation potential before committing funds. Understanding these key factors will help navigate the process with confidence.
Translation of Documents
Any documents not originally in English must be translated and certified by an official translator. This is critical to ensure that all your submissions are compliant with USCIS requirements.
Detailed Financial Trail
A comprehensive financial trail is required to track your funds from the original source to your U.S. investment, including bank statements, wire transfers, and other financial records.
Admissibility
You must be admissible to the United States, meaning there are no grounds for denial, such as criminal history, security concerns, or previous immigration violations.
Investment Capital at Risk Requirement
USCIS requires that EB-5 investments remain “at risk” throughout the conditional residency period. This means no guaranteed returns or risk-free investments.
Conditional Green Card & Removal of Conditions
Investors first receive a Conditional Green Card (valid for two years). To remove conditions and secure permanent residency, they must demonstrate that their investment met job creation and capital deployment requirements.
Regional Center vs. Direct EB-5 Investment
Regional Center investments allow passive participation and pooled job creation, making them a preferred choice. Direct investments require active business involvement and direct hiring of employees, making them more complex.
Exit Strategy & Capital Return
While the primary goal is obtaining U.S. residency, investors should evaluate the project’s exit strategy to understand when and how they may receive their investment back.
Tax Implications & U.S. Residency Obligations
EB-5 investors become U.S. tax residents, meaning they may be subject to global taxation. Consulting with an international tax professional is essential.
Processing Times & Visa Availability
EB-5 processing times vary based on country and USCIS backlog. Some countries face visa retrogression (delays due to demand exceeding visa supply).
Navigating the EB-5 process requires careful attention to U.S. immigration laws and financial regulations. It is strongly recommended that investors work with experienced immigration attorneys and financial advisors to ensure their application meets all USCIS requirements.While investors are free to select their own legal representation, MARC collaborates with a network of industry-leading attorneys, securities law experts, and financial professionals who specialize in EB-5 compliance and investment security. There is no obligation to use MARC’s recommended professionals, but they are available for guidance.
In addition to the required EB-5 investment of $800,000 or $1,050,000, investors should also budget for legal fees, petition filing fees, and administrative costs, which typically range from $75,000 to $150,000.
FaQs
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team or write us an email at
info@marc-eb5.com
How much do I need to invest for an EB-5 visa?
The minimum investment amount is $800,000 for projects located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and $1,050,000 for projects outside of TEAs.
Does my family qualify for Green Cards under the EB-5 program?
Yes! Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for Green Cards through your EB-5 investment.
How does MARC help investors with the EB-5 process?
MARC carefully selects and manages EB-5 projects that meet USCIS requirements, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. We provide investment structuring, legal guidance, and project oversight throughout the process.
What are the benefits of investing through MARC?
MARC offers expert fund management, regulatory compliance, and access to pre-vetted projects that align with EB-5 job creation requirements, making the investment process smoother and more secure.
Can I invest in any project for EB-5, or does it have to be through a regional center?
You can invest directly in your own business or through a USCIS-approved regional center like MARC, which allows for passive investment and pooled job creation.
How long does the EB-5 process take?
Processing times vary based on country of origin, USCIS backlog, and visa availability. Investors should expect several months to a few years for full adjudication.
How can I access MARC’s investment opportunities?
Due to securities regulations, project details are only available to qualified investors. To access investment materials, you must sign an NDA and complete a compliance review. Submit your request, and our team will guide you through the next steps.
Do I have to manage the business I invest in?
No, if you invest through a regional center like MARC, you can be a passive investor, meaning you are not required to manage daily operations.
What happens if my EB-5 petition is denied?
If your EB-5 application is denied at the initial I-526 stage, MARC works to mitigate risks and ensure a structured exit strategy for investors. In certain cases, funding may be returned based on the terms of the investment agreement.