Not everyone can liquidate $800,000 overnight, and that’s perfectly normal. Whether funds are tied up in a business, a fixed deposit, or an asset sale still in motion, many investors face timing issues when it comes to meeting the full EB-5 investment amount upfront.

Thankfully, installment plans make it possible to begin the EB-5 process with a partial payment. This growing trend allows eligible investors to lock in their priority date, stay compliant with USCIS rules, and complete the remaining investment over time, without disrupting financial plans.

In this article, we will discuss how to use a partial payment to finance your EB‑5 investment to achieve your immigration goals.

Understanding the EB-5 Investment Rules

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a pathway to U.S. permanent residency through investment. However, to qualify, you must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers by investing either:

• $800,000 in a rural, high-unemployment, or infrastructure project, or
• $1,050,000 in any other qualifying commercial enterprise.

Your money must remain “at risk” for the duration of your conditional residence, meaning there can be no guarantees of return. Alongside the financial commitment, you must prove the lawful source and path of funds. USCIS wants clear records that show how you earned the money, moved it through banks, and ultimately sent it to the EB-5 project’s escrow or operating account.

The processing timeline to eventually get a Green Card can sometimes be lengthy, and this timeline can even be longer for applicants from high-demand countries with backlogs, like India and China in the Unreserved categories. While many foreign nationals are ready to invest the full funds upfront, not everyone can free such a large sum immediately. That’s where the installment plan enters the picture.

How Does an Installment Plan Work

An installment plan allows you to pay the required EB-5 investment amount in phases. Instead of wiring $800,000 or $1,050,000 all at once, you contribute a portion, usually about half, first. As an EB-5 investor, you would typically transfer the initial amount to a reputable escrow bank account after signing an agreement with the regional center to provide the remaining funds in a few months.

This model has gained traction in recent years as more regional centers adjust to investor needs. Moreover, the arrangement complies with the EB-5 criteria that require an investment “to be in the process of being made” at the time of your I-526E filing.

Why Installment Plans Make Sense for EB-5

A partial funding plan offers the following advantages to EB-5 investors:

1. Secures Your Priority Date

With just the first installment, you can file Form I-526E and lock in your priority date. This is especially useful for investors from high-demand countries, where backlogs may cause delays. Early filing helps you secure a place in line and reduces the risk of waiting longer if visa retrogression occurs.

If you’re already in the U.S. on another visa, partial funding can also let you file for adjustment of status, along with work and travel permits. This can help you stay legally in the U.S. and access other benefits while waiting for your Green Card. However, concurrent filing is only allowed if your chargeability area remains current; once your country faces retrogression, you lose that option.

2. Allows for Favorable Asset Sales

Many investors face liquidity issues as their funds might be tied up in maturing investments or in assets that aren’t ideal to sell right now. With an installment plan, you don’t need to liquidate everything immediately. You can start your EB-5 process with available funds and time your remaining payments with upcoming asset sales or maturing securities, thus avoiding losses from rushed decisions.

3. Protects Your Children From Aging Out

Children included in your EB-5 petition must be under 21 to qualify as your dependents. If your child is nearing that age, an installment plan can help because under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), a child’s age freezes when Form I-526E is filed. For example, if your child is 20 years and 8 months old at the time of filing, they remain that age during USCIS processing, even if it takes several months.

How to Make Partial Payments for EB-5

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to carefully use an installment plan:

1. Choose a Project That Accepts Installments

Not all EB-5 projects offer installment options. So, you should focus on regional centers that allow partial payments. When reviewing a project:

• Ask about the minimum first payment and follow-up schedule.
• Confirm escrow terms, refund policies, and any bridge loan use.
• Ensure the job-creation timeline is solid.
• Review the subscription agreement with your attorney to confirm the terms support installment-based contributions.

2. Prepare Documentation for Source of Funds

Each installment must come from a lawful source, and USCIS will examine this closely. For your first tranche, gather:

• Bank statements showing available cash or deposit maturity.
• Tax returns and employment pay slips.
• Business income reports, if applicable.
• Gift affidavits for family-contributed funds.
• Sale deeds for property sold to generate funds.

Also, begin preparing future documents, even if you haven’t wired the money yet. For example, if you expect a property sale in six months, keep your purchase and appraisal documents ready.

3. Wire the First Installment to Escrow

To avoid future issues, do the following when making your first payment:

• Transfer from an account in your name.
• Choose a reliable international bank with strong compliance.
• Avoid third-party or unclear fund routes and save all records.

4. File Form I‑526E

With your initial tranche paid and documented, your attorney can now prepare and file Form I-526E. The petition should include documents like the source of funds report, escrow agreement, and subscription agreement. As stated earlier, this filing locks in your priority date, which is critical if your country faces visa caps or future rule changes.

5. Plan Proof for Future Tranches

While USCIS accepts staged funding, they expect you to be completely transparent on how you plan to fulfill the rest of the investment. As such, you should:

• Keep a detailed timeline of when you will send each payment.
• Draft documents for asset sales or transfers.
• Stay ready to update these when each payment occurs.

For example, if your next tranche comes from a maturing bond, gather the original investment certificate and maturity notice early.

Key Things to Know Before Committing to an Installment Plan

Indeed, partial funding has several advantages, but you should take note of the following before going down that route to avoid any delays:

1. Funds Availability

USCIS requires that you have access to the full $800,000 at the time of filing your I-526E petition, even when you’re investing in installments. As such, you must provide evidence showing that you have the entire $800,000 in cash or assets in the liquidation process and are committed to completing the investment within the specified time. Additionally, anticipated earnings like future income or bonuses do not qualify as committed capital for an installment plan.

2. Sustainment Period

While you can file your I-526E after making the first installment, the two-year sustainment period will not start counting until after the final payment is made to the EB-5 project. So, you do not want to drag on making your complete investment

3. Keep Identical Sender Names

All funds should come from bank accounts in your name. If any money comes from a joint account or a relative, USCIS will want clear explanations and documents. To avoid complications, do not:

• Use corporate accounts.
• Mix unrelated party funds.
• Route funds through unregulated platforms.

4. Use a Single Corridor Bank

It is best to choose one strong bank to handle all international transfers. This reduces the risk of transaction errors, currency conversion issues, and missing documentation. Using a reputable bank with anti-money-laundering (AML) compliance is also recommended because USCIS values clean and traceable paperwork.

Create Your EB-5 Installment Plan With EB5AN

You don’t need to delay your dream of becoming a U.S. Green Card holder just because you don’t have $800,000 ready today. With partial payments, you can begin your EB-5 journey now, while you prepare the rest of your investment responsibly.

EB5AN has over a decade of experience in guiding investors through their EB-5 journey. So far, we have helped over 2,700 families from 70+ nationalities become U.S. permanent residents through the EB-5 program.

Book a free one-on-one consultation with our EB-5 experts today to start your EB-5 journey with an installment plan that works best for you.