The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a great option for individuals who want to expand their financial portfolio to ensure generational wealth while gaining access to global opportunities. This program, created by the U.S. government in 1990, allows foreign investors and their families to get a U.S. Green Card by investing in the U.S. economy.

However, the EB-5 program is more than just a way to move to the U.S.; it can also be a smart part of your long-term wealth plan. You can diversify your assets, benefit from the United States’ economic stability, and access various financial advantages.

In this guide, we’ll explain how EB-5 can fit into your long-term wealth management so you can make the most of this opportunity.

Understanding the EB-5 Program

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by the U.S. government to boost the American economy through foreign investments. Over time, it has become popular among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who want both financial security and a way to get U.S. permanent residency.

To qualify for the EB-5 program, you must invest in a new business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The minimum required investment is either $1,050,000 or the lower amount of $800,000 in targeted employment areas (TEAs), which include rural regions or areas with high unemployment.

The process of obtaining a Green Card through the EB-5 program involves the following steps:

• Select an EB-5 project: You choose a qualifying EB-5 visa project to fund, either through a direct investment or a regional center. The overwhelming majority of all investors choose the regional center pathway.
• File Form I-526E: You submit the Form I-526E to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as proof that your investment meets the EB-5 program criteria.
• Receive conditional Green Card: If your I-526E petition is approved, you and your family (spouse and children under 21) can apply to receive conditional Green Cards, granting them U.S. residency for two years. This process varies depending on whether you are already in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, or abroad.
• Fulfill the job creation requirements: Your investment must continue to meet EB-5 job creation requirements for at least two years.
• File Form I-829: Before the conditional Green Card expires, you must submit Form I-829 to USCIS as evidence that your investment remains active and has met job creation requirements.
• Obtain permanent residency: Upon approval of your I-829 petition, you receive a permanent Green Card, allowing you and your family to live, work, and study in the U.S. without any conditions.
• Become a citizen: After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for U.S. citizenship by naturalization if you meet all requirements.

EB-5 Investment as a Long-Term Wealth Management Strategy

Wealth management involves strategic financial planning to preserve, grow, and transfer wealth across generations. Here is how an EB-5 investment can support your long-term financial management goals:

1. Diversification of Assets

Incorporating an EB-5 investment into a long-term wealth management strategy allows investors to diversify their portfolios by adding U.S.-based assets. This helps to protect their wealth from financial instability in their home countries. Given the strength and stability of the U.S. economy, investing through the EB-5 program provides a sense of security while also ensuring asset diversification.

EB-5 investments, particularly in real estate, act as a tangible asset class that is less volatile and less susceptible to inflation compared to many other investment types.

Additionally, EB-5 investments support geographical diversification. For foreign HNWIs, it offers an opportunity to invest in the U.S., leveraging its growth potential while spreading risk across different regions. U.S.-based investors can also use EB-5 projects to diversify within the country, investing in regions outside their primary area of residence.

2. Capital Repayment With Potential Profits

EB-5 investors are expected to place their money “at risk,” meaning there are no guaranteed returns. However, many approved regional centers focus on capital preservation, thus structuring their projects to increase the chances of repaying investors.

Investors may receive repayment of funds depending on the success of the EB-5 project. Also, the potential for profit depends on the investment structure. Some projects offer a fixed interest rate, while others provide an equity stake, allowing investors to share in the project’s long-term value growth.

3. Retirement Planning and Financial Security

The EB-5 program is a good option for retirement because it grants you access to the U.S. financial system. Green Card holders can open bank accounts, invest in American markets, and benefit from the stability of the U.S. dollar. They may also use tax-advantaged retirement accounts, which offer either tax-deferred growth or tax-free withdrawals, helping them plan for the future.

Another key benefit is access to top-tier U.S. healthcare. Green Card holders may enroll in Medicare and private insurance, ensuring quality medical care in retirement. Smart tax planning can further reduce estate taxes and protect generational wealth.

4. Improved Access to Business Expansion and U.S. Financial Markets

The United States has the largest stock exchanges, private equity opportunities, and real estate markets, which can help HNWIs expand their investment portfolios. With a Green Card, EB-5 investors can easily open bank and brokerage accounts without restrictions, unlike non-resident foreign investors.

For entrepreneurs, permanent residency removes immigration barriers, enabling them to launch businesses in sectors like technology, real estate, and healthcare. It also provides access to business credit, U.S. financing, and partnerships with American companies.

Additionally, EB-5 investors may qualify for U.S. mortgage loans at lower interest rates, enhancing real estate investments. Legal protections for U.S. residents further ensure financial security. This access extends to your family’s next generation because children of EB-5 Green Card holders can attend top U.S. universities and join the U.S. job market, strengthening long-term family wealth.

After five years of residency, Green Card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship, gaining access to one of the most powerful passports in the world. They will have visa-free access to over 180 destinations. With this global mobility, investors can explore international business opportunities and strengthen their financial standing on a global scale.

Work With EB5AN to Get the Best out of Your EB-5 Investment

The EB-5 program presents a unique opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to secure U.S. residency while strategically growing and protecting their wealth. However, working with experienced professionals is key to ensuring the best possible outcome with the EB-5 process.

By partnering with EB5AN, you gain a team of seasoned experts dedicated to guiding you through every stage of the EB-5 process. As a result of our commitment to transparency and a focus on risk mitigation, we have helped more than 2,300 families across 70+ countries to become Green Card holders.

Book a free session with us today to take your first step in securing your future in the United States.