For many international students, getting a U.S. Green Card can feel uncertain. While the H-1B visa offers one option, its lottery system and strict cap make it unreliable. Because of this, more students are considering the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as a more direct, reliable path to permanent residency.

However, the $800,000 investment can seem out of reach for many students. If you feel this way, the good news is that all hope is not lost. In fact, with early planning and the right strategy, you can meet the EB-5 requirements.

This article explains why EB-5 is a strong immigration choice for F-1 students and practical ways they can legally finance their investment.

Why EB-5 Is the Best Option for F-1 Students

Compared to other visa options, the EB-5 visa program offers the following benefits to students:

• No employer sponsorship needed: You don’t need a job offer or to depend on a company to file paperwork for you.
• Faster processing through rural EB-5 projects: Rural TEA projects qualify for set-aside visas, as well as priority processing by USCIS.
• Family coverage: A single EB-5 application can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
• Direct path to a Green Card: Unlike other immigration paths—which typically require going from F-1 to OPT to H-1B to EB-2 or EB-3—EB-5 allows you to apply directly for a Green Card without needing to change visa categories over several years.

How F-1 Students Can Finance Their EB-5 Investment

The law allows a wide range of lawful sources of funds for EB-5 investors as long as they are traceable. That said, below are the most common ways students can secure the required EB-5 capital:

1. Gifts

U.S. immigration law allows investors to receive gifted funds as long as the gift is unconditional and the giver can prove the legal source of the capital. To meet EB-5 requirements, you must provide:

• A signed and notarized gift deed from the giver.
• Proof of the giver’s income or savings, which can include salary slips, tax returns, and bank statements.

This is one of the most popular options for international students who can depend on family support.

2. Inheritance

Some students may inherit the necessary funds, and it is acceptable for EB-5 investment. To use inherited money, you may need to show:

• A copy of the will or probate records.
• Documents proving that the money was transferred into your account.
• Proof of how the original wealth was earned, if available.

3. Asset Sales

If you own property, such as land, a vehicle, or even shares in a company, you can sell those assets to raise part or all of your investment. Acceptable documents include:

• Sale agreement or deed of transfer.
• Bank statements showing the money from the sale entering your account.
• Proof of original purchase, such as a title deed or invoice.
• Records showing how you obtained the asset.

4. Personal Income

Some students may have earned money before coming to the U.S., or they may run a small business remotely. As such, income from salaries, OPT earnings, business profits, or side work can be a valid source of funds. For this method, USCIS typically expects:

• Pay slips or income statements.
• Tax filings showing income declared.
• Business registration documents, if the income is from business operations.
• Bank records showing income deposits.

5. Loans

EB-5 rules allow you to use loans for your investment, but there are some conditions. If using a secured loan, it must be secured by personal assets like property or shares and taken out in your name. USCIS may also need:

• Loan agreement or promissory note.
• Proof of the lender’s capacity to give the loan.
• Evidence of collateral, if required.
• Proof of fund transfer to the EB-5 escrow account.

Personal loans from banks or family members may also be allowed, as long as all terms are clearly stated and supported by documentation.

6. Education Savings Accounts or Trust Funds

Some families create education-focused financial plans for their children, like trust funds, fixed deposits, or custodial accounts. If you’re listed as the beneficiary of such an account, and your family decides to repurpose the funds, these can help cover your EB-5 investment.

You’ll need to show:

• Statements from the savings or trust account.
• Documentation of how the fund was created.
• A letter stating that the account owner permits the funds to be used for investment.

This approach works best when the account owner can also explain the legal origin of the money deposited.

Can International Students Combine Multiple Sources of Funds?

Yes, you can mix the different sources of funds discussed above to meet your EB-5 total investment. However, each source must be fully documented, legal, and traceable. When combining sources, you should keep all fund flows separate, label every document clearly, and use consistent names and bank accounts. Additionally, prepare a clear explanation letter for USCIS because they value transparency.

Timing Matters: When Should Students Start?

Many students wait until graduation to consider permanent residency options. However, students should begin exploring EB-5 financing options one to two years before their F-1 status or OPT expires for the following reasons:

• Concurrent filing: If you file your EB-5 petition while still on a valid visa, you may be eligible to submit Form I-485 (adjustment of status) at the same time. This gives you work and travel rights faster.
• Visa retrogression: For students from India or China, visa demand often exceeds supply. Filing early sets your priority date, which determines your place in line for a Green Card.
• USCIS processing times: EB-5 petitions can take several months to process, depending on the country of origin and visa category. The earlier you begin, the sooner you’re likely to get your Green Card.

Fund Your EB-5 Transition With Expert Guidance

Financing an EB-5 investment as a student may sound difficult, but with planning and the right strategy, it is possible. Whether your funds come from family, asset sales, loans, or a mix of everything, what matters most is that you have a document trail that proves it is legal.

We can help with this at EB5AN because we have over a decade of experience in guiding more than 2,700 families from 70+ countries to become lawful permanent residents of the United States.

To learn more about how you can transition from F-1 to EB-5 as an international student, book a free one-on-one consultation with us today.