The United States remains a top choice for international students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math, commonly known as STEM fields. However, for many people, staying long-term can be challenging. Many visa programs have strict rules, time limits, or uncertain outcomes.

People often have to plan their lives around visa renewals, lotteries, or changing immigration laws. Luckily, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers another way to get permanent residency in the U.S. While it is not traditionally seen as a route for STEM students or workers, it can be a strong solution if you want a more stable future in the U.S.

In this article, we will explain how the EB-5 program works and how it can support a career in STEM.

Why STEM Professionals Choose the U.S.

For students and professionals in STEM, the U.S. provides both short-term and long-term benefits. Here is an overview of why many people choose the U.S. for this career path:

• Top universities: The U.S. is home to many of the world’s top universities, especially in fields like engineering, computer science, and biomedical research. These schools offer access to expert professors, modern labs, and strong networks of alumni.
• Research and innovation: The U.S. leads the world in scientific research and development. It supports research through both public and private funding, and it offers many opportunities for students and professionals to take part in new discoveries and product development.
• Strong job market: Many U.S. companies are leaders in technology, healthcare, energy, and other STEM fields. These companies often seek skilled workers, and they offer jobs with good pay, benefits, and career growth.
• Diverse environment: The U.S. offers a diverse and inclusive environment. People from all over the world come to study and work in the U.S., making it easier to build communities and professional networks.

Most Common Paths to STEM Careers in the U.S.

There are several ways for international students and workers to build STEM careers in the U.S. The most common paths include:

Studying in the U.S. With an F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is designed for international students pursuing full-time studies at U.S. institutions approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses, along with clear intent to return to their home country after completing their education.

F-1 students must maintain academic progress and comply with strict employment regulations. During the first academic year, work is limited to on-campus positions. Afterward, eligible students may apply for off-campus employment through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

OPT permits up to 12 months of work in a field directly related to the student’s major. Those with degrees in STEM fields may qualify for an additional 24-month OPT extension. However, the F-1 visa does not offer a direct path to permanent residency. Once OPT ends, students must either depart the U.S. or transition to another visa category, such as the H-1B.

Working in the U.S. With an H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa enables U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals for roles that require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree. It’s widely used in high-demand sectors such as technology, engineering, and biotech. To apply, a U.S. company must sponsor the worker and submit a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Eligible positions must require a relevant degree, and employers are obligated to pay a prevailing wage based on the job location and industry standards. The initial H-1B visa is valid for three years, with the option to extend it to a maximum of six years.

Each fiscal year, USCIS issues 85,000 new H-1B visas—65,000 for applicants with a bachelor’s degree and an additional 20,000 for those who hold a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution. Because the number of applications far exceeds the cap, USCIS uses a lottery system to randomly select applicants, leaving many qualified individuals without a visa.

Since the H-1B is employer-specific, changing jobs requires your new employer to file a new petition. If your employment ends, you typically have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor or leave the country.

How the EB-5 Visa Works

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by the U.S. government in 1990. It allows foreign nationals to become permanent residents by investing in a U.S. business that creates jobs. The main goal of the program is to support the U.S. economy by encouraging investment and job growth.

To qualify for the EB-5 program, you must meet a few main requirements:

• Investment amount: You ordinarily must invest at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise (NCE). If the business is located in a targeted employment area (TEA), the minimum investment is $800,000.
• Job creation: Your investment must lead to the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
• At-risk investment: The money you invest must remain at risk for the purpose of generating a return.
• Lawful source of funds: You must show that your investment funds come from a lawful source. This can include income, savings, property sales, or gifts.

Keep in mind that the EB-5 program allows you to include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 in your application. The dependents of an EB-5 Green Card holder can also live, study and work freely in the U.S.

Why the EB-5 Visa Is Better Than F-1 and H-1B

The F-1 visa comes with shortcomings like no direct path to permanent residency, limited work rights, and high pressure to find an employer to sponsor you after your OPT expires. Similarly, getting an H-1B visa comes with a lot of uncertainty as it largely depends on a lottery system. Even after securing your visa, your fate is tied to your employment status.

Here’s why the EB-5 visa is a stronger option than F-1 and H-1B.

EB-5 Advantages Over F-1

While F-1 students are allowed to work on campus only for a few hours per week, EB-5 Green Card holders are free to take up any off-campus job to obtain valuable work experience even while studying. This significantly impacts their prospects in the job market once they complete their course.

In fact, many employers prefer hiring candidates with Green Cards over those requiring visa sponsorship, as it simplifies the hiring process and reduces costs. With a Green Card, students can choose to work for any employer, freelance, launch start-ups, lead research initiatives, or engage in other unrelated activities to generate extra income.

EB-5 Advantages Over H-1B

The EB-5 visa offers a lifeline to H-1B workers, especially with possible job layoffs, and uncertainty in some industries and organizations, like tech start-ups. Unlike the H-1B, the EB-5 visa does not require a sponsor and gives holders the freedom to work for any employer or be self-employed.

This flexibility is especially valuable for STEM professionals who want to start a business, switch jobs, or explore different roles without risking their immigration status. EB-5 holders gain permanent resident status, which allows them to work in any U.S. state, launch start-ups, or move easily between jobs to grow their careers.

In contrast, H-1B holders must work in the specific role and field approved under their visa. They face strict limits on self-employment and freelance work, which can put them at risk of violating visa rules.

Benefits of the EB-5 Visa for STEM Students and Workers

The EB-5 program gives you a direct path to a Green Card without relying on employers, job offers, or visa lotteries. Below is a highlight of the key benefits of EB-5 for STEM students and professionals:

• Permanent residency: EB-5 leads directly to a Green Card. It allows individuals to live, work, and study in the U.S. without needing additional sponsorship. They also become eligible for almost all healthcare and social benefits available to U.S. citizens.
• Work and study freedom: EB-5 Green Card holders can work in any field or company. With easy access to the U.S. education system, EB-5 Green Card holders can enroll in prestigious U.S. institutions and save substantially on tuition. Moreover, they are not tied to a specific employer or location.
• No lottery: Unlike the H-1B, the EB-5 does not involve a random selection process. If you meet the investment and job creation rules, you can qualify.
• Fewer restrictions: EB-5 Green Card holders can start their own business, go back to school, or change careers without affecting their status. Since there is no restriction on international travel, they enjoy easy access to many countries. This allows them to expand their networks and leverage international opportunities.
• Family benefits: The investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also get Green Cards and enjoy its benefits through the same application.

How to Use EB-5 to Build Your STEM Career

The EB-5 process takes planning, resources, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. While it is a strong path to permanent residency, it requires careful preparation and well-informed choices. Here is a step-by-step look at how to build your STEM future with EB-5:

• Choose a qualified EB-5 project: To qualify for the lower investment amount, choose a project in a TEA. Make sure the project has a strong plan to create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Working with a trusted regional center can make it easier to meet program rules and reduce risk.
• Prove legal source of funds: You must provide full documentation, including bank statements, tax records, and legal agreements, to show the source of funds and the path of money from your account to the EB-5 project.
• File Form I-526E: The Form I-526E is the official EB-5 petition for regional center investors. It includes proof of investment, project information, job creation plans, and documents showing a lawful source of funds. Once USCIS approves the petition, you can apply for a Green Card.
• Apply for a conditional Green Card: If you are already in the U.S., you file Form I-485 to adjust your status. You may save time at this stage by filing this form at the same time as your Form I-526E, your employment authorization document, and your travel permit. More details on this process can be found below.

If you are outside the U.S., you go through consular processing to apply for an immigrant visa. Once approved, you receive a conditional Green Card valid for two years.

• File Form I-829 to remove conditions: Within 90 days before the two-year Green Card expires, you must file Form I-829. This form proves that your investment met the program’s requirements. Once USCIS approves the I-829, you receive a permanent Green Card.
• Apply for U.S. citizenship: After five years as a Green Card holder, which includes the initial two years as a conditional permanent resident, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Transitioning From F-1 or H-1B to EB-5

For eligible foreign nationals already in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, such as H-1B or F-1, transitioning to EB-5 has never been easier. This is because the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) introduced the EB-5 concurrent filing option mentioned above. With it, you can file your Form I-526E and the petition for adjustment of status (Form I-485) simultaneously.

Once both petitions are filed, your legal status shifts to “pending adjustment,” allowing you to stay in the United States even if your nonimmigrant visa is terminated. You can also apply for work and travel permits, which are generally approved within weeks.

This way, the concurrent filing provision allows you to live, work, study, and travel without restrictions. In other words, you enjoy most Green Card benefits before you actually receive it.

Secure Your Career in STEM With EB5AN

Temporary visas like F-1 and H-1B can be useful for building a career in STEM in the U.S., but they come with limitations. In contrast, the EB-5 program gives you more control over your future, which allows you to make long-term plans for your career, life, and family.

As a leading EB-5 firm with over a decade of experience, EB5AN has helped thousands of foreign nationals across over 70 countries become lawful permanent residents of the United States. If you are considering the EB-5 program to secure your future in STEM, our team of experts is here to help you explore your options and move forward with confidence. Feel free to book a one-on-one call with us today.