United States Residency

EB-5 Investor Visa,
the essentials covered

The EB-5 visa gives investors and their families a direct path to a U.S. Green Card. But here’s what most sites won’t tell you:

  • Not all regional centers are trustworthy.
  • Some brokers are paid to push you into bad deals.
  • Admin fees are negotiable (if you’re not using a broker).
  • You might lose your money, and yes, there are ways to protect your Green Card anyway.

At Auro Visa, we don’t sell projects. We don’t take commissions.

We’re here to help you make a smart, secure investment decision, with the full picture.

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United States

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United States Residency

Investment starting at $800,000

EB-5 Visa Program

United States residency, open for investment

The many benefits of residency by investment

The EB-5 visa offers a pathway to U.S. residency through investment, allowing you to live, work, and study in the United States. It is for foreign nationals who invest at least $800k in a commercial enterprise in the U.S.

The EB-5 visa program is an immigrant investor program in the United States. It provides a pathway to permanent residency (a green card) for foreign nationals who invest an amount of money in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the U.S. Once the conditions are met, investors and their immediate family members can apply for permanent residency.

$800,000+

Investment amount

5+ years

Obtainment period

2 years

Visa validity

Benefits

What you actually get with an EB-5 Visa

The many benefits of residency by investment

 

1Permanent US ResidencyObtain permanent residency  for you, your spouse, and all unmarried children under age 21 with only one investment of $800,000 USD
2Opportunity to obtain US citizenshipThe EB‑5 visa holders are eligible to receive a Green Card after two years of living in the US. After 5 years you will have the right to apply for citizenship. The US passport is a powerful one allowing holders visa free travel to over 160 countries.
3No SponsorshipThe EB-5 investor is not required to have a sponsor to apply for the EB‑5 visa. They will only need to meet the requirements of the program to work, live, and start a business anywhere in the U.S.
4Education and Healthcare OpportunitiesResidents are eligible to get health insurance and treatment in US clinics.  Investors children can also study at US schools for free and receive scholarships for university enrollment.
5Travel flexibilityEB-5 investors and their families can enjoy unrestricted travel in and out of the United States. They are not subject to the limitations and requirements associated with temporary visas. This allows for more convenience and freedom when traveling out of the country.
6Return on InvestmentAn EB‑5 visa investment doesn’t guarantee investment returns. It is possible to get one after the investment cycle is complete, typically after 5-7 years. The return rate will depend on the specifics of the project.
7Retirement and social benefitsEB-5 investors who become permanent residents in the United States have the opportunity to access retirement and other social benefits including Social Security and Medicare. You will need to meet the eligibility criteria. These benefits can provide additional security and support during retirement.

Benefits of an EB‑5 Investor Visa

1

Permanent US Residency

Obtain permanent residency  for you, your spouse, and all unmarried children under age 21 with only one investment of $800,000 USD

2

Opportunity to obtain US citizenship

The EB‑5 visa holders are eligible to receive a Green Card after two years of living in the US. After 5 years you will have the right to apply for citizenship. The US passport is a powerful one allowing holders visa free travel to over 160 countries.

3

No sponsorship

The EB-5 investor is not required to have a sponsor to apply for the EB‑5 visa. They will only need to meet the requirements of the program to work, live, and start a business anywhere in the U.S.

4

Education and Healthcare Opportunities

Residents are eligible to get health insurance and treatment in US clinics. Investors children can also study at US schools for free and receive scholarships for university enrollment.

5

Travel Flexibility

EB-5 investors and their families can enjoy unrestricted travel in and out of the United States. They are not subject to the limitations and requirements associated with temporary visas. This allows for more convenience and freedom when traveling out of the country.

6

Return on Investment

An EB‑5 visa investment doesn’t guarantee investment returns. It is possible to get one after the investment cycle is complete, typically after 5-7 years. The return rate will depend on the specifics of the project.

7

Retirement and social benefits

EB-5 investors who become permanent residents in the United States have the opportunity to access retirement and other social benefits including Social Security and Medicare. You will need to meet the eligibility criteria. These benefits can provide additional security and support during retirement.

Benefits of an EB‑5 Investor Visa

1

Permanent US Residency

Obtain permanent residency  for you, your spouse, and all unmarried children under age 21 with only one investment of $800,000 USD

2

Opportunity to obtain US citizenship

The EB‑5 visa holders are eligible to receive a Green Card after two years of living in the US. After 5 years you will have the right to apply for citizenship. The US passport is a powerful one allowing holders visa free travel to over 160 countries.

3

No sponsorship

The EB-5 investor is not required to have a sponsor to apply for the EB‑5 visa. They will only need to meet the requirements of the program to work, live, and start a business anywhere in the U.S.

4

Education and Healthcare Opportunities

Residents are eligible to get health insurance and treatment in US clinics. Investors children can also study at US schools for free and receive scholarships for university enrollment.

5

Travel Flexibility

EB-5 investors and their families can enjoy unrestricted travel in and out of the United States. They are not subject to the limitations and requirements associated with temporary visas. This allows for more convenience and freedom when traveling out of the country.

6

Return on Investment

An EB‑5 visa investment doesn’t guarantee investment returns. It is possible to get one after the investment cycle is complete, typically after 5-7 years. The return rate will depend on the specifics of the project.

7

Retirement and social benefits

EB-5 investors who become permanent residents in the United States have the opportunity to access retirement and other social benefits including Social Security and Medicare. You will need to meet the eligibility criteria. These benefits can provide additional security and support during retirement.

Compare

Why residency by investment, can be the best path

How it compares to traditional immigration

Traditional

Investment

Time to Residency

10+ years

2-5 years

Job or Sponsor Needed

Required

Not required

Language Test

Often mandatory

Usually waived

Residency Status

Conditional

Long-term or permenant

Your Trusted Guide To Global Residency

Our FAQ covers the most common questions you will need to know  about investing in an alternative residency or citizenship.

These are government-approved programs that allow individuals to obtain residency or citizenship in a country by making a qualifying investment. It’s a legal pathway to live, work, or travel more freely — often used for global mobility, asset protection, or lifestyle upgrades.

The required investment varies by country. Some start as low as €100,000 (e.g. in the Caribbean), while others like Portugal or Spain typically require €250,000 to €500,000 or more. Investment options may include real estate, government bonds, business creation, or donation models.

Depending on the country and program, you may receive:

  • Temporary or permanent residency
  • Citizenship (with or without a passport)
  • Access to healthcare, education, and other public services
  • Visa-free travel to specific regions (like the EU Schengen Zone or Caribbean)
Timelines vary:

  • Residency programs: 2–6 months on average
  • Citizenship programs: 4 months to 2 years

Some countries also offer fast-track options for higher investments.

Not always. Some countries require a minimum number of days per year (like Portugal), while others (like Malta or St. Kitts) have no residency requirements. This makes some programs ideal for global citizens or digital nomads.

Yes, in some cases. Certain programs may restrict applicants from specific countries due to diplomatic or security reasons. Additionally, your current passport can impact visa-free travel benefits or dual citizenship rules.

Yes, some countries cap the number of applications each year (like the U.S. EB-5 or St. Lucia citizenship program). It’s important to apply early or monitor demand if your timeline is urgent.

Yes. Most programs allow you to include a spouse, dependent children, and sometimes parents. Additional fees or investment thresholds may apply depending on family size.

In many cases — yes, if you choose an option like real estate or business investment. However, donation models (often cheaper and faster) are non-refundable. Each country offers different terms, so this is worth evaluating closely.

Still have questions?
Email us at team@aurovisa.com