· Invest in a USCIS-approved project and obtain permanent residency
· 16+ years · 200+ families · 100% approval rate on every petition filed
Lock in your Green Card grandfathering protection
4.0–4.9% guaranteed annual return · Estimated 15% profit sharing · No middleman — work directly with the developer
BAI Capital acts as developer, NCE, and JCE, giving investors full transparency
and one point of contact from investment to Green Card.
Miami, FL
Florida International University area.
Total Capital
$170,595,805
1,875 Jobs to be Created | 45 EB-5 Investors
Gainesville, FL
University of Florida area
Total Capital
$168,000,000
2,970 Jobs to Be Created | 49 EB-5 Investors
North Miami Beach, FL
Total capital
$27,340,142
328 jobs created l 23 EB5 investors
South Bronx, New York City, NY
Total capital
$29,000,000
248 jobs created l 6 EB5 investors
Miami Beach, FL
Total EB5 capital
$25,000,000
1,817 jobs created l 50 EB5 investors
Collins Ave, Surfside, FL
Total EB5 capital
$100,000,000
+2000 jobs created l 200 EB5 investors
Florida, New Mexico and Texas
Total EB5 capital
$18,000,000
+100 jobs created l 10 EB5 investors
Gainesville, FL
Total Capital
$168,000,000
2,970 Jobs to Be Created | 49 EB-5 Investors
North Miami Beach, FL
Total capital
$27,340,142
328 jobs created l 23 EB5 investors
South Bronx, New York City, NY
Total capital
$29,000,000
248 jobs created l 6 EB5 investors
Miami Beach, FL
Total EB5 capital
$25,000,000
1,817 jobs created l 50 EB5 investors
Collins Ave, Surfside, FL
Total EB5 capital
$100,000,000
+2000 jobs created l 200 EB5 investors
Florida, New Mexico and Texas
Total EB5 capital
$18,000,000
+100 jobs created l 10 EB5 investors
<strong>Gainesville, FL</strong><br>
Total Capital<br>
<b> $168,000,000 </b> <br>
2,970 Jobs to Be Created | 49 EB-5 Investors
North Miami Beach, FL
Total capital
$27,340,142
328 jobs created l 23 EB5 investors
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a U.S. government initiative created in 1990 and administered by USCIS. It allows foreign investors and their families to obtain U.S. permanent residency — a Green Card — through an investment that creates jobs and stimulates the American economy.
With a minimum investment of $800,000 USD in a qualifying EB-5 real estate project, and by documenting the lawful source of funds, investors gain one of the most direct and reliable routes to U.S. residency by investment available today — without employer sponsorship, lottery systems, or family sponsorship requirements.
Investing with BAI Capital means access to USCIS-approved projects with a 100% petition approval rate, full regulatory compliance, and 16+ years of experience helping families from over 13 countries secure their Green Card through investment in the U.S.
This program is the first step toward U.S. citizenship through investment. Beyond residency, Green Card holders gain access to in-state university tuition, unrestricted work authorization, and the ability to eventually apply for naturalization after five years of permanent residency.
EB-5 Capital Raised
Families Assisted
Years of Experience
Countries in our portfolio
10-18 months at Immigration Service
6-18 months with US Consulate or Immigration Service
1 year, 9 months
3 - 24 months
*Note: AoS can take 12–24 months. In many cases, AoS can be filed in parallel with I-526E.
10-18 months at Immigration Service
6-18 months with US Consulate or Immigration Service
*Note: AoS can take 12–24 months. In many cases, AoS can be filed in parallel with I-526E.
1 year, 9 months
3 - 24 months
No sponsorship needed. Starting at $800,000 USD — the most direct path to U.S. permanent residency by investment.
Petitions filed before this date are protected by federal law — your case continues and you lock in today’s $800,000 minimum.
Every project is TEA-qualified, I-956F approved, and fully structured for USCIS compliance from day one.
If your I-526E petition is not approved, your investment capital is returned. Structured to minimize risk at every stage.
16+ years · 200+ families · 13+ countries. Every petition filed through BAI Capital has been approved — 100% USCIS approval rate.
From your first consultation to receiving your American Green Card, our team guides you through every step.
People from all over the world who have trusted us over time.
“I started with a small investment in 2023. Through out the years we built so much trust, they have multiplied the investment amounts and continue to invest in their projects again and again”.
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890076218
Brazil
“The goals were achieved, and expectations were met. From the very beginning, everything that was promised was delivered. The project was completed on time, and all the planned objectives were successfully fulfilled”.
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890094078
Venezuela
“Our first impresion was open doors. We found clear information, integrity and transparency. I believe that this company has made a huge difference compare to the others”.
USCIS Case Number:
IOE8064677916
Peru
“I define BAI Capital as a company of great human quality and excellent customer relationship. There’s an effort on their part to get everything out the right way”.
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890093992
Argentina
“All proposed objectives were met as promised and within the established timelines. BAI Capital guided us through every step of the EB-5 process. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome”.
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890093992
Spain
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890016772
Venezuela
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890009025
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890094078
Argentina
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790001208
Brazil
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890095591
España
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090021398
Argentina
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090021377
Argentina
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690649536
Argentina
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090035111
Argentina
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090028898
Argentina
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2190106118
Argentina
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2190106117
Argentina
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990002326
Chile
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690514660
Brazil
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690618234
Brazil
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990095403
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990213555
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690647465
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990036816
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990253334
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790289233
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990314831
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790311856
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790309467
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090035286
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090035183
Mexico
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090031299
Turkey
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790358621
Turkey
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890016772
Turkey
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890080250
China
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890009025
China
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990129264
China
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890094078
Peru
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990002327
Colombia
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990002326
Dominican Republic
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090021377
Venezuela
USCIS Case Number:
IOE8553517974
Vietnam
USCIS Case Number:
IOE8401707031
India
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690514660
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690514660
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990002326
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690514660
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790001208
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690647465
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890094078
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890093992
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890095591
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690514660
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790001208
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1690647465
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890076218
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890094078
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890093992
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890095591
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990002326
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990002327
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990036816
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990129264
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990253334
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990314831
Highlands
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090019293
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090035286
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090035111
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090035183
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090028898
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790289233
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790311856
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1790309467
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890016772
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1890351308
The Palms
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990095403
Park Hotel
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990213555
Park Hotel
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC1990332426
Park Hotel
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090021398
Park Hotel
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090021398
Park Hotel
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090021377
Park Hotel
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2090031299
Park Hotel
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2190105523
Archer
Approved
USCIS Case Number:
WAC2190105693
Archer
Approved
International Families Investors from China, India, Latin America and Middle East.
The grandfathering deadline is September 30, 2026 — one of the most important dates in EB-5 history. Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), any investor who properly files their I-526E petition on or before that date receives legal protection against future program disruptions.
This means that if Congress fails to reauthorize the EB-5 program after September 30, 2027, USCIS must continue processing grandfathered petitions under the current rules. Investors who file after the deadline lose that protection entirely and face potential case freezes if the program lapses. With September 2026 approaching, preparation should start now — source-of-funds documentation and project selection alone can take several months.
No — and this is a critical distinction many investors overlook. The EB-5 Regional Center Program is currently authorized through September 30, 2027. However, the grandfathering protection under the RIA expires one full year earlier, on September 30, 2026.
Filing before the program expires in 2027 is not enough. Only petitions filed on or before September 30, 2026 carry the statutory protection that keeps your case moving forward regardless of what Congress does in 2027. If you wait until 2027 to file, your application will not be grandfathered.
Filing before September 30, 2026 provides several concrete protections:
These benefits apply only to properly filed petitions — USCIS must receive and accept your I-526E before the deadline.
As of March 30, 2026, USCIS adopted a new inventory management model that significantly changed how I-526E petitions are prioritized. The new approach follows a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system with a clear hierarchy:
Investors in projects that already have I-956F approval may see significantly faster processing. If you are considering an EB-5 investment, the status of your project's USCIS approval is now more critical than ever.
No. USCIS has confirmed that minimum investment amounts will not change for fiscal year 2026. The current thresholds — $800,000 for TEA and rural projects, and $1,050,000 for non-TEA investments — were set by the RIA and are linked to inflation adjustments on a five-year cycle. The next scheduled review is not expected until 2027. Investors who file before the September 30, 2026 grandfathering deadline will lock in today's investment amounts even if Congress raises them in future legislation.
In 2025 and 2026, the Trump administration proposed a "Gold Card" visa requiring a $1 million investment, and a higher-tier "Platinum Card" with a $5 million threshold. However, both proposals remain preliminary — no legislation has been passed, and neither visa exists as a legal pathway today.
The EB-5 program, by contrast, is established law, USCIS-administered, and fully operational. For investors seeking a clear and legal route to U.S. permanent residency, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains the only available investment-based immigration option in 2026.
The sustainment period refers to how long an investor's capital must remain at risk in the project before it can be returned. Under current USCIS guidance — confirmed by a U.S. District Court ruling in July 2025 — the minimum sustainment period is two years. A formal rulemaking process is underway, and USCIS is expected to publish proposed regulations with further clarification.
Until a final rule is issued, the two-year minimum guidance remains in effect. At BAI Capital, our projects are structured to meet all compliance requirements throughout the sustainment period, providing investors with a clear timeline for capital return.
Yes — but only through a specific, USCIS-approved structure. A Green Card through investment in real estate is available via the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which allows foreign nationals to obtain U.S. permanent residency by investing in qualifying real estate developments that create American jobs. Simply purchasing a residential property does not qualify. To obtain a Green Card through property investment, the capital must be directed into a commercial real estate project — such as student housing, hotels, or mixed-use developments — structured to meet EB-5 requirements.
BAI Capital specializes exclusively in this model. Our projects are designed to deliver a Green Card from investment in real estate while generating competitive financial returns. With a minimum investment of $800,000 in a TEA-qualified project, investors and their families can secure U.S. permanent residency through a regulated, USCIS-compliant process.
The most direct and legally established way to invest in the U.S. for a Green Card is through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Here is how it works:
This is the only U.S. government program that grants permanent residency based on investment for a Green Card in the U.S. without requiring employer sponsorship or a family relationship. An investment in the USA for a Green Card through EB-5 starts at $800,000 and includes your spouse and children under 21 in the same application.
Yes. The EB-5 program is often described as the first step toward full U.S. citizenship through investment. The path works as follows: after receiving a conditional Green Card, investors remove conditions by filing Form I-829. Once permanent residency is granted, they must maintain it for five years before applying for naturalization. This makes U.S. citizenship through investment a realistic long-term goal for EB-5 investors and their families.
Citizenship through EB-5 is not direct — it goes through permanent residency first — but it is one of the most reliable routes available to foreign nationals. Green Card holders also benefit along the way: in-state university tuition, unrestricted work authorization, and the ability to sponsor certain family members for residency. For many families, the path from investment to U.S. citizenship takes approximately seven to ten years in total.
A Green Card for investors — formally known as the EB-5 immigrant visa — grants U.S. permanent residency to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in an approved project that creates American jobs. It is the only U.S. immigration pathway based entirely on investment, without requiring an employer sponsor, a family member, or a lottery.
To qualify for this investment visa Green Card, an investor must:
Investors from any country — including those seeking an American Green Card by investment — are eligible to apply, as long as they meet the financial and documentation requirements. The program is open to high-net-worth individuals, business owners, executives, and families looking for a permanent, employer-independent path to U.S. residency. A US investment Green Card obtained through EB-5 is fully renewable and leads to citizenship eligibility after five years.
An immigration visa is an official authorization that grants a foreign national the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Unlike temporary visas — limited to tourism, study, or employment — an immigration visa grants lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card.
One of the most direct routes to permanent residency is through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which allows qualified foreign investors to obtain a Green Card by investing in U.S. projects that create jobs and stimulate the economy.
Both types qualify for the reduced $800,000 minimum investment threshold, but they differ in location and processing priority. Rural projects are located outside any Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and outside cities or towns with a population over 20,000. High-Unemployment Area (HUA) projects are in urban or suburban zones where unemployment is at least 150% of the national average. Under USCIS's 2026 processing model, rural petitions receive the highest adjudication priority, meaning investors in rural projects may receive approvals faster. For investors from countries with EB-5 backlogs — such as India, China, or Vietnam — rural set-aside projects also offer a separate visa quota with shorter wait times.
BAI Capital currently offers two active EB-5 projects in Florida: Archer Place in Gainesville and Alma at FIU in Miami.
Archer Place — located near the University of Florida in a designated Targeted Employment Area (TEA) — is the most advanced of the two. It is already under construction, has I-956F project approval from USCIS, carries zero debt, and offers investors a guaranteed 4.9% annual return with projected profit sharing of 15–18%. With 49 EB-5 investors and 2,970 jobs projected to be created, it is one of the most compliant and competitive EB-5 projects in Florida currently available.
Alma at FIU, located in the Miami area near Florida International University, is in pre-development and represents an opportunity for early-stage investors. Florida's strong real estate fundamentals, population growth, and university housing demand make it one of the most attractive markets for EB-5 real estate investment in the United States.
The U.S. offers two main categories of immigration visas: family-sponsored and employment-based. Common examples include the H-1B for skilled professionals and the F-1 student visa, which can lead to Optional Practical Training (OPT).
For those seeking a direct path to permanent residency without relying on an employer or family member, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the most established option — granting a US investment Green Card through a qualifying capital contribution to an approved project.
A U.S. Green Card is proof of lawful permanent residency. It grants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the country, access most public benefits, and — after five years — apply for citizenship.
There are several ways to obtain a Green Card: through family sponsorship, employment visas like H-1B or F-1/OPT, or through investment. For investors, the EB-5 Program offers a direct route to U.S. residence by investment that does not depend on employer sponsorship or visa renewal cycles.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a U.S. government initiative, created in 1990 and administered by USCIS, that allows foreign nationals and their families to obtain a Green Card by investing in projects that create jobs and contribute to the U.S. economy. It is the original and only federally authorized EB-5 visa program of its kind.
The program requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA project, along with documented proof of lawful source of funds and the creation of at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.
To obtain a US Green Card through investment, a foreign national must make a qualifying capital contribution to a USCIS-approved project, document the lawful source of those funds, and demonstrate that the investment creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Once USCIS approves the I-526E petition, the investor and their family can proceed with either consular processing (from abroad) or adjustment of status (if already in the U.S. on a valid visa).
Investors can also obtain a US Green Card with investment via concurrent filing if they are already in the country — reducing the wait for work authorization to as little as three to six months. The full process — from first investment to permanent residency — typically takes two to three years. This is one of the fastest and most predictable routes to a US Green Card via investment available today.
To qualify, an investment must meet three core requirements: reach the minimum capital threshold ($800,000 in a TEA or $1,050,000 outside one), be placed in a USCIS-approved project, and be structured to create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
The most common qualifying projects are EB-5 real estate investments — including student housing, hotels, and mixed-use developments — because of their proven job creation potential and compliance track record.
Any foreign national who meets the minimum investment requirement and can document the lawful source of their funds is eligible to apply. The program is open to investors from any country seeking an American Green Card by investment — including those currently in the U.S. on temporary visas such as F-1 (OPT), H-1B, or L-1. For these applicants, EB-5 offers a path to permanent residency that is independent of employer sponsorship or visa renewal cycles.
The minimum investment required for a US Green Card through EB-5 is $800,000 for projects in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and $1,050,000 for projects outside a TEA. In all cases, the investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, and investors must document the lawful origin of their capital through financial records such as tax returns, bank statements, or property sale agreements.
Yes. One of the main advantages of EB-5 is that investors can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the same petition. With a single qualifying investment, the entire family can obtain U.S. permanent residency — with full access to education, employment, and healthcare in the United States.
A Targeted Employment Area is a region classified by USCIS as either rural or experiencing high unemployment (at least 150% of the national average). Investing in a TEA-qualified project reduces the minimum capital requirement from $1,050,000 to $800,000 and provides adjudication advantages under the current USCIS processing model. BAI Capital's Archer Place project in Gainesville, Florida is located in a designated TEA, offering investors the lower threshold and faster processing priority.
Qualifying EB-5 projects must be approved by USCIS through the Form I-956F process and demonstrate the capacity to create at least 10 full-time jobs per investor. The most common project types are real estate developments — student housing, hotels, and mixed-use urban projects. BAI Capital focuses exclusively on EB-5 real estate investment in Florida, a market with sustained demand, population growth, and a documented record of job creation. Our projects are structured so that investors can obtain a Green Card for investors through a transparent, compliant process.
The expected annual return for the Archer Place EB-5 investment is 4.9%, one of the most competitive yields in today’s EB-5 market.
This attractive performance is possible because BAI Capital acts as both the New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) and the Job-Creating Entity (JCE), maximizing efficiency and transparency. Investors not only gain a strong financial return, but also the opportunity to secure a U.S. permanent residency by investment through a proven EB-5 real estate investment model.
Yes. EB-5 investments are structured as loans or equity, and capital is returned after the project meets USCIS requirements and the sustainment period is fulfilled — typically between five and seven years from the initial investment. Under current USCIS guidance, funds must remain at risk for a minimum of two years. BAI Capital's projects are structured to comply with all requirements and provide a clear, documented path to capital return.
In addition to the investment itself, investors should plan for: administrative fees of approximately $70,000 USD, and legal fees ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 USD, which cover the I-526E, I-485 (or DS-260), and I-829 petitions. BAI Capital works with leading immigration attorneys to ensure every step is handled with precision and transparency.
Every EB-5 investment must create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Archer Place is projected to create over 2,970 jobs — far exceeding the minimum threshold — which provides investors with strong USCIS compliance assurance and reduces the risk of petition denial.
During the EB-5 process, investors generally maintain their tax residency in their home country and have no U.S. tax obligations until they obtain permanent residency. Once a Green Card is granted, investors must file annual U.S. tax returns based on worldwide income, following federal and applicable state tax regulations. Proper tax planning before filing is strongly recommended — BAI Capital can connect investors with qualified advisors familiar with the EB-5 process.
From initial investment to Green Card approval, the process typically takes two to three years. Investors already in the U.S. on a valid visa — such as F-1 with OPT or H-1B — may qualify for concurrent filing, which allows them to apply for adjustment of status and begin receiving work authorization within three to six months of filing. The new USCIS FIFO model introduced in March 2026 may accelerate processing for investors in projects with existing I-956F approval and in rural TEA categories.
A Green Card obtained through EB-5 is initially valid for two years (conditional residency). After meeting all program requirements, investors apply to remove conditions and receive a permanent Green Card valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely. After five years of permanent residency, investors and their families may apply for U.S. citizenship.
No. Most EB-5 investors participate through a USCIS-designated Regional Center, which manages the investment, oversees compliance, and ensures job creation requirements are met. Investors do not need to run a business or be involved in day-to-day operations. This structure makes EB-5 one of the most accessible investment immigration programs in the world.
Florida EB-5 Investments LLC is a USCIS-approved Regional Center affiliated with BAI Capital, focused exclusively on high-quality real estate developments in Florida. It is the official Regional Center behind Archer Place, a TEA-qualified project in Gainesville designed to generate well above the required job creation threshold. BAI Capital holds a 100% USCIS approval rate on all I-526E and I-829 petitions to date.
The most reliable way is through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. By making a qualifying investment in a USCIS-approved project, investors and their families can obtain U.S. permanent residency without depending on an employer, a family sponsor, or a visa lottery.
No. Simply purchasing a property does not qualify you for a U.S. Green Card through investment. To obtain residency, the investment must be directed into a USCIS-approved project that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
However, through the EB-5 Program, you can achieve a Green Card through investment in real estate by participating in structured developments such as student housing projects in Florida. These projects are designed specifically to meet EB-5 requirements while giving investors the chance to participate in the U.S. real estate market.
Yes. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a fully legal, USCIS-administered pathway to U.S. permanent residency. By investing in approved projects that create American jobs, foreign nationals and their families can obtain a Green Card through a transparent, regulated process. Investors must meet all eligibility requirements and receive USCIS approval at each stage.
Yes. The EB-5 Program was reauthorized in March 2022 under the Reform and Integrity Act and remains fully operational through September 30, 2027. Investors who file their I-526E petition before September 30, 2026 will be grandfathered, protecting their case against any future program changes or lapses.
The EB-5 program has an annual quota of approximately 10,000 visas, distributed among investors, spouses, and unmarried children under 21. Under the RIA, specific allocations are reserved for rural projects (20%), high-unemployment area projects (10%), and infrastructure projects (2%) — creating separate queues with lower backlogs for investors from high-demand countries such as India, China, and Vietnam.
The H-1B is a temporary work visa tied to a specific employer and subject to annual lottery caps. While it allows for U.S. work experience, it does not provide a direct path to permanent residency and must be renewed periodically. Many H-1B holders turn to the EB-5 program to obtain permanent residency independently — without employer sponsorship or unpredictable renewal cycles.
The L-1 allows multinational companies to transfer employees to U.S. offices; the O-1 is for individuals with extraordinary abilities; the P-1 is for internationally recognized athletes and performers. All three are temporary and employer-dependent. For holders of any of these visas seeking long-term stability, the EB-5 program provides a route to permanent residency that is not tied to any employer, contract, or event.
The F-1 visa is for international students in the U.S., with the option to work under Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to three years in STEM fields. However, OPT does not lead to permanent residency on its own. For students planning a long-term future in the U.S., the EB-5 program offers one of the most direct transitions from student status to permanent residency — without the H-1B lottery or employer dependency.
The O-1 Visa is a temporary visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities in areas such as arts, sciences, education, business, or sports. While prestigious, it is tied to specific projects or employers and must be renewed periodically.
In contrast, the EB-5 Green Card offers long-term security. By investing in a qualified project, applicants gain U.S. permanent residency by investment, free from the dependency on employer sponsorship or renewals.
PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) is a labor certification process required for certain employment-based Green Cards — involving lengthy Department of Labor procedures and full employer sponsorship. The EB-5 program does not require PERM. Investors apply directly through USCIS based on their qualifying investment, bypassing the employer-sponsored process entirely.
Yes. While simply buying a home does not qualify, structured EB-5 real estate investments—such as student housing and mixed-use developments—allow investors to obtain a Green Card through investment in real estate. Projects like Archer Place in Florida are specifically designed to meet EB-5 requirements, combining capital security with the chance to obtain U.S. residency through investment.
The minimum is $800,000 for projects in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and $1,050,000 for non-TEA locations. These amounts are confirmed to remain unchanged through fiscal year 2026. The next scheduled inflation-based adjustment is not expected until 2027.
An investment-based Green Card — also known as the EB-5 Green Card — grants foreign investors and their families U.S. permanent residency by investing in qualified projects that create American jobs. It is one of the most direct paths to permanent residency available, bypassing the restrictions of temporary visas like H-1B or F-1.
Connect with BAI Capital for expert guidance and resources tailored to your needs.