EB-5 green card: frequently asked questions

US$800,000 if the project is in a targeted employment area or is an infrastructure project, and US$1,050,000 otherwise. Both amounts adjust periodically for inflation, so confirm the current figure before committing capital.

A rural area, or one with unemployment at least 150% of the national average. Investing there lowers the required amount from US$1,050,000 to US$800,000. The area's qualification is documented in the file and can change over time, so it is verified at the moment of investing.

The investment must generate or preserve at least ten full-time positions for qualifying US workers within the required period. In regional-centre investments, indirect and induced jobs calculated with economic models also count.

The EB-5 grants permanent residence; the E-2 is a renewable temporary visa that does not by itself lead to a green card. In exchange, the E-2 has no statutory minimum and is far more accessible. For a Chilean the E-2 is available under the free trade agreement, which is why many start there.

The EB-5 first grants conditional residence for two years. Before it expires you must file to remove the conditions, showing the investment was sustained and the jobs were created. Only then does residence become permanent without conditions.

Any lawful source, but its origin must be documented in considerable detail: tax returns, sale contracts, inheritances, secured loans. Traceability of the capital is one of the most common causes of additional evidence requests in these cases.