In-state tuition
US state universities charge lower tuition to state residents. Green card holders who have lived in the state for the required period can usually apply for in-state tuition, which can differ from international fees by tens of thousands of US dollars a year.
University admissions
Green card holders apply as domestic students, without competing for limited international places; some scholarships and financial aid are open only to citizens or permanent residents.
Work after graduation
International students who want to work in the US after graduating must enter the H-1B lottery, with limited odds. Green card holders can be hired freely, with no employer sponsorship.
Children’s ages
Children must be under 21 and unmarried when applying. Children close to 21 may be protected by the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), which should be assessed early. We generally suggest starting to plan when children are 8 to 16, giving them time to finish secondary school in the US and build a residence record.
EB-5 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | TEA projects USD 800,000; other projects USD 1,050,000 |
| Key benefit | Green cards for the whole family — live, work and study anywhere in the US |
| Family | Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included |
| Background | No education, English, age or management-experience requirements |
EB-5 application process and timing
- Assessment and project selection (4–8 weeks): We choose the TEA category and a vetted project based on your place of birth, your children’s ages and your family’s goals.
- Source of funds and investment (3–6 months): Prepare the source-of-funds evidence, make the investment and sign the investment documents.
- File I-526E (12–24 months): File the investor petition; eligible applicants in the US can file I-485 at the same time. Once approved, the family receives two-year conditional green cards.
- I-829 removal of conditions (After two years of conditional residence): Show the investment was sustained and the jobs created, and receive ten-year permanent green cards.
Main EB-5 requirements
- A qualifying investment: USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, or USD 1,050,000 in other projects
- Proof of the lawful source of the investment funds and the full transfer path
- The project must create at least 10 full-time jobs per investor
- The investment must remain at risk throughout the conditional green card period
- Admissibility: no serious criminal record and a satisfactory medical examination
- Participation in the business: investing through a regional centre as a limited partner is sufficient
Need help?
To find out whether this programme suits your family, book a free consultation with Global Immigrate, or contact us on WhatsApp, LINE or WeChat.
Learn more: US EB-5 Investor Immigration