Hong Kong
Taiwan
VietnamShort answer: The EB-5 minimum investment (for example the common TEA/rural order of magnitude under law then in force) is only one threshold. Most regional-center deals also charge an admin fee, plus immigration counsel, USCIS forms, transfer and compliance costs, translations and source-of-funds paperwork. Family size multiplies civil and medical-type expenses. Budgeting only the “minimum investment” understates true cash outflow.
Cost stack (overview)
| Block | Notes |
|---|---|
| Investment capital | Statutory minimum into the project structure |
| Admin fee | Often charged by the center/issuer; may be non-refundable |
| Legal services | I-526E, visa or I-485, I-829 stages |
| Government fees | Then-current USCIS / State Department schedules |
| Documents and wires | Source of funds, notarization, bank charges |
Why admin fees need clear questions
A higher or lower admin fee does not automatically mean a better or worse project, but the writing should state amount, use, partial refund rules, and what happens if immigration fails. Blending admin fees into a vague verbal total invites later disputes. Capital must still meet at-risk rules; an admin fee is not a substitute for project diligence.
Time is a cost too
During adjudication and conditional residence, families may carry dual living costs or opportunity cost. Set-asides may shorten immigration time when numbers cooperate, but they do not automatically reduce admin or legal fees. Split “one-time outflow” from “ongoing costs while waiting.”
See US EB-5.
Global Immigrate’s recommendation
- Demand a written fee sheet: capital / admin / legal / government / third-party.
- Confirm admin-fee refund conditions and any link to immigration outcome.
- Count family size into documents and medicals early.
- Official fees follow government sites on filing day—this article is not a quote.
Data current as of November 2026. General information only; not legal or financial advice. Investment involves risk.