EB-5 Visa as a Solution for International Students

In my latest LIVE session, I talked about how the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program can be a powerful pathway for international students who want to stay in the United States after graduation.

Many students rely on the H-1B visa, but with limited availability and a lottery system, the chances of selection can be uncertain. During the LIVE, I explained how EB-5 offers an alternative path to a green card through investment in a qualifying U.S. project.

Here are some of the key points I covered:

• No job sponsor required — unlike the H-1B visa
• Minimum investment: currently $800,000, which can be gifted by family members
• Green card benefits: live and work anywhere in the U.S., with the opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years
• Timing: it’s often best to consider EB-5 early, even during the first year of university, as the process can take 1–2 years
• Family petitions: parents can include children under 21 years old in the same EB-5 petition
• Project options: most investors participate through regional center projects such as real estate, logistics, manufacturing, and infrastructure
• Costs: in addition to the $800,000 investment, there are typically about $100,000 in legal and administrative costs
• Project timelines: most EB-5 investments have a 4–6 year capital hold period

As someone who has worked as both an immigration attorney and an EB-5 investment broker, I also emphasized how important it is to work with an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney when evaluating your options.

If you’re an international student or parent exploring long-term immigration strategies, this LIVE may be very helpful.

▶️ You can watch the full replay on my YouTube channel.