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How to Get a U.S. Green Card Through the EB-5 Investor Visa Program in 2026

A U.S. Green Card can be obtained not only through the lottery or family-based immigration, but also through the EB-5 investor visa program. This program allows foreign investors to invest in a U.S. project, create jobs, and apply for permanent residency for themselves, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21. In this guide, Bonadomus explains how the EB-5 program works in 2026, which requirements matter most, and why development projects in Florida — especially in Miami — are often considered a practical path to obtaining a Green Card through investment.

Author of the article:

Lead Real Estate Consultant & Reviewer

19 minutes

May 12, 2026

Паспорт США и отметка о визе EB-5 на фоне звезд и полос американского флага

What Is the EB-5 Program? A Simple Explanation

The EB-5 investor visa is a U.S. immigration program that allows foreign investors to invest from $1,100,000 in an approved project, create at least 10 jobs, and apply for a Green Card for themselves, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21. For those seeking an alternative to the Green Card lottery, the EB-5 program offers a more predictable, investment-based path to permanent residency.
Family receives housing through the EB-5 program
EB-5 visa in the USA for the whole family
That is:
  1. You are investing in a developer’s project / a regional center;
  2. This money goes towards the construction of the facility and the creation of jobs;
  3. In return, you submit an immigration petition and, if the conditions are met, you can obtain a green card.

Important to understand

The main purpose of the EB-5 program is not to “buy a passport” or participate in a lottery, but to obtain a U.S. Green Card through investment, proper documentation, and approval of an immigration petition. Depending on the structure of the project, investors may also have the opportunity to own real estate in the United States. Bonadomus can help you explore suitable opportunities through our Miami real estate catalog.

Benefits of Obtaining a Green Card Through the EB-5 Investor Visa

Panoramic view of Miami
Advantages of the EB-5 visa for living in Miami

Advantages

  • The EB-5 visa is a direct path to a U.S. green card. One case includes the investor, spouse, and children under 21.
  • It gives you the freedom to live and work anywhere in the United States.
  • The possibility to apply for citizenship after 5 years of obtaining a permanent green card.
  • When working through a new development in Miami, you receive not only status, but also an asset that can be rented out or resold.

Features and Risks

Immigration risk. USCIS may deny the case if:
  • the lawful source of funds has not been proven;
  • the project does not meet EB-5 requirements;
  • there are errors in the documents.
Commercial risk. The project may be delayed, cost less than expected, or face a real estate market crisis.
Regulatory risk. Changes in federal or local legislation may affect timelines, requirements, and even the ability to participate in certain projects.

💬 Expert opinion of Bonadomus

EB-5 is primarily an immigration program, not a “high-yield deposit.” Minimal interest, for example around 0.5% per year on the investment amount, is a pleasant bonus, but not the goal of the program.

EB-5 Visa Requirements: Who Can Participate and Who Can Be Included in the Case

Broadly speaking, an investor who can participate is someone who:
  • is capable of investing no less than $1,100,000 plus fees in real Miami projects;

  • can provide documentary evidence of the lawful source of funds, such as:

    • income from business or salary,
    • sale of real estate or investments,
    • inheritance,
    • gifts from relatives, with confirmation of their source;
  • has no serious immigration or criminal violations that would prevent obtaining status, for example, no criminal record/police clearance issues and no violations of the U.S. visa regime.
The application may include:
  • legal spouse;
  • children under 21 years of age who are not married.

💬 Expert opinion of Bonadomus

A typical investor in these cases is an entrepreneur, business owner, or co-owner; less often, a salaried top manager. What matters is not only the amount of funds, but also how transparently their origin can be demonstrated. We discuss the asset structure in advance and, together with an immigration lawyer, assess how realistic the case is.

Preliminary Case Assessment
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How much does a green card cost under the EB-5 program?

Expense Category Amount (USD) Comments
Principal Investment $1,100,000 Investment capital. Returned to the investor after project completion, typically within 3–5 years.
Administrative Fee ~$70,000 Project management fee and Regional Center expenses. Non-refundable.
Legal Fees $30,000 – $35,000 Immigration attorney fees, including preparation of Source of Funds and petition filing.
Government Filing Fees Varies Payment for Form I-526E and other USCIS petitions
Principal Investment
Amount (USD)
$1,100,000
Comments
Investment capital. Returned to the investor after project completion (typically within 3–5 years).
Administrative Fee
Amount (USD)
~$70,000
Comments
Project management fee and Regional Center expenses. Non-refundable.
Legal Fees
Amount (USD)
$30,000 – $35,000
Comments
Immigration attorney fees (preparation of Source of Funds, petition filing).
Government Filing Fees
Amount (USD)
Varies
Comments
Payment for Form I-526E and other USCIS petitions.

In total, how much does an EB-5 visa cost?

In total, you need to have approximately $1.2 million in liquid capital upfront. EB-5 projects are not about high earnings, but about capital preservation and immigration status. Usually, the developer pays about 0.5% per year on the invested amount.

Unique strategy: EB-5 visa + apartment in a new building

View from an apartment in a new building in Miami
Apartment in Miami through a U.S. investor visa
This is the most valuable part of our guide. In Miami, you can use the EB-5 program as leverage for a more advantageous purchase of property in new developments (New Constructions).

Regular purchase without EB-5

If you are simply buying an apartment in a new building in Miami:
  • when signing the contract, you usually pay 50% of the property’s cost;
  • the remaining 50% is paid closer to the building’s completion — using your own or borrowed funds;
  • foreign investors, even without U.S. resident status, can often obtain a mortgage with a down payment starting from 30%, although specific terms depend on the bank.

Purchase using EB-5

When you proceed specifically under the EB-5 program, the structure can be much more convenient:
  • You invest $1,100,000 in the project, plus administrative and legal fees.
  • You inform the developer that you want to take an apartment in the same complex under special EB-5 conditions.
  • Instead of a 50% down payment (as with a standard deal, without EB-5) for the apartment, you only pay 25%.
  • The house is being built. After completion, you can:
    • live in the apartment,
    • rent it out (including short-term rental).
  • After approximately 3–4 years, under the terms of the project, your investment through EB-5 is returned (plus about 0.5% per annum, if stipulated by the contract).
  • You use this refunded money to cover the remaining cost of the apartment (75%).
  • The apartment becomes your asset: you can sell it or keep it in your portfolio.

Comparison of Terms: Regular Real Estate Purchase vs Purchase through the EB-5 Program

Deal Criterion Scenario A: Regular Purchase (Non-resident) Scenario B: Purchase through EB-5 Program (Investor)
Ultimate Goal Apartment only (asset) Green Card for the family + apartment
Down Payment to Developer 50% upon contract signing 25% under preferential EB-5 terms
Investment Capital $0, paying only for the apartment $1,100,000 frozen for 3–5 years
How the Balance is Paid Off Personal funds or mortgage, often at a high interest rate From the return of EB-5 investment principal
Immigration Status Tourist visa B1/B2, up to 6 months per year Permanent Residency (Green Card), right to work and run a business
Risks Market risk (asset price) Immigration risk (petition approval)
Outcome After 5 Years Ownership of the apartment Ownership of the apartment + U.S. citizenship option
Deal Criterion
Scenario A: regular purchase (Non-resident)
Apartment only (asset)
Scenario B: purchase through the EB-5 program (Investor)
Green Card for the family + Apartment
Initial payment to the developer
Scenario A: regular purchase (Non-resident)
50% upon contract signing
Scenario B: purchase through the EB-5 program (Investor)
25% (preferential terms for EB-5)
Investment capital
Scenario A: regular purchase (Non-resident)
$0 (you pay only for the apartment)
Scenario B: purchase through the EB-5 program (Investor)
$1,100,000 (frozen for 3–5 years)
How the remainder is closed
Scenario A: regular purchase (Non-resident)
Personal funds or mortgage (at a high interest rate)
Scenario B: purchase through the EB-5 program (Investor)
At the expense of the return of the EB-5 investment principal
Immigration status
Scenario A: regular purchase (Non-resident)
B1/B2 tourist visa (up to 6 months per year)
Scenario B: purchase through the EB-5 program (Investor)
Permanent residence (Green Card), right to work and do business
Risks
Scenario A: regular purchase (Non-resident)
Market risks (asset price)
Scenario B: purchase through the EB-5 program (Investor)
Immigration risks (petition approval)
Result after 5 years
Scenario A: regular purchase (Non-resident)
Apartment ownership
Scenario B: purchase through the EB-5 program (Investor)
Apartment ownership + U.S. citizenship (optional)

💬 Expert opinion from Bonadomus

What is the most profitable way to invest in real estate under the EB-5 program?

The ideal option in this case is to find a developer who will complete the project shortly after your investment. For example, if the developer hands over the property within 1–2 years, then by paying only 25%, you will be able to live in the apartment or rent it out while waiting for the return of your EB-5 investment principal and receiving your documents.

PRELIMINARY CASE ASSESSMENT
Submit an application, and our team will help you find the optimal and, most importantly, safe investment option for purchasing a house, villa, or other real estate in Miami, while obtaining green cards and an apartment under the EB-5 program.
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How to Start the EB-5 Process: Step-by-Step Guide

First, it is important to note that there are two options for running the program.

Option 1: you are already in the USA (Adjustment of Status)

This is suitable for those who have legally entered the United States, for example on a tourist visa, and are ready to stay.
  • Plus: You can apply for Adjustment of Status simultaneously with the investor petition. This gives you the right to legally live in the country while waiting for a decision.
  • Restriction: After submitting the documents, you cannot leave the USA for approximately 12 months (until obtaining a travel permit, Advance Parole).

Option 2: you are abroad (Consular Processing)

This is suitable for those who are not planning an urgent move.
  • You submit documents remotely.
  • You can travel the world calmly and continue living in your own country.
  • You can travel the world calmly and continue living in your own country.

⚠️ Important!

The second option allows you to stay on the territory of the USA for up to 6 months a year while the housing is being built. At the same time, freedom of movement to other countries is maintained. As soon as the project is completed and the deal is closed, you can immediately apply for green cards.

Step-by-step EB-5 visa acquisition scheme
EB-5 visa acquisition - step by step
Below is a general step-by-step overview of the EB-5 Green Card process in 2026, which can serve as a practical checklist for prospective investors.

Step 1. Consultation and Budget Selection

  • Discussing tasks: just a green card or a green card + apartment + rent.
  • Set a realistic budget: not just the investment amount (1.05–1.1M), but also fees, taxes, lawyers, realtors.
⚠️ Important!
The role of the lawyer, realtor, and accountant (CPA) in this process?
Immigration lawyer
Analyzes your case and honestly tells you whether participation is realistic. Helps gather and prepare evidence of the lawful source of funds. Prepares and files:
  • the investor petition (I-526 / I-526E)
  • documents for status adjustment in the US or consular processing abroad
  • the final petition to remove conditions (I-829)
  • accompanies you during USCIS requests and at the final stages
Realtor
Communicates with the developer’s sales department, coordinates communication between the project and lawyers, and monitors deadlines, documents, and responses to inquiries. In American projects, managers often prefer to communicate only with the realtor, not with the end client — especially if the client is a non-resident and does not speak English fluently. For Russian-speaking clients, it is critical that the realtor speaks both Russian and English and understands the terminology of EB-5 and regular real estate.
Accountant
Helps choose the form of ownership (individual, through an American company LLC/Corp, or through a foreign company). He also: calculates the tax burden on rental or sale; considers depreciation of furniture and equipment if the property is rented; advises on how to optimize the ownership structure to conduct business transparently and legally.

Step 2. Selecting a project and developer in Miami

The realtor is preparing a list of projects that: qualify for EB-5, have a clear developer track record, are already under construction or close to completion (minimizing risks and speeding up the time when you can start using the apartment).

Step 3. Choosing an immigration lawyer and CPA

Consult with 1–2 EB-5 attorneys. Choose the one who clearly explains the risks, timelines, and payment structure.

💬 Expert opinion of Bonadomus

We always offer clients a combination: immigration lawyer + real estate lawyer + CPA. We have the expertise, a well-established system, lawyers, and other specialists with proven reputation and experience. Thanks to this, our clients save tens of thousands of dollars and years of stress, which often happens when someone tries to “save money” only to suddenly find out that the contract or tax structure was chosen poorly.

Step 4. Preparation of documents and confirmation of the source of funds

You are gathering documents about the origin of capital: declarations, reports, etc.

Step 5. Signing project documents and transferring funds to escrow

  • You sign a standard project contract (subscription agreement, partnership agreement, etc.). If you want an apartment, you reserve the property and pay 25%.
  • The lawyer double-checks the contract and, if necessary, secures amendments (although developers often say that contracts are "not changed," a good lawyer can negotiate many things in favor of the investor).
  • At the negotiation stage with lawyers and developers, the investor can change the direction of the deal, even if the preliminary contract has already been signed.
  • Transfer to escrow:
    • the principal investment amount, which is frozen for 3-4 years (for example, $1,150,000),
    • the administrative fee (for example, $70,000),
    • simultaneously pay the EB-5 attorney's fee ($30,000–35,000).
⚠️ Important!
Where does the investor’s money actually go?
The investor’s money is transferred not directly to the developer’s “operational” account, but to an escrow account. This is a special account owned by the project (LLLP / fund, etc.) but controlled by a bank or escrow agent. After the funds are received, the investor receives an official receipt confirming the deposit. If your I-526E petition is denied by the immigration service, 100% of the investment principal ($1.1 million) will be returned to you. Administrative and legal fees are usually non-refundable.
The escrow account documents must clearly specify: terms of capital return (for example, in case of USCIS refusal), scenarios under which funds can be directed to the project, deadlines after which the money can be returned to the investor. That is why the escrow agreement is necessarily reviewed by an immigration lawyer, not just the developer.

Having a knowledgeable lawyer is the key to recovering funds and protecting the client’s interests.

Step 6. Filing the I-526 / I-526E Petition

The lawyer prepares and submits the petition to USCIS. From this moment, the waiting period begins, which, based on Miami cases, takes an average of 3–4 years.

Step 7. Waiting for construction and closing the deal

You wait for the building to be completed while your case is processed in parallel. After the building is delivered, you can use the apartment or rent it out.

⚠️ Important!

Reselling the contract before construction is completed is not allowed. Sale is possible only after the deal is closed and ownership rights are obtained. Only re-registration of the property to your own company, where the investor is the owner, is permitted.

After the deal is closed, a sale is possible immediately, but it will be subject to a high capital gains tax. After 2 years of ownership, the tax on sale will be lower. Therefore, such properties are usually rented out for short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, or placed under management, typically for 10–15% of income.

Step 8. Returning frozen funds and obtaining a green card

In 3–4 years, you receive back the principal investment amount under EB-5 — the investment principal of $1,100,000. You use the returned funds to pay off the remaining balance on the apartment. You receive a green card and can manage the property as you wish.

EB-5 Green Card for Russian Citizens: Restrictions and Real Opportunities in 2026

At the federal level, there is no specific ban on the EB-5 visa for Russian citizens. However, there are nuances that must be considered even before transferring money to the project.

Here are three points affected by the client’s possession of a Russian passport:

  • State selection
  • Banking compliance
  • Ownership structure

State and specific property selection. For example, Florida has law SB 264, which restricts the purchase of land and real estate near critical infrastructure by citizens of “countries of concern.” In several locations, a Russian citizen simply will not be able to close the deal — even if the deposit has already been made.

There was a case where clients made a deposit but, due to the absence of a second passport other than Russian, could not close the apartment purchase because of state law. The developer returned the funds. Therefore, it is critically important to work with our team and a lawyer.

The Bonadomus team helps check in advance whether your specific Russian passport and your case can participate in a particular EB-5 project without violating state laws or federal requirements. Submit an application: together with an immigration lawyer, we will assess the risks, select a safe project, and determine the optimal real estate ownership structure.

Banking compliance. Opening accounts, passing KYC, and transferring large sums from abroad may take more time and require additional documents.

Ownership structure. Sometimes it is optimal to register the property under a company (LLC) or a family member with another passport. These decisions should be made together with an immigration lawyer and CPA.

Meanwhile, the basic requirements for a U.S. investor visa for Russians under the EB-5 program are the same as for all investors. Investment from $1,100,000, a transparent and documented source of funds, absence of serious immigration and criminal violations.

In practice, we see several typical scenarios:

  • a Russian citizen with a residence permit or second passport (EU, UAE, etc.);
  • family cases where ownership structure of the property is built through a company or another family member.

Why do you need a guide?

The EB-5 process is a marathon lasting 3–5 years. You will need to interact with three parties: the developer, the regional center, and the immigration service. In addition, it is important to understand the nuances of document preparation and stay informed about the latest versions of federal and local legislation.
The Bonadomus team is ready to do this for you. We are happy to assist in obtaining green cards through the "EB-5 investor visa" program for clients from Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Poland, Germany, and other European countries.
We help:
  • Select a project that is not just “on paper,” but is actually being built.
  • Find a Russian-speaking lawyer with successful EB-5 cases
  • Coordinate communication every 4-5 years until you receive the money and green card
Ready to assess your chances?
Contact us for an initial evaluation of your situation. We will advise you on which projects in Miami are currently open to EB-5 investors.
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Questions and Answers

What is an EB-5 visa in the USA in simple terms?
The EB-5 visa is an investment immigration visa through which you invest money in an approved project in the United States and, in return, can obtain a green card for yourself and your family.
How much do you need to invest for an EB-5 visa?
In typical projects, the investment amount under the EB-5 program starts from $1,100,000, plus administrative and legal fees.
How is the EB-5 investor visa different from the regular E-2 visa in the USA?
Regular visas provide temporary stay (up to 6 months per year), while the EB-5 investor visa initially leads to a green card and permanent resident status in the USA. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to acquire real estate on more favorable terms for the investor (the initial payment is not 50%, but 25%).
What are the main requirements for an investor under the EB-5 visa?
It is necessary to invest the established amount, prove the legal source of funds, and have no serious immigration or criminal violations.
Can Russian citizens obtain an EB-5 visa in 2025?
There are no federal-level restrictions on the visa itself. However, there are nuances with purchasing real estate in Florida (law SB 264), which restricts land purchases by citizens of certain countries near critical infrastructure.

Submit your application to our specialists, who are always up to date with the latest legislative changes.
Is it possible to take a loan for investment?
Yes. The source of funds can be a gift, inheritance, sale of assets, or even a bank loan if it is secured by your personal property. The main thing is to prove the legality of the money's origin.
Is it possible to sell an apartment before construction is completed?
Usually, you cannot resell the contract (make an "assignment") until the building is completed and you have obtained ownership rights. You can only transfer the contract to your own company (LLC). Selling is only possible after receiving the keys and closing the deal.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes in the USA?
Yes, as soon as you become a tax resident (obtain a green card or spend a significant amount of time in the USA), you are required to report your income. We recommend consulting with a CPA (certified public accountant) before starting the process.
What does the administrative fee of $70,000 include?
It covers the administrative expenses related to the EB-5 project and the Regional Center.
What is a Regional Center?
An EB-5 Regional Center is a public or private economic unit in the United States that promotes economic growth. Regional centers are designated by USCIS to participate in the Immigrant Investor Program.
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