Guide to Citizenship by Investment in America

For many around the world, obtaining U.S. citizenship represents the ultimate achievement in global mobility and opportunity. The United States, with its robust economy, political stability, and unparalleled opportunities, continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for investors seeking a new home for themselves and their families.

But how exactly can one invest their way to American citizenship? Is it really possible to "buy" a U.S. passport? The answer is both yes and no – while no program offers immediate citizenship through investment, there is a clear, legally established pathway from investment to naturalization as a U.S. citizen.

Enter the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program – America's only official "investment for residency" program that puts participants on a direct track to eventual citizenship. If you're considering this path, you're not just making a financial investment; you're investing in your family's future and joining the American story.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing U.S. citizenship through investment – from initial capital requirements to the final oath of allegiance. We'll explore the benefits, risks, timelines, and practical considerations to help you make an informed decision about whether this route is right for you.

The EB-5 Program: America's Only Investment Pathway to Citizenship

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program stands unique in the American immigration system. Created by Congress in 1990, it remains the only legally sanctioned investment-based pathway to obtaining U.S. permanent residency, which is the prerequisite for naturalization and citizenship.

Unlike temporary investor visas (such as the E-2 treaty investor visa, which doesn't provide a direct green card path), the EB-5 visa immediately grants immigrant status. This crucial distinction puts investors on a definitive 5-year track to citizenship upon meeting all program requirements.

What makes the EB-5 especially valuable is its directness. While other immigration pathways might require employer sponsorship, family connections, or extraordinary abilities, the EB-5 is refreshingly straightforward: invest a specified amount of capital, create jobs for Americans, and receive your green card. From there, the path to citizenship follows the same route as for any other permanent resident.

The program offers two main investment structures: direct investment in your own business or investment through a Regional Center, which we'll explore in detail. Both options lead to the same destination – U.S. citizenship – but through slightly different journeys.

In 1992, the Regional Center pilot program was added to spur broader economic growth, and this option has been reauthorized multiple times. Currently, under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), it's extended through September 30, 2027.

All EB-5 participants first become conditional permanent residents and can naturalize as U.S. citizens after five years of permanent residence, with the conditional status counting toward this requirement. No other U.S. visa program provides such a direct investment-to-citizenship pipeline, confirming EB-5's unique status as the sole "golden visa" of the United States.

Investment Options: Direct Investment vs. Regional Center

When pursuing the EB-5 path, you have two main routes for making your qualifying investment: Direct EB-5 investment or Regional Center investment. Let's break down how each works so you can determine which might be right for your situation.

Direct EB-5 Investment

A direct EB-5 investment means you're actively investing in a new commercial enterprise on your own (or with a very limited number of other EB-5 investors) without using a USCIS-designated regional center.

With this approach, you're placing your capital directly into a business – perhaps starting your own company or acquiring an existing one. The key requirement here is that your enterprise must create at least 10 direct, W-2 employee jobs. These must be actual people on your company's payroll, not contractors or indirect economic impact.

Many direct investors take an active managerial role in their business, which can be appealing if you have entrepreneurial experience and want hands-on control over your investment. It's worth noting that under the 2022 RIA reforms, a direct EB-5 enterprise generally can be funded by only one EB-5 investor, meaning multiple investors cannot easily combine funds into one direct project as was sometimes done in the past.

This option is ideal for those who dream of owning and operating their own business in America, but it comes with greater responsibility. You'll need to create and sustain those 10 jobs directly within your company, which requires sound business planning and execution.

Regional Center Investment

The Regional Center program, first established in 1992, offers a more indirect investment model. With this approach, you place your capital into projects sponsored by a USCIS-approved Regional Center – an entity authorized to pool EB-5 funds for economic development in a defined geographic area.

Regional center projects often involve larger developments like real estate or infrastructure projects. The major advantage here is that you can count indirect or induced job creation (jobs created through the project's economic impact, such as construction or supply chain jobs) toward the 10-job requirement. This makes meeting the job quota significantly easier – up to 90% of jobs in a Regional Center project can be indirect under approved economic methodologies.

Multiple investors can pool funds in one RC project, meaning your capital can finance a share of a larger venture alongside other EB-5 participants. As an investor in RC projects, you'll typically be a limited partner or passive participant, ceding day-to-day control to the project developers.

This "hands-off" approach appeals to many investors who prefer not to be involved in direct business management. Regional center investments often come pre-packaged with business plans and economic studies (hence their "turnkey" nature), making them more accessible to those without U.S. business experience.

While USCIS approves and monitors regional centers themselves, it's important to understand that it does not pre-approve the individual investments offered. This means investors must perform thorough due diligence on each project's viability and integrity.

Historically, the majority of EB-5 applicants have chosen the regional center route due to its flexibility in job counting and passive investment structure. The RC program had briefly lapsed in 2021 but was revived by the 2022 RIA, which introduced stricter compliance measures for regional centers (including annual audits, certification, and an Integrity Fund for fraud prevention) and reauthorized this option through 2027.

Which Option Is Right For You?

In summary, direct EB-5 suits investors who want hands-on control and can directly manage a business, while accepting the responsibility of creating 10 direct jobs and typically funding the venture solo. Regional Center EB-5 offers a more passive investment in a USCIS-designated project, allows indirect job creation and pooled investments, and comes with professional management – but investors must trust the regional center and project developers to execute successfully.

Your choice will largely depend on your goals, business experience, and how actively you wish to be involved in the investment. Both paths can lead to the same destination: permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Minimum Investment Thresholds and Targeted Employment Areas

One of the most important aspects of the EB-5 program is understanding exactly how much you'll need to invest. The required investment thresholds are set by law and were most recently adjusted by Congress in 2022 for the first time in decades.

As of March 2025, the EB-5 minimum investment levels are:

• Standard Minimum Investment: $1,050,000 for projects in non-TEA, high-employment areas. This is the base amount most EB-5 investors must invest unless their project qualifies for the reduced threshold. It was raised from $1,000,000 to $1,050,000 by the 2022 reform law to account for inflation.
• Reduced Investment in a TEA or Infrastructure Project: $800,000 This lower threshold applies if your investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) – which includes rural areas or areas of high unemployment – or in a qualifying infrastructure project. The $800,000 amount (up from the longtime $500,000 level) is meant to incentivize investment in economically underdeveloped regions or public infrastructure.

Understanding Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)

A high-unemployment TEA is an area that, at the time of investment, has an unemployment rate at least 150% of the U.S. national average. Typically this is determined at the census tract level (including adjacent tracts) to pinpoint pockets of joblessness.

A rural TEA is any area outside of metropolitan statistical areas and outside any town or city with a population over 20,000, according to the most recent census.

Investing in rural projects has become especially attractive because the new law reserves a portion of visas for rural investors (and mandates faster processing), potentially reducing wait times significantly. This is a game-changer for applicants from countries that have historically faced backlogs.

Additionally, the 2022 reforms created a category for infrastructure projects (public works administered by a government entity), which also qualifies for the $800,000 investment level to encourage development that supports public infrastructure.

Important Considerations About Your Investment

The investment thresholds are periodically adjusted for inflation. Under current law, the amounts will increase based on the Consumer Price Index every five years, with the next adjustment slated for January 1, 2027.

Beyond the amount, it's crucial to understand that your capital must be your own funds. Loans are only allowed under strict conditions, and unsecured borrowed funds are generally disallowed. The entire amount must be placed "at risk" in the enterprise – simply depositing money in a bank or any guaranteed arrangement doesn't qualify.

The policy explicitly forbids arrangements where you have a guaranteed buy-back or redemption of your investment, as such guarantees would negate the risk requirement of EB-5. Essentially, your capital must truly be subject to business gain or loss for the duration of your investment.

This "at-risk" requirement is one of the most important concepts to grasp before proceeding with an EB-5 investment. While you're certainly hoping for both a green card and a return on your investment, USCIS wants to ensure you're making a genuine investment in the American economy, not just parking money temporarily to obtain immigration benefits.

The EB-5 Process: From Investment to U.S. Citizenship

Obtaining U.S. citizenship via EB-5 is a multi-stage process that typically spans several years. Let's walk through each step of the journey, along with typical timelines and recent updates that could affect your planning.

Step 1: Investment and I-526 Petition Filing

Your journey begins with identifying a suitable EB-5 project (either a direct business or regional center project) and investing the required capital. Once your funds are committed and placed at risk, you'll file Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor) – or Form I-526E for regional center investors – with USCIS.

This petition provides USCIS with evidence of your investment amount, business plan, job creation projections, and proof that your funds came from lawful sources. USCIS will review whether you meet all EB-5 requirements regarding capital, at-risk investment, job creation planning, and lawful source of funds.

A significant change from the 2022 reforms is the concurrent filing option. If you're physically present in the U.S. in a valid status and a visa number is immediately available to you, you're now allowed to file the green card application (Form I-485 Adjustment of Status) simultaneously with your I-526 petition or while it's pending.

This change can save considerable time by letting you start the green card process without waiting for I-526 approval, provided your priority date is current (meaning there's no visa backlog for your country). Concurrent filing also lets you obtain interim benefits like work and travel authorization while your EB-5 petition is being processed.

USCIS processing of the I-526 petition has historically been one of the longest stretches in the EB-5 timeline. Recent USCIS data indicates I-526/I-526E processing can range from around 1 year up to 6+ years, depending on the case and visa availability. The median processing time published by USCIS in late 2024 was roughly 5–6 years for an I-526 (reflecting backlogs from earlier years).

However, due to recent reforms, many new petitions are moving much faster: in 2023, multiple I-526E (regional center) applications were approved in under 12 months – far below historical averages. This improvement is partly due to new provisions prioritizing certain cases. Under the reform act, USCIS must give priority to petitions for investments in rural areas, expediting those adjudications.

In summary, an investor from a country with no visa backlog might see I-526 approval in approximately 1–2 years with an optimal project (especially a rural one), whereas others (particularly from historically backlogged countries like China) could still wait several years for petition approval. USCIS is working through a prior backlog, so processing times are expected to continue improving.

Step 2: Conditional Green Card (2 Years)

Once your I-526 petition is approved by USCIS, you can obtain your conditional permanent resident status (the initial green card). There are two paths to do this:

If you're outside the U.S., you'll proceed with consular processing: filing the DS-260 immigrant visa application and attending an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. After I-526 approval, the National Visa Center typically coordinates this stage, which can take a few months for document processing, followed by an interview. Upon visa issuance, you'll enter the U.S. on the EB-5 visa and become a conditional permanent resident as of the date of entry.

If you're already in the U.S. in lawful status (and a visa is available), you can file Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident (if you didn't do so concurrently earlier). The I-485 processing typically takes roughly 6–12 months in many cases. Once approved, your status is updated to conditional permanent resident.

In either scenario, you (and your spouse and under-21 children) receive a conditional green card valid for 2 years. This conditional permanent residence comes with all the rights of a normal green card (work authorization, travel, etc.), and importantly, it marks the beginning of the permanent residence period that counts toward U.S. citizenship.

During this 2-year conditional period, your project should be creating the required jobs (at least 10 full-time positions), and your investment must remain invested and at risk. You're not required to live in the exact area of your investment; as a green card holder, you can live or work anywhere in the U.S. However, you should not withdraw or redeem your investment during this period.

Step 3: Filing of I-829 Petition (Removal of Conditions)

The culmination of your EB-5 investment obligation comes at the end of the 2-year conditional residence. In the 90-day window before your conditional green card expires, you must file Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions.

The I-829 petition is where you prove to USCIS that you've fulfilled all EB-5 requirements in reality, not just in plan. This includes documenting that:

• Your full investment was sustained throughout the two years (and not withdrawn) and remains at risk (or was redeployed appropriately if the initial project repaid the funds early).
• At least 10 qualifying jobs were created by the enterprise as a result of your investment.
• All other conditions have been met (for example, if the enterprise was supposed to be in a TEA, that it indeed was).

USCIS will review your I-829 petition. If it's still pending when your 2-year card expires, your residency is extended via receipt notices – currently USCIS issues automatic extensions (24+ months) while I-829 is being processed, so you remain in legal status during this period.

Processing times for I-829 in 2025 are on the order of approximately 2 to 4 years on average. USCIS has reported ranges of 22 to 48.5 months for I-829 adjudication, reflecting the current backlog. This means you might be in conditional status for some time even after filing I-829; however, this does not delay your timeline for citizenship eligibility (the conditional period still counts as permanent residence).

Approval of the I-829 petition results in the removal of conditions on your residence. You (and your included family) are then granted a permanent Green Card that is valid for 10 years and is renewable indefinitely. The date of permanent residence is backdated to the start of your conditional residency, so there is no gap in status.

At this point, you've fulfilled your EB-5 obligations completely. Your investment may typically be liquidated or redeemed after this, if contractually possible, since immigration requirements no longer mandate it be at risk.

Step 4: Naturalization to U.S. Citizenship

Obtaining the unconditional green card through EB-5 paves the way to U.S. citizenship. After completing 5 years as a permanent resident, you can apply to naturalize as a U.S. citizen by filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).

For EB-5 investors, the two years of conditional residency count toward the five-year residency requirement. This means you can typically file for citizenship about 5 years after first receiving your conditional green card, assuming your I-829 was approved and you maintained the requisite presence in the U.S. during those years.

There is no accelerated path to citizenship faster than 5 years for EB-5 investors (it's the same timeline as any employment-based immigrant), but EB-5 places you on an immediate path to a green card without the lengthy employer-sponsorship process, which can ultimately be faster than other routes.

Once your N-400 is filed, the naturalization process usually takes around 6–12 months to complete (including biometrics, interview, and oath ceremony). Upon taking the Oath of Allegiance, you become a U.S. citizen, gaining all associated rights – including the right to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, and sponsor relatives for immigration.

Overall Timeline

In total, an EB-5 investor can expect (in a best-case scenario) roughly 5 to 7 years from initial investment to citizenship, but this can extend to a decade or more depending on processing backlogs and visa availability.

A fast-track case (no visa backlog, premium project) might see: 1-2 years for I-526 approval, immediate filing of I-485 and receiving a conditional green card in year 2, then 2 years conditional residency, I-829 approved by year 4 or 5, and citizenship eligible by year 5 or 6.

On the other hand, investors from backlogged countries (e.g., mainland China) could wait many years for a visa slot even after I-526 approval. Chinese EB-5 applicants currently face a final action date backlog (visa queue) that dates to July 2016 for non-TEA cases. India has also seen a minor retrogression, with a cutoff of January 1, 2022, as of early 2025 for unreserved EB-5 visas.

However, the introduction of visa set-asides for TEA and infrastructure in 2022 has mitigated this for many. Reserved EB-5 visas (rural 20%, high-unemployment 10%, infrastructure 2%) are currently "current" (no backlog) for all countries. An investor who chooses a rural TEA project benefits from a dedicated visa pool and statutory priority processing, effectively jumping ahead in line.

This has made the timeline significantly shorter for rural EB-5 investors, including those from countries that might otherwise face long waits. In summary, each stage has its own timeframe, and while 5 years is the minimum to citizenship, real-world cases vary widely.

Key Requirements, Risks, and Compliance Obligations

While the EB-5 program offers a clear path to a green card and citizenship, it comes with significant legal and financial commitments. Let's explore the key requirements and potential risks you should understand before proceeding.

Job Creation Requirement

Creating 10 full-time U.S. jobs is the cornerstone of EB-5. Failure to produce these jobs within the required timeframe is the most common reason for an EB-5 project (and the investor's immigration benefit) to fail.

For direct investments, these must be direct jobs on the company's payroll (W-2 employees) that last at least 2 years. For regional center investments, indirect and induced jobs can count (via economic modeling), which provides more flexibility.

At the I-829 stage, you must prove 10 qualifying jobs were created or preserved as a result of your investment. If your enterprise only created, say, 8 jobs, you risk denial of permanent residence. To mitigate this, EB-5 business plans usually aim to create a cushion (15+ jobs per investor if possible).

Document job creation meticulously – maintain payroll records, hiring documents, or economic reports linking your investment to jobs. This documentation will be crucial for your I-829 petition.

At-Risk Capital & No Redemption Guarantee

Your EB-5 capital must remain "at risk" for the purpose of generating a return. Any guarantee of repayment or right to redeem the investment at a fixed date is prohibited by law.

You cannot have a contract that ensures your money will be returned regardless of project outcome, as that would make it a loan, not an equity investment. Consequently, there is a financial risk of loss: if the business or project fails, you could lose some or all of your $800,000/$1.05 million.

Even if the project succeeds, funds are typically locked in for 5+ years and cannot be easily withdrawn. Many regional center offerings are structured as loans or preferred equity, but they include clauses that delay repayment until after I-829 approval to comply with the "at risk" requirement.

USCIS scrutinizes offering documents for any clauses that resemble a guaranteed exit or fixed buy-back commitment. You must be comfortable with the illiquidity of your investment and the possibility that returns are not guaranteed.

In fact, EB-5 investments often yield below-market returns given that the primary benefit is the green card. Do not treat EB-5 as a fixed-income investment – it is first and foremost a vehicle for immigration, with any financial return being a secondary consideration.

Lawful Source of Funds & Transfer

Every dollar of your EB-5 investment must come from lawfully obtained funds, and USCIS requires extensive evidence tracing the money's origin. This is a major compliance hurdle for many investors.

You must produce tax returns, bank statements, business records, sale deeds, gift letters, or other documents to prove that your investment capital was earned or obtained legally (for example, as profits from a lawful business, proceeds from sale of property or stock, a gift from a family member who earned it lawfully, etc.).

USCIS will verify income tax filings, business ownership records, loan agreements (if funds were loaned, the loan must be secured by your own assets), and the path of funds from the origin into the U.S. enterprise. Investors from countries with foreign exchange controls often have to show how funds were transferred through intermediary accounts.

Any indication of illicit sources (tax evasion, money laundering, drugs, corruption) will result in denial and potentially law enforcement referrals. Prepare a comprehensive paper trail for at least the past 5–7 years of financial history to document how you accumulated the required amount.

Utilizing qualified immigration attorneys and possibly forensic accountants is advised to compile the source of funds documentation in line with USCIS standards. Lack of thorough documentation or any misrepresentation in this area can lead to petition denial or even a permanent bar from the U.S. for fraud.

Regional Center and Project Compliance

If investing via a regional center, be aware of additional compliance layers. The regional center entity itself must remain designated and in good standing with USCIS.

The 2022 reforms imposed new compliance obligations on regional centers, including annual reports to USCIS, oversight of fund administration, and certification every 5 years. While these are the RC operator's responsibilities, you should ensure you choose a reputable regional center with a track record, as any termination by USCIS could jeopardize investors' petitions.

Moreover, each specific project (especially post-reform) might require an approved Form I-956F (project application) from USCIS. Verify that the project you invest in has received USCIS acknowledgment or approval under the new rules.

Due diligence on the regional center and project is critical – factors to check include: project's business viability, developer's experience, any escrow arrangements, and whether economic impact reports support the needed job creation.

Since regional center investments are securities offerings, they should also comply with SEC regulations. You might request to see the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) and understand the rights and risks being offered.

Remember that the U.S. government does not guarantee the soundness of the investment. USCIS reviews the immigration aspects, but "the specific investments offered by regional centers generally do not undergo review or approval by any federal or state regulatory agency," which has allowed some fraudsters to operate in the past.

Stick to projects with third-party audits, transparency, and preferably those where some collateral or real assets underpin the investment to mitigate downside risk.

Fraud and Scams: Protecting Yourself

Unfortunately, the EB-5 program's history has seen instances of fraudulent schemes. Unscrupulous promoters have, in some cases, misused investor funds – for example, diverting money to personal use or failing to actually build the project – leaving investors with neither green cards nor a return of capital.

High-profile cases (such as the Jay Peak resort fraud in Vermont) led to greater scrutiny. The 2022 reform act introduced measures to crack down on fraud: background checks for regional center principals, annual audits and certifications of projects, an EB-5 Integrity Fund to allow USCIS to pursue investigations of wrongdoing, and greater oversight by DHS.

These steps aim to protect investors, but risk remains if you pick a bad actor. Conduct due diligence as if you were making the investment with no immigration benefit at stake. Verify that the project has the necessary permits, review the developer's track record in EB-5 or real estate, and ask for evidence of how investor funds are safeguarded.

It's wise to consult independent financial advisors or attorneys not affiliated with the project to vet the offering. Additionally, watch for warning signs: guarantees of immediate citizenship (which is false), promises of "no risk" or high returns, or pressure to invest quickly.

Legitimate EB-5 deals will present balanced, realistic projections and disclose risks in detail (as required by securities laws). Be informed and skeptical of any EB-5 investment that downplays the inherent risks. The good news is that many EB-5 projects are reputable and do succeed in creating jobs and returning capital; investors just need to choose wisely.

Timeline Uncertainty and Retrogression

EB-5 is not a quick process, and delays can pose their own risks. Immigration risk comes from the fact that during the years-long process, your personal circumstances or laws could change.

For example, children who were under 21 at the time of I-526 filing are generally covered under the Child Status Protection Act, but if the process drags on too long without visa availability, a child could "age out" and no longer be eligible as a derivative (a risk mainly for those from countries with visa backlogs).

Additionally, visa retrogression (backlogs) for certain nationalities mean some investors must wait in a queue even after I-526 approval. This particularly affected Chinese investors who in past years faced a 5-10 year wait for a visa due to the annual country cap being exceeded.

The new reserved visas alleviate this for many by creating separate pools for TEA investments, but if those pools also get filled, backlogs could occur there as well.

Policy changes are another factor – while the EB-5 program has been quite stable (and is now permanently authorized except the RC portion which is authorized through 2027), there have been periods of lapse and changes in investment amounts. Future legislation could further raise investment requirements or add restrictions.

On the flip side, favorable changes like faster premium processing or streamlined procedures could arise. The key is to stay informed of USCIS policy updates and monitor legislative developments.

Costs and Fees Beyond the Investment

Beyond the primary investment amount, EB-5 carries substantial costs that you should budget for. Government filing fees alone for an EB-5 case can exceed $15,000–$20,000.

As of 2025, the Form I-526E petition fee is over $3,675 plus an additional $1,000 Integrity Fee, the I-485 or DS-260 and associated fees range from a few hundred dollars (DS-260 $325 + $120 fee) to around $1,225 for I-485 (including biometrics), and the I-829 petition fee is about $3,750 (plus biometrics fee).

Legal fees for immigration attorneys to prepare EB-5 applications can be significant (often $15,000–$25,000+ for the whole process), and administrative fees charged by regional center projects (to cover syndication and management costs) commonly range from $50,000 to $80,000 per investor.

All told, an EB-5 investor could be paying on the order of $100,000 or more in fees and costs beyond the investment capital. From a financial planning perspective, this means you should not only have the $800,000/$1.05 million for the investment but also sufficient funds to cover fees and sustain yourself while awaiting the green card.

Transparency in fees is an important part of due diligence – reputable projects and attorneys will outline all expected fees up front. Be cautious if any party suggests under-the-table payments or skirting fee requirements. Ensure all transactions are documented and above-board.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship Through EB-5

While the EB-5 journey is long and comes with significant financial commitments, the rewards of U.S. citizenship are substantial. Here's what you gain at the end of this pathway:

Unrestricted Right to Live and Work Anywhere in the United States

As a U.S. citizen, you have the freedom to live, work, study, and retire anywhere within the United States and its territories. There's no need to maintain any connection to your original EB-5 investment location. You can pursue any career, start businesses, or change jobs as you wish without immigration restrictions.

Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Travel to Over 180 Countries

The U.S. passport is one of the most powerful travel documents in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 countries and territories. This global mobility can be invaluable for business, education, or leisure travel.

Full Political Rights and Civic Participation

U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections, run for most public offices (except President and Vice President, which require natural-born citizenship), and fully participate in the democratic process. Your voice and vote help shape the nation's future.

Family Immigration Benefits

As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor certain family members for permanent residence, including your spouse, unmarried and married children of any age, parents, and siblings. The process for immediate relatives (spouse, parents, and unmarried children under 21) is typically faster than other family-based categories.

Access to All Public Benefits and Services

Citizens have access to the full range of government benefits and services, including social security, Medicare, federal financial aid for education, and certain government jobs that require citizenship.

Protection from Deportation

Unlike green card holders, who can potentially face deportation for certain criminal offenses or extended absences from the U.S., citizens cannot be deported (except in extremely rare cases of fraud in obtaining citizenship).

Tax Advantages Compared to Green Card Holders

While U.S. citizens are subject to worldwide taxation, they have certain tax planning advantages not available to green card holders, particularly around expatriation. Green card holders who relinquish their status after long-term residency may face an exit tax, while citizens who choose to renounce have more planning options.

Dual Citizenship Possibilities

The United States allows dual citizenship, meaning you may be able to maintain your original citizenship while becoming an American citizen, depending on your home country's laws. This flexibility can provide the best of both worlds for many global investors.

Legacy for Future Generations

Perhaps most importantly, your U.S. citizenship creates a legacy for your descendants. Children born to U.S. citizens generally acquire citizenship automatically at birth, regardless of where they're born, ensuring your family's American connection for generations to come.

Is EB-5 Right for You?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a legitimate and legally proven path to U.S. permanent residency and citizenship for those who can meet the substantial investment and job creation requirements. It has strict rules to ensure its integrity – from how money is invested and kept at risk, to verifying that the U.S. economy truly benefits via job growth.

As of 2025, with the latest reforms in place, EB-5 stands on firmer ground than ever: Congress has reaffirmed it through the Reform and Integrity Act, increased oversight to combat fraud, and introduced measures to improve processing and visa availability for worthy projects.

For high-net-worth individuals seeking U.S. residency, EB-5 offers a clear, albeit demanding, route: invest in America, help create American jobs, and in return obtain the privilege of living in the United States with a green card and the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen.

Both investors and practitioners should approach this route with careful planning, full compliance with legal requirements, and awareness of the financial and procedural risks. When done correctly, the EB-5 program can be a win-win – fueling U.S. economic development and fulfilling your goal of securing U.S. citizenship.

Is EB-5 right for you? The answer depends on your financial situation, timeline flexibility, risk tolerance, and immigration goals. While it requires a significant capital commitment and patience through a multi-year process, it remains the most direct investment-based path to eventual U.S. citizenship available today.

For those with the means and motivation to pursue it, the EB-5 program can transform an investment into something far more valuable than money – a new life in America and a legacy of opportunity for generations to come.

Remember that immigration law is complex and continuously evolving. Before embarking on your EB-5 journey, consult with experienced immigration attorneys and financial advisors who specialize in this unique intersection of investment and immigration to develop a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

The path to American citizenship through investment isn't quick or simple – but for thousands of successful EB-5 investors now living as U.S. citizens, it has proven to be a journey well worth taking.