The EB‑5 Investor Visa: Your Path to a U.S. Green Card Through Investment (2025 Update)
The EB‑5 Immigrant Investor Program continues to offer foreign investors and their families the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the United States—in exchange for investing in the American economy and creating U.S. jobs.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how the EB‑5 program works in 2025, how the process has changed with the latest legislation, and why Florida continues to be a prime destination for EB‑5 investors.
What Is the EB‑5 Investor Visa?
The EB‑5 visa was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Today, the program is managed by USCIS and continues under the updated EB‑5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which was reauthorized through September 30, 2027.
As of 2025, the required minimum investment amounts are:
$1,050,000 in most areas (standard minimum)
$800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) – which include rural zones, high-unemployment areas, and government-designated infrastructure projects.
These investment amounts are adjusted for inflation every five years, ensuring they remain aligned with economic conditions.
Job Creation Requirements
To qualify, your investment must lead to the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of receiving your conditional green card.
While some investors choose to start their own businesses to meet this requirement, many prefer to work with Regional Centers—USCIS-approved organizations that manage EB‑5 projects and simplify the process.
What Are Regional Centers and Why Use Them?
Regional Centers are designated by USCIS to promote economic growth through EB‑5 investments. They pool investor funds into larger development projects—like hotels, infrastructure, or commercial real estate—and often use indirect job creation models, which can be easier to document than direct hiring.
This makes Regional Centers a popular choice for investors who want a hands-off experience without managing a business themselves.
As of mid‑2025, there are over 50 active Regional Centers in Florida, offering access to projects that qualify for the lower $800,000 investment level.
✍️ What’s New in the EB‑5 Process (Post-2022 Reform)?
The EB‑5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) brought several positive changes for investors, including:
Concurrent Filing: Investors already in the U.S. on another visa can file Form I‑526E and Form I‑485 together, potentially speeding up the green card process.
Visa Set-Asides: A portion of EB‑5 visas is now reserved for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure projects.
Priority Date Retention: Investors can keep their original filing date if they need to refile due to project changes or denials.
Greater Oversight: Stricter rules for Regional Centers improve investor protection.
🗓️ How Long Does the EB‑5 Process Take?
While timelines can vary, most applicants in 2025 can expect:
Project selection & investment: A few weeks to a few months
I‑526E petition processing: 6–12 months (faster in rural projects)
Green card issuance:
If applying from inside the U.S.: 9–24 months via I‑485 adjustment of status
If applying from abroad: a few months through consular processing
In many cases, investors and their families are receiving green cards in under 2 years with proper guidance.
🌴 Why Florida Is a Top Destination for EB‑5 Investors
Florida’s booming real estate market, consistent population growth, and active Regional Center network make it a highly attractive location for EB‑5 investment. From Orlando resorts to Tampa luxury towers and Miami infrastructure, Florida offers a wide range of projects in designated TEAs, qualifying for the $800,000 threshold.
⚠️ New Proposals to Watch: “Gold Card” Visa?
In early 2025, a proposal surfaced to replace the EB‑5 program with a “Gold Card Visa” requiring a $5 million investment but no job creation. However, this is still just a political discussion—it has not been passed into law, and the EB‑5 program remains fully active and authorized through at least 2027.
✅ Key Takeaways
Invest $800,000–$1,050,000 and create 10 U.S. jobs
Choose a project through a USCIS-approved Regional Center
Benefit from faster green card processing via concurrent filing
Florida offers prime opportunities in designated TEAs
EB‑5 remains one of the most direct paths to a U.S. Green Card
🤝 Need Help Navigating EB‑5?
At Florida 360 Realty, we’re here to help you find qualified EB‑5 investment opportunities and connect with trusted legal and immigration partners. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to move forward, our team can help you every step of the way.
CALL or TEXT (including WhatsApp)
Tel: +1 (954) 325-2625 | +1 (407) 564-3992
We speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese
