Many people dream of living and working in the United States. For families who want to build a better life here, the EB-5 visa program is one special path to make that dream come true. It is a way for immigrants to get a Green Card by investing capital in the U.S. economy and creating jobs for American workers.
At Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, LLP, our firm is now helping families and investors through co-counsel partnerships with trusted immigration attorneys. We focus on Texas and Florida, where both immigration and business are growing quickly.
What Is the EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by the U.S. government to help bring jobs and money into the country. Under this program, a person (called an investor) can get a U.S. Green Card if they:
- Invest money in a new business or investment project in the United States.
- Create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the capital investment.
It’s a win-win program. Investors and their families can live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S. The country also benefits from new jobs and a stronger economy.
How Much Do You Need to Invest?
The amount you need to invest depends on where your project is located.
If the business is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA): usually a rural area or one with higher unemployment areas, the minimum capital investment is $800,000.
For all other areas, the minimum investment is $1,050,000.
The government reviews each investment project to make sure it qualifies. Many EB-5 investors choose to invest through Regional Centers. These are groups approved by the U.S. government to help manage projects and track job creation. These centers help manage projects, track job creation, and make the process easier for investors.
Why Texas and Florida Are Great for EB-5 Investments
Texas and Florida are two of the most popular states for immigrants, and for good reason. Both states offer warm weather, growing economies, and large international communities.
Texas has booming cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. These areas have strong industries in energy, technology, construction, and health care. There are many EB-5 projects here, from real estate to renewable energy. Texas also has business-friendly laws and low taxes, which make it attractive to investors.
Florida is another hot spot. Cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa are home to many immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean. Florida’s economy thrives on tourism, real estate, and trade. Many EB-5 projects involve hotels, shopping centers, and apartment developments. Florida has good schools and safe neighborhoods, making it a great place for families who want to live there long-term.
What Does It Mean to Invest in a U.S. Commercial Enterprise?
Under the EB-5 program, investors must put their money into a commercial enterprise. This means a business that makes a profit and helps the U.S. economy grow. Examples include real estate projects, hotels, tech companies, or factories. The business can be set up as a company, partnership, or LLC. It just needs to follow the job creation rules made by the U.S. government.
A commercial enterprise can be structured as a corporation, partnership, or LLC, as long as it meets the job creation requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How EB-5 Investors Strengthen the U.S. Economy
EB-5 investors are vital contributors to America’s growth. Their capital investment helps expand industries, fund construction projects, and generate new jobs. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an established business owner, the EB-5 visa opens doors to invest in opportunities that benefit both your family and local communities.
Through our partnership with experienced visa attorneys and legal counsel, we help investors identify secure and compliant investment projects that meet all EB-5 criteria.
What Are the Job Creation Requirements for EB-5 Investors?
A big rule in the EB-5 program is job creation. Each investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. These jobs can come directly from your business, like hiring workers for a hotel, or indirectly through regional centers that use money from many investors to build large projects.
Our immigration co-counsel makes sure your business plan and job numbers meet government rules. This helps you stay eligible for your conditional residence and later, your permanent Green Card.
How Do Regional Centers Simplify the EB-5 Visa Process?
Regional centers are government-approved organizations that manage EB-5 projects and track economic impact. Investing through a regional center can make it easier to meet the job creation requirements, since both direct and indirect jobs count toward your total.
We help clients evaluate reputable regional centers to ensure their investment aligns with their goals and complies with all immigration visa requirements.
What Are Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)?
Some EB-5 projects are in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs). These are places that need more jobs, such as rural towns or areas with high unemployment. If you invest in one of these areas, you only need to invest $800,000 instead of more.
Our legal team and partner attorneys can check if your project is in a TEA. We also help you gather the right documents for your investment.
Who Can Apply for an EB-5 Visa?
To apply for an EB-5 visa, you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Prove that the money you are investing comes from legal sources (such as salary, business profits, property sales, or inheritance).
Be willing to invest the required amount and create 10 jobs.
You can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 in your application, so your entire family can get Green Cards together.
What Are the Steps in the EB-5 Visa Process?
The EB-5 process can take time, but with the right guidance, it becomes much smoother. Here’s how it usually works:
Choose Your Project:
Work with your attorney and Regional Center to find a project that fits your goals and risk level. Make sure it meets EB-5 rules.
Make the Investment:
You place your investment funds (usually $800,000 or $1,050,000) into the project account.
File Form I-526 or I-526E:
This is your first petition to USCIS. It shows that you’ve made a legal investment and that it will create jobs.
Get Conditional Green Card:
If your petition is approved, you and your family can live in the U.S. for two years while your project continues to develop.
File Form I-829:
After two years, you submit proof that the business created the required 10 jobs. Once approved, you receive permanent residency (a 10-year Green Card).
Benefits of the EB-5 Visa
There are many reasons why families and investors choose the EB-5 program:
You and your family can live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.
No need for an employer to sponsor you.
It’s a direct path to a Green Card and, later, U.S. citizenship.
Your children can attend public schools and universities at resident tuition rates.
You can build and grow your business in the U.S.
What Are the Common Challenges of the EB-5 Visa Program?
The EB-5 process involves careful planning and legal paperwork. There can be challenges like:
- Understanding which projects qualify.
- Making sure your funds are traced correctly.
- Keeping track of job creation requirements.
- Dealing with long waiting times for visa approvals.
That’s where we come in. We work with our co-counsel, who are experienced immigration attorneys, to make the process simple for you. Together, we help you pick the right investment, complete your paperwork, and talk to the government on your behalf.
Our goal is to make sure your investment is safe, your paperwork is accurate, and your journey toward permanent residency stays on track.
Why Immigrants Choose Texas and Florida for the EB-5 Program
Both Texas and Florida are home to strong immigrant communities. They are known for their:
- Diverse cultures and languages.
- Business opportunities in growing industries.
- Affordable living costs compared to other large U.S. cities.
- Support networks for newcomers.
Many investors from Latin America, Europe, and Asia are already starting businesses and raising their families in these states. You could open a restaurant in Orlando, build homes in Dallas, or invest in clean energy in Houston. There are so many ways to grow and succeed.
Our Commitment to Helping Immigrants
At Vargas Gonzalez Delombard, LLP, we believe that immigrants bring innovation, hard work, and cultural richness to our communities. By expanding our services into immigration law, we’re proud to help families find legal paths to live and thrive in the U.S.
Through our co-counsel partnerships, we are now accepting EB-5 visa clients in both Texas and Florida. Whether you’re an investor, business owner, or family seeking a new start, we’ll help guide you every step of the way.
How Can You Work with a Trusted Visa Attorney?
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the EB-5 program, reach out today for a free consultation. Our experienced visa attorney can explain your options, answer your questions, and connect you with trusted immigration counsel.
You’ve worked hard to build your future. Let’s take the next step together.
Call us today or visit vargasgonzalez.com to get started.
