Patricia Casaburi
If you are a Chinese national aspiring to establish a foothold in the United States and obtain permanent residency, the EB-5 Visa might be the path for you.
For a qualifying investment of at least $1,050,000 or $800,000 in rural or high-unemployment areas, foreign investors and their families can secure a Green Card and create jobs in the US economy. This article will guide you through the key aspects of the EB5 Visa China application process, benefits, and considerations specifically tailored for Chinese investors.
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What is the EB5 Visa China?
The EB-5 program is open to foreign nationals who are willing to make a substantial investment into a qualifying commercial enterprise in the United States. This can be a new enterprise or an existing one. You must, with your investment, create at least ten full-time jobs for American workers. You can choose to invest individually or to invest through a regional center.
Individual investment
This option is more suited if your main focus is to establish a new commercial enterprise or continue a commercial business activity in the US, maintaining full control over investments and expecting a great return on capital investment. In this case, you must develop a commercial enterprise initially capable of creating ten full-time jobs for US citizens and permanent residents.
Regional Center
Investing through a Regional Center Program may be an excellent option if you plan not to be involved in the daily operation of the business, want to be mobile in geographical terms, and if the business venture you’re interested in is not capable of creating ten direct full-time jobs from the start.
Minimum investment
To qualify for the EB5 Visa China, you must invest a minimum amount of capital, which is currently set at $1,050,000. However, if your investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is typically an area with high unemployment or rural characteristics, defined as such by the USCIS, the minimum investment is reduced to $800,000.
What to consider before applying as a Chinese citizen?
The EB-5 Visa program allows foreign nationals to get a Green Card (permanent residency) in exchange for investment in a US business and meeting the job creation requirements. However, Chinese applicants must consider longer backlogs and limited visa supply.
Although the EB-5 Visa application is a fast track to permanent residency, Chinese applicants face longer wait times. As Patricia Casaburi, the CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, has pointed out, “The wait times vary based on how many joined the queue, and the demand from Mainland China often exceeds the number of visas available.”
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 implemented set-aside categories for investments in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) and infrastructure projects, which can speed up the process, reduce wait times, and backlogs.
Benefits of the EB-5 Visa for Chinese Investors
The EB5 Visa China offers several benefits for Chinese investors:
- Green Card eligibility: Successful EB-5 investors, along with their immediate family members, receive conditional Green Cards, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States.
- No sponsoring employer: The EB-5 program doesn’t require you to secure a job offer or have a sponsoring employer, unlike some other visa categories.
- Path to citizenship: After maintaining your investment and residency requirements for a specified period, you can apply for US citizenship.
- Education and healthcare: Access to high-quality education and healthcare systems for you and your family members.
EB-5 Visa Requirements for Chinese Investors
To qualify for the EB5 Visa China, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Investment: Invest the minimum required amount in a new commercial enterprise, which includes $1,050,000 or $800,000 in rural or high-unemployment areas.
- Job creation requirements: Your investment must create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for qualifying US workers within two years of your admission to the U.S. as a conditional permanent resident.
- Lawful source of funds: Demonstrate that the invested funds were lawfully obtained.
- At-risk investment: Your investment must be at risk for the purpose of generating a return on the capital placed at risk.
The Financial Cost of an EB-5 Visa
The financial cost of an EB-5 Visa for Chinese applicants is divided into several components. These include the investment amount, USCIS Filing Fees, Regional Center fees, legal fees, and additional costs.
- EB-5 capital investment: To qualify for the EB-5 Visa, you must make an investment of either $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise or $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA). A TEA is typically an area with high unemployment or rural regions.
- USCIS filing fees: Chinese applicants must pay filing fees directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These include a $11,160 for the initial Form I-526E or I-526 immigrant petition, followed by $1,440 for Form I-485 to adjust status or $325 for Form DS-260 for consular processing. There’s also $9,525 fee for Form I-829 to remove conditions on permanent residence, plus an $85 biometrics fee.
- Regional Centers: Chinese applicants who invest through a Regional Center often pay administrative fees to the Regional Center. These fees vary, but usually cost $50,000 to $85,000 for EB-5 projects. These fees are separate from the investment capital.
- Legal fees: Navigating the EB-5 Visa process can be complex, and seeking the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer is highly recommended. Legal fees can range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the law firm.
- Additional costs: Chinese applicants can pay additional costs for making a direct investment, due diligence, document translation, medical examination, and travel and relocation.
EB-5 Visa Statistics for Investors from China
Over the years, Chinese investors have shown a strong interest in the EB-5 program. The number of EB-5 Visas issued to Chinese nationals has been significant, contributing to the program’s overall success.
According to the GCS Global Intelligence Unit Report, the United States ranks fourth in terms of investment. It is undoubtedly one of the highly sought-after countries for investor immigration and business expansion compared to other countries in Europe or Africa.
How Long Does it Take to Process an EB-5 Visa for Chinese Investors?
The processing time for the EB-5 Visa for Chinese investors can vary depending on factors such as USCIS processing times, the complexity of the case, and the availability of visa numbers.
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 offers an opportunity to reduce the EB5 China wait time. The Integrity Act introduced three set-aside visas for priority processing.
These include:
- Rural TEA projects.
- High-unemployment TEA projects.
- Infrastructure projects.
Foreign nationals who invest in one of these project categories (before the set-aside visa supply is exhausted) will qualify for a reserved visa and thus be able to avoid cut-off dates—even if their country has a backlog of EB-5 applications.
While high-unemployment TEA and infrastructure projects receive only 10 percent and 2 percent of the total EB-5 Visa supply, respectively, rural TEA projects get 20 percent. Since the supply of set-aside rural TEA visas is larger than the other two categories, rural TEA projects can be an excellent opportunity for Chinese investors.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. We have a team of immigration lawyers, and immigration advisers specialized in US immigration.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About EB5 Visa China
What is EB-5 Visa for Chinese?
The EB5 Visa China allows Chinese nationals to obtain US permanent residency by investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for the US economy.
What is the current EB-5 Visa wait time for Chinese applicants?
Chinese applicants often face long wait times of about seven and a half years or over because the demand for the EB5 Visa China exceeds the number of available visas, causing backlogs. The country cap limits mean that rural areas (TEAs) have shorter wait times of over four years.
What are the priority dates for EB-5 China applicants?
According to the April 2025 Visa Bulletin, the Final Action Date for EB-5 applicants from China in the Unreserved category is January 22, 2014. This EB5 priority date China has remained unchanged since the major retrogression in April 2025, when it moved back by approximately 2.5 years due to increased demand.
Can my family accompany me on the EB-5 Visa?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can accompany you on your EB5 Visa China. They can also apply for Green Cards as your dependents. Consult with a lawyer or immigration expert to for adequate immigration services.
Can I invest in a project outside of my chosen regional center?
Yes, you can invest in a project outside of your chosen regional center. This is known as a direct investment. However, if you invest directly, you will need to manage the day-to-day operations of the business and ensure job creation on your own.
Is there a way for Chinese investors to avoid the EB-5 backlog?
For Chinese EB-5 investors, the best way to reduce backlogs is by investing in “Reserved” categories like rural, high-unemployment areas, or infrastructure projects. These spots are currently “Current,” meaning visas are available much faster than the older “Unreserved EB-5” category. When the new fiscal year begins, the visa limits will reset.
How long does it take to process an EB-5 Visa for Chinese investors?
The processing time for an EB-5 Visa can vary widely based on factors such as USCIS processing times, project completion, and individual case circumstances. However, thanks to the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, your application can be processed faster by taking advantage of the visas reserved specifically for rural TEA projects.
Can Chinese EB-5 investors file under a set-aside category to reduce wait time?
Yes, Chinese EB-5 investors can reduce their wait time by choosing the set-aside categories. Set-aside visas are new investment options available in rural or high-unemployment areas. They have their own visa quotas and are considered “Current,” letting you jump the line compared to the older, backlogged unreserved category.
Can I apply for an EB-5 Visa while in the US on a different visa?
Yes, you can apply for an EB5 Visa China while in the US on a different visa. However, the process can be complex, and it’s recommended to consult with an immigration attorney to navigate the transition smoothly.
What are the benefits of obtaining an EB-5 Visa for Chinese investors?
The benefits include the opportunity for Chinese investors and their families to live, work, and study in the US, a clear path to permanent residency, no requirement for a sponsoring employer, and access to education and healthcare systems.
