USA Golden Visa Cost: Complete Guide to EB-5 Investment Fees in 2025

Introduction

The United States continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for immigrants worldwide, but securing permanent residency can be challenging without family connections or employment sponsorship. For investors with substantial financial resources, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program—commonly known as the USA Golden Visa—offers a direct pathway to a green card through investment.

However, the financial commitment extends well beyond the headline investment amount. Understanding the complete cost structure is crucial for anyone considering this route to American residency. This comprehensive guide breaks down all expenses associated with the EB-5 visa program, from the initial investment to government fees, legal costs, and other expenses you’ll encounter along the journey.

Whether you’re just starting to explore this option or are ready to take the next step, this article will help you budget accurately for your investment immigration journey to the United States.

What is the USA Golden Visa?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was established by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Unlike other immigration pathways that require family sponsorship or specialized skills, the EB-5 program is primarily investment-based.

Key Features of the EB-5 Program

The program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain permanent residency (a green card) by investing a substantial amount in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees this program and issues up to 10,000 EB-5 visas annually.

The EB-5 visa provides numerous benefits:

• Permanent residency for the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21
• Freedom to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in the United States
• Access to the U.S. education system, often at lower tuition rates than international students
• No sponsorship requirements from employers or family members
• Pathway to U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency

As Holborn Pass notes, the EB-5 program has funded numerous successful projects, including major hotel chains like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, as well as significant infrastructure developments.

Investment Requirements for the EB-5 Visa

The cornerstone of the EB-5 program is the investment requirement. The minimum investment amount varies depending on the location and type of project.

Minimum Investment Amounts

As of 2025, there are two investment thresholds:

• $1,050,000 for standard investments in a new commercial enterprise

• $800,000 for investments in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)

This represents a significant increase from the program’s earlier years, reflecting both inflation and policy changes designed to ensure meaningful economic impact.

Understanding Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)

A Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is either:

• A rural area with a population under 20,000, or

• An area with high unemployment (at least 150% of the national average)

Investing in a TEA not only reduces the required capital by approximately 24% but also supports economic development in areas that need it most. According to Get Golden Visa, TEA investments must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens within two years.

Job Creation Requirements

Regardless of the investment amount, all EB-5 investors must demonstrate that their investment will create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years. These positions must be:

• Full-time (at least 35 hours per week)

• Permanent (not seasonal or temporary)

• Filled by U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other work-authorized immigrants

The job creation requirement is a critical aspect of the program and must be thoroughly documented during the application process.

Breakdown of EB-5 Visa Fees

Beyond the core investment amount, numerous fees are associated with the EB-5 application process. These costs have increased substantially in recent years, with further increases scheduled for 2025.

USCIS Filing Fees

The U.S. government charges several mandatory fees throughout the EB-5 process:

• Form I-526E/I-526 petition fee: $3,675 (for regional center investments/direct investments)

• Integrity Fund fee: $1,000 (for regional center investments only)

• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,225 per person if applying from within the U.S.

• DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application): $345 per person if applying from outside the U.S.

• Form I-829 petition fee: $3,750 (to remove conditions on permanent residency)

• Biometrics fee: $85 per person (for certain applications)

According to Immigrant Invest, these government fees alone can add up to approximately $9,000 per applicant, not including dependents.

Fee Increases in 2025

It’s worth noting that USCIS has implemented significant fee increases. As of April 2025, the filing fee for Form I-526 has increased to $11,160, and the I-829 petition fee has risen to $9,525. These increases reflect the growing administrative costs of processing these complex applications.

Legal and Professional Fees

Most EB-5 applicants work with immigration attorneys to navigate the complex application process. Legal fees typically range from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on:

• The complexity of your case

• The attorney’s experience and reputation

• Whether you’re pursuing direct investment or a regional center project

• The amount of documentation required for your source of funds

While these fees may seem high, experienced legal counsel can help avoid costly mistakes and delays in the application process.

Regional Center vs. Direct Investment Costs

The EB-5 program offers two primary investment routes, each with different cost structures and considerations.

Regional Center Investment Costs

Regional centers are USCIS-approved entities that pool investor funds for various development projects. According to Holborn Pass, regional center investments typically involve:

• Administrative fees: $50,000 to $70,000

• Due diligence fees: $5,000 to $10,000

• Lower legal fees: Since regional centers handle much of the documentation

Regional centers offer a more hands-off approach, as they manage the job creation requirements and project oversight. This makes them popular among investors who prefer passive involvement.

Direct Investment Costs

Direct investment involves establishing or investing in your own business venture. Additional costs include:

• Business plan preparation: $3,500 to $10,000

• Economic impact analysis: $5,000 to $10,000

• Entity formation costs: Variable depending on state and business structure

• Higher legal fees: Due to the complexity of establishing and documenting your own business

Direct investment gives you more control over your investment but requires significantly more personal involvement and expertise in U.S. business operations.

Additional Costs to Consider

Several other expenses should be factored into your budget when pursuing an EB-5 visa.

Document Preparation and Translation

All supporting documents must be translated into English by certified translators. Depending on your country of origin and the volume of documentation, translation costs can range from $500 to several thousand dollars.

Medical Examination and Vaccinations

All immigrant visa applicants must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician. These exams typically cost $200 to $500 per person, plus any required vaccinations.

Travel and Relocation Expenses

Don’t forget to budget for:

• Flights to the United States for visa interviews and eventual relocation

• Temporary accommodation while establishing permanent housing

• Moving personal belongings internationally

• Initial living expenses while settling in the U.S.

Tax Planning and Compliance

As a U.S. permanent resident, you’ll be subject to U.S. taxation on your worldwide income. Professional tax planning services can cost $2,000 to $10,000 annually, depending on the complexity of your financial situation.

Total Cost Breakdown for EB-5 Visa

To provide a clearer picture, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of potential costs for an EB-5 visa application:

Regional Center Investment Route (Family of Four)

• Core investment: $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA)

• Administrative fees: $50,000 to $70,000

• USCIS filing fees: Approximately $20,000 (including all family members)

• Legal fees: $15,000 to $25,000

• Document preparation and translation: $1,000 to $5,000

• Medical examinations: $800 to $2,000

• Travel and relocation: $10,000 to $30,000

Total estimated cost: $896,800 to $1,202,000

Direct Investment Route (Family of Four)

• Core investment: $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA)

• Business plan and economic analysis: $8,500 to $20,000

• USCIS filing fees: Approximately $20,000 (including all family members)

• Legal fees: $25,000 to $50,000

• Document preparation and translation: $1,000 to $5,000

• Medical examinations: $800 to $2,000

• Travel and relocation: $10,000 to $30,000

Total estimated cost: $865,300 to $1,177,000

As Golden Visas points out, while these figures may seem substantial, they represent an investment in your family’s future and provide a clear path to permanent residency in the United States.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the EB-5 Process

To ensure your investment and application are successful, avoid these costly mistakes:

Insufficient Due Diligence

Before committing to any EB-5 project, thoroughly research:

• The regional center’s track record and USCIS compliance history

• The project’s business model and job creation potential

• The developer’s experience and financial stability

Inadequate due diligence can lead to project failure and potential loss of both your investment and immigration benefits.

Improper Source of Funds Documentation

USCIS scrutinizes the source of investment funds carefully. Common mistakes include:

• Insufficient documentation of fund origins

• Unclear path of funds from source to investment

• Inadequate explanation of gifts or loans used for investment

According to US Immigration Advisor, proper documentation of fund sources is critical to avoid delays or denials.

Choosing Based on Price Alone

While cost is an important factor, selecting the cheapest option can be risky. Consider:

• The project’s likelihood of success

• The regional center’s reputation and experience

• The quality of legal representation

A failed project can cost far more in the long run than paying for quality services upfront.

Benefits of the EB-5 Visa

Despite the significant costs, the EB-5 program offers substantial benefits that many investors find worthwhile:

Pathway to Citizenship

After maintaining permanent residency for five years, EB-5 investors and their families become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, providing lifetime benefits and security.

Education Opportunities

Children of EB-5 investors gain access to the U.S. education system, including:

• Public schools at no additional cost

• In-state tuition rates at public universities (saving $20,000-$30,000 annually compared to international student rates)

• Easier access to competitive universities

Healthcare and Social Benefits

As permanent residents, EB-5 investors can:

• Access Medicare benefits after qualifying periods

• Participate in Social Security upon meeting contribution requirements

• Access various social services available to permanent residents

Business and Career Freedom

Unlike other visa categories with employment restrictions, EB-5 investors and their families can:

• Work for any employer without sponsorship

• Start businesses without additional immigration hurdles

• Change careers or retire as desired

Recent Developments: Trump’s “Gold Card” Proposal

In February 2025, former President Donald Trump announced plans for a new “Gold Card” visa program that would potentially replace the current EB-5 program. According to Al Jazeera, this program would:

• Require a $5 million investment

• Provide immediate green card privileges

• Offer a pathway to citizenship

While this proposal has generated significant interest, it remains in the planning stages and would require congressional approval to replace the existing EB-5 program. Potential investors should continue to monitor these developments while pursuing current options.

How to Choose the Right EB-5 Project

Selecting the right investment project is crucial for both financial security and immigration success.

Evaluating Regional Center Success Rates

When considering regional centers, examine:

• Their history of I-526 and I-829 approvals

• The number of completed projects with successful job creation

• Their experience working with investors from your country

Assessing Project Viability

Look for projects with:

• Clear business plans and realistic financial projections

• Transparent job creation methodologies

• Strong developer track records

• Appropriate security measures to protect your investment

Working with Experienced Professionals

Assemble a team of experienced professionals, including:

• An immigration attorney specializing in EB-5 cases

• A financial advisor familiar with international investment

• Tax professionals who understand both U.S. and your home country’s tax systems

As Euronews Travel reports, the EB-5 program remains popular despite its costs, with significant interest from investors in China, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and Brazil.

Conclusion

The USA Golden Visa offers a clear path to permanent residency for those with the financial means to invest. While the costs are substantial—typically ranging from $900,000 to $1.2 million all-inclusive—many investors find the benefits of U.S. residency well worth the investment.

Before proceeding, carefully assess your financial situation, research potential projects thoroughly, and work with experienced professionals to navigate the complex application process. With proper planning and guidance, the EB-5 program can transform your American dream into reality, providing lasting benefits for you and your family.

For the most current information on fees and requirements, consult the official USCIS website or speak with an immigration attorney specializing in investment visas.

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