EB-5 Visa Costs: What You Need to Know

If you’re exploring the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as your path to a U.S. Green Card, understanding the EB-5 costs involved is a crucial part of planning your move. While the financial threshold may seem straightforward at first glance, there are several associated EB-5 fees beyond the core investment that are essential to consider. This guide walks you through each of the key expenses—from the investment amount to legal and government fees—so you can plan with confidence and clarity.

The EB-5 Investment: Direct or Through a Regional Center

At the core of the EB-5 program is a qualifying investment. As of now, the minimum required investment is:

• $800,000 – if the project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
  
• $1,050,000 – for projects outside TEAs

Most investors choose the $800,000 option through a government-authorized Regional Center, which allows for passive participation and broader job creation counting.

Administrative Fee: $50,000–$90,000

When you invest through a Regional Center, an additional administrative fee is typically required. This fee—usually between $50,000 and $90,000—covers project management, due diligence, and the Regional Center’s operational overhead.

EB-5 Immigration Lawyer Services: $15,000–$70,000

Your EB-5 process will involve several legal stages, and working with an experienced immigration attorney is highly recommended. Legal fees often range from $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the attorney’s profile, the complexity of your case, and how many family members are included.

Legal representation typically covers:

• Preparing and filing Form I-526E
  
• Documenting the source of funds
  
• Responding to any USCIS requests (RFEs)
  
• Follow-up filings, such as Form I-829 for permanent residency

Government Filing Fees (USCIS): $22,000 to $27,000

The U.S. government requires several filing fees during your EB-5 process. As of today, these include:

• Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor): $11,160 per family
  
• Integrity fee (Form I-526E): $1,000 per family
  
• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status – if applying inside the U.S.): $1,140 per person
  
• Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application – if applying abroad): $325 per person
  
• Form I-829 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence): $9,525 per family 

You can calculate your EB-5 government fees on the USCIS website.

Document Translation Fees: $1,000 to $3,000

For documents not in English, translation fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,000. It’s advisable to discuss with your immigration attorney whether they recommend specific translators or if you should find your own. Testing the translation with a small portion of the documentation can help ensure quality and clear communication.

EB-5 Migration Agent

Additional fees may arise from a migration agent or third-party promoter. Navigating the EB-5 process is complex and often spans several years—from project selection and source of funds preparation to filing petitions and receiving your Green Card. A qualified migration agent or third-party advisor can guide you through every stage, helping reduce risks and avoid costly mistakes.

For example, our company offers two options:

• Option 1: A basic agent agreement, where the client selects a project on our website and is connected with a specific Regional Center.
  
• Option 2: A full consultation package—“The EB-5 Concierge Service”—under a service agreement totaling $10,000, paid in stages starting with an initial payment of $1,000.

As an independent EB-5 advisor, we work with multiple Regional Centers and do not promote or sell specific projects. Instead, we help investors understand the EB-5 program, compare opportunities, and choose the option that best fits their goals. With over 8 years of experience, we focus on legal, financial, and project-specific aspects—prioritizing risk mitigation and investor success.

Additional EB-5 Costs to Consider

While the main EB-5 fees are listed above, there are other potential expenses to keep in mind:

• Certified tax documents or audits for complex source-of-funds cases
  
• Medical exam fees (for applicants going through consular processing)
  
• Relocation or post-approval legal support (e.g. estate planning or tax structuring)

These costs are usually minor compared to the overall investment, but they should still be factored into your planning.

EB-5 Cost: Total Estimated Range

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the typical all-in costs for an investor using a Regional Center:

• EB-5 Investment (TEA Project): $800,000
  
• Administrative Fee: $50,000–$90,000
  
• EB-5 Immigration Lawyer Services: $15,000–$70,000
  
• Government Filing Fees: ~$22,000+ (depending on family size)
  
• Other Support Costs: Varies
  

Total estimated outlay: Starting from $887,000+, depending on your specific situation. Of this, the bulk—such as the $800,000 investment—may be recoverable if you select a reliable EB-5 project.

FAQ: Common Questions About EB-5 Fees

👉 Can I finance the $800,000 investment through a loan?
Yes, USCIS allows EB-5 investments to be financed through loans—whether secured or unsecured.

If the loan is secured by collateral, you must properly document the lawful source of funds used to acquire the collateral.

If the loan is unsecured, you’ll need to clearly explain the relationship between the lender and the investor.

When the lender is a licensed financial institution, you must include proof of their license. If the lender is a private individual, they will be required to provide documentation proving the lawful source of their funds.

👉 Are EB-5 fees refundable?
The administrative fee is usually non-refundable. The investment amount may be returned depending on the project and whether your petition is denied or withdrawn. Always review the refund terms in your subscription agreement.

👉 Do I need to pay the same fees for each family member?
Only certain USCIS filing fees (such as I-485 or medical exams) are charged per family member. Legal fees may increase with family size, but the main investment and administrative fee is typically per family unit.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your EB-5 Investment with Full Transparency

The EB-5 cost structure may seem complex, but with proper guidance and a reliable legal and financial team, the process becomes manageable. Understanding each fee in advance helps you avoid surprises and choose the best path forward.

If you’re evaluating your investment immigration options or want a personalized breakdown of your EB-5 journey, we’re here to help.

Book a free EB-5 consultation with our team to get started.