Tips for Investors Seeking Residency with the EB-5 Visa
February 04, 2026

Many people think about moving to the United States for a fresh start, and for investors, the EB-5 visa can help make that happen. This option is open to people who put money into a U.S.-based business that creates jobs for American workers. It is one of the few ways business-minded individuals can live and work in the country long-term through investment alone.
Working through the process can feel confusing, especially with all the paperwork and timelines involved. That is when an investor visa attorney becomes helpful. At the Law Offices of Ariadne Berrios, we include EB-5 immigrant investor matters among the business visa cases we handle for entrepreneurs and professionals. We know how to guide you through each stage, pointing out everything you need to keep your plan on track. Whether you are investing from overseas or already managing deals here in the United States, the EB-5 visa follows a strict set of steps. We will walk through what to expect so you are not guessing your way through.
To qualify for the EB-5 visa, you need to invest in a U.S. business that will create at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. Those jobs must be filled by people who are citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise authorized to work in the United States. This is not a quick process, and the rules are clear. Current EB-5 rules require a qualifying investment between $800,000 and $1,050,000 in a U.S. commercial enterprise.
There are two main ways to apply:
• Through a regional center, a government-approved program that handles the business side of the investment
• Through direct investment, where you manage and run the business yourself
Each path comes with different responsibilities. Regional centers take care of most of the work and keep you involved at a distance. Direct investment means you will be more hands-on in daily operations.
Either way, you need to show where your money is coming from, prove that it was earned legally, and submit documents to back it all up. Being organized at the beginning saves time and avoids stress later.
Picking how you want to invest is not just about money. It is also about your goals, how actively you are looking to be involved, and what experience you already have running a business. Maybe you are someone who prefers not to get involved with daily decisions. Or maybe you are an owner who wants full control. Either way, the EB-5 process gives you options.
Here is how your choice might look:
• Regional center investments are better for those who want a quiet role and do not want to run the business
• Direct investments work well for investors who like being fully involved and can take on the responsibilities of a business owner
Whichever route you go, make sure the business meets government requirements. That includes things like how many full-time employees it will hire, how long it will stay open, and how the funds will be used. Do not just rely on a general plan. Review all the details to see if it actually follows the rules of the visa.
The EB-5 process moves slowly. It usually takes over a year, and there are a few steps in between, like filing your application, waiting for review, and responding to follow-up questions. That can stretch out your timeline.
To avoid surprises during the process, it helps to be ready upfront. Keep all your financial records in one place and up-to-date. That means details about your income, taxes, personal wealth, and how you earned the funds you are using for the investment. Having a solid paper trail makes everything easier.
This is another area where an experienced investor visa attorney can make the difference. We have seen all types of filing issues and know what documents immigration officers look for. We can help double-check forms, catch missing information, and suggest what else you might need. These small steps go a long way in keeping your case on track and out of the rejection pile.
Your EB-5 visa is not the end goal, it is the first milestone. If your visa is approved, you will get a conditional green card that is good for two years. After that, you must show proof the investment worked, meaning the business is up and running and the jobs have been created. Then you can apply to make that green card permanent.
To make sure everything goes smoothly, stay on top of these key points:
• Know your filing dates and renewal deadlines
• Keep track of changes to your business that could affect your case
• Make sure family members who are applying with you are included in all steps
If your plan includes children or a spouse, it is important to factor them in from the start. Immigration rules treat family members differently depending on age and marital status, so plan ahead to avoid problems later.
A good attorney does not just fill out forms. We look at the bigger picture, like whether your chosen business matches visa rules or if the paperwork supports your case. We help you decide which path makes the most sense based on your goals, funds, and timeline.
Here is how we help make things easier:
• Point out errors or missing documents before they cause delays
• Guide you through rule changes so you are not caught off-guard
• Speak with immigration officials if questions or problems come up
If your case hits a wall, we can help fix it. Having someone who understands how each form connects to the next helps keep things from falling apart in the middle. We do not expect investors to know every rule. That is what we are here for.
Moving to the United States through investment is not simple, but it does not have to feel overwhelming. There is a lot to track, and it is easy to get lost in the details, especially when you are already juggling business decisions.
With the right help, most of the pressure lifts. You can pay attention to the big picture while someone else handles the legal side. By choosing a clear path, staying organized, and asking for help when needed, investors can move through the EB-5 process with more confidence.
Whether you are watching the cool February skies roll across Las Vegas or spending the holidays balancing business plans back home, the steps you take now can shape where you live tomorrow. Our offices in Las Vegas and Puerto Rico allow us to work with investors across the United States and abroad.
Considering the EB-5 visa process in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Pahrump? Having the right guidance is very important. We have helped many investors meet complex job creation rules and understand all the business requirements needed for success. Working with an investor visa attorney gives you confidence through each stage, so nothing important gets missed. At the Law Offices of Ariadne Berrios, we are here to help your investment lead to the results you expect. Ready to discuss your next steps? Contact us today.