More Indian professionals are turning to the EB-5 investment visa as an alternative to long waits for employment-based Green Cards. The EB-5 program offers a direct path to U.S. permanent residency by investing between $800,000 and $1,050,000 in U.S. projects that must generate at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. This route is increasingly favored by high-net-worth individuals and H-1B visa holders who seek more stability in their U.S. immigration journey.
Unlike the traditional H-1B visa, which comes with annual caps and uncertainty, EB-5 is viewed as a more dependable option, especially for families. Many opt for regional centers approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to manage their investments in large-scale ventures. Over 90% of EB-5 applicants use these centers.
Recent policy changes, including a proposed “Gold Card” by former President Trump, have stirred up debate, but the EB-5 program remains active under legal protections until at least 2027. The “grandfathering clause” assures applicants who apply before September 2026 that their applications will be processed even if policies change later.
India now ranks second globally in EB-5 applications, making up 20–22% of new filings. Many applicants, like Mumbai-based engineer Prahlad Purohit, cite family security as the main reason for choosing EB-5—especially when children age out of dependent visa status. Despite high costs and some risks in selecting trustworthy projects, EB-5 provides many with a sense of immigration certainty that typical work visas can’t offer.
As employment-based Green Card waitlists grow longer, EB-5 stands out as a viable, if costly, solution for a permanent life in the United States.
