How to Get a Green Card Through Real Estate Investment in the U.S.

For many international investors, the idea of earning U.S. permanent residency through real estate investment is appealing on multiple levels. It offers the chance to access the American market, take part in one of the world’s most stable real estate sectors, and build a future for your family in the United States. But how exactly does this process work, and is it really possible to get a Green Card just by investing in real estate?

In this article, we’ll explain the role of real estate in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, how foreign investors can qualify, and why real estate-based projects have become a popular route to U.S. residency.

What Is the EB-5 Visa Program?

The EB-5 visa program is a U.S. immigration pathway designed to attract foreign investment and create American jobs. To qualify, a foreign investor must:

• Invest at least $800,000 in a qualifying U.S. business located in a designated rural area or high-unemployment zone (or $1,050,000 in a standard area), and

• Show that the investment will create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

If these conditions are met, the investor (and eligible family members) can receive a conditional Green Card, which can later be converted into full, unconditional permanent residency.

How Does Real Estate Fit In?

Real estate development projects are one of the most common types of EB-5 investments. This is because large-scale construction and infrastructure projects are ideally suited to meet the program’s job creation requirements. From hotels and resorts to residential communities and mixed-use buildings, these developments naturally generate employment.

When structured properly, a real estate project can use EB-5 capital as part of its funding. Investors provide their capital to a designated regional center, which then channels the funds into the job-creating enterprise. The end result is a project that contributes to the local economy while helping investors work toward U.S. residency.

Why Real Estate-Based EB-5 Projects Are Popular

Job Creation Potential

Real estate projects are labor-intensive, often generating hundreds of jobs. This gives investors confidence that the job creation threshold will be met and their petitions will succeed.

Tangible Assets

Many investors prefer real estate projects because they involve physical, income-generating assets. Compared to riskier ventures, a resort or residential complex feels more concrete and secure.

Location and Market Appeal

Many developments are located in fast-growing areas or tourism hotspots, making them commercially attractive. Projects in rural areas also benefit from faster immigration processing under current USCIS rules.

Proven Track Record

Most real estate-based EB-5 investments are made through regional centers. These are entities approved by USCIS to sponsor EB-5 projects and manage investments on behalf of foreign nationals. By investing through a regional center, EB-5 investors can benefit from indirect and induced job creation calculations, expanding the range of qualifying economic activity.

Many regional centers and project developers have long-standing experience in executing real estate-based EB-5 projects. This track record can reduce risk and enhance trust.

Minimum Investment and Targeted Employment Areas

Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), the minimum investment amount is $800,000 for projects located in rural areas or high-unemployment zones, collectively known as targeted employment areas (TEAs). These projects also come with added advantages:

• Priority processing is available for rural EB-5 investments, meaning faster adjudication timelines.

• Reserved visa categories exist for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure projects, giving investors a clearer path to a Green Card, especially from countries facing backlogs.

As a result, many real estate projects—especially those in rural or developing regions—have become highly attractive options for EB-5 investors.

The Process: How to Get Started

Here’s a step-by-step look at how to start your Green Card journey through real estate investment.

1. Choose a Qualified EB-5 Project
Select a real estate development with a strong business plan, TEA designation if possible, and experienced regional center sponsorship.

2. Conduct Due Diligence
Review offering documents, job creation methodology, financial terms, and exit strategies. Working with an EB-5 investment advisor can help ensure you make an informed decision.

3. File Form I-526E
This petition demonstrates your investment and its eligibility for the EB-5 program. Once approved, you can apply for a conditional Green Card.

4. Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
If you live abroad, you’ll attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate. If you’re already in the U.S. on another visa, you may be eligible for adjustment of status.

5. Enter the U.S. and Begin Residency
Upon approval, you and your family members receive two-year conditional Green Cards. After the investment creates the required jobs, you can apply for full permanent residency.

Benefits of Investing in Real Estate for a Green Card

One of the key advantages of real estate–based EB-5 projects is their strong foundation in physical, income-generating assets. While investors don’t personally own the property or receive a title, their capital supports large-scale developments that are more likely to meet EB-5 job creation requirements. These projects often offer more transparency, clearer structure, and greater peace of mind compared to less tangible investments. For many investors, knowing that their money is going into a professionally managed real estate development adds an extra layer of reassurance during the immigration process.

Beyond that, the program allows your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to also receive Green Cards, ensuring your entire family benefits from the move.

Once you obtain your Green Card, you have the freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in the United States without restrictions. This flexibility opens up countless professional and personal opportunities. And in the long term, EB-5 investors who maintain residency for five years may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, completing their immigration journey with full rights and protections.

A Proven Path to U.S. Residency

Getting a Green Card through real estate investment is more than just a possibility—it’s a proven pathway for thousands of families worldwide. And while the EB-5 program has a clear structure, each investor’s situation is different. Immigration rules, project selection, risk evaluation, and timing all require careful attention. That’s where the right EB-5 investment advisor can make all the difference.

At Arcasia Advisors, we specialize in helping international investors find real estate-based EB-5 projects that match their goals. Our team works across markets to help clients understand local regulations, conduct proper due diligence, and move forward with confidence.

If you're considering real estate investment as your route to U.S. residency, Arcasia Advisors is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about available EB-5 projects and how we can support your path to a Green Card.