EB-5 Green Card in Hamilton, ON
The EB-5 program offers qualifying investors a direct pathway to permanent residence in the United States through a government-approved investment. Along with the principal applicant, a spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also become eligible for U.S. green cards.
Most applicants qualify by investing $800,000 USD in a project affiliated with a government-authorized Regional Center. These projects are designed to create jobs, encourage economic growth, and satisfy the requirements established under the EB-5 program.
After the investment is completed and the required petition is filed, applicants and their families may receive conditional green cards within approximately 2–3 years (or more). Approximately two years after conditional residence begins, investors must demonstrate that the project fulfilled the program’s job creation or economic benefit requirements before permanent resident status is granted without conditions.
Why Investors Choose the EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 visa differs from many other U.S. immigration options because it allows eligible investors to pursue permanent residence without obtaining employer sponsorship or a qualifying job offer.
For individuals pursuing business immigration, the program can provide greater flexibility while supporting long-term residency goals. It also offers an alternative to a traditional employment based green card, where eligibility often depends on an employer’s willingness to sponsor the applicant.
Benefits of the EB-5 Program
For many investors, the EB-5 program provides advantages that extend beyond obtaining permanent residence.
- Permanent resident status for the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21
- No requirement for employer sponsorship
- Access to U.S. colleges, universities, and educational opportunities
- Eligibility to pursue U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residence
- Passive investment opportunities through qualifying Regional Center projects
Investment Options
There are two primary ways to participate in the program.
Regional Center Investment
Most applicants choose a Regional Center investment because it allows participation in qualifying projects without managing day-to-day business operations.
Direct Investment
A direct investment requires the applicant to establish, purchase, or operate a business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers while remaining actively involved in management.
Current investment thresholds are:
- $800,000 USD for projects located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
- $1,050,000 USD for projects outside a TEA
Understanding Targeted Employment Areas
Targeted Employment Areas help direct investment toward communities that may benefit from additional economic activity.
A TEA may include:
- A rural location outside major metropolitan regions
- An area with unemployment rates of at least 150% of the national average
Even within a TEA, the investment must still create 10 full-time jobs within two years.
EB-5 Green Card Process
Once a qualifying investment has been selected, the immigration process generally follows five stages.
Step 1: Investment
The investor transfers the required investment funds and Regional Center administrative fees into the designated project account.
Step 2: File Form I-526
The applicant files Form I-526 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must demonstrate:
- An investment of at least $800,000 USD in a qualifying project
- That the invested funds originated from lawful sources
- Compliance with current EB-5 program requirements
Step 3: Apply for a Green Card
After Form I-526 is approved, the applicant proceeds with the green card application process.
Step 4: Conditional Permanent Residence
Once approved, the investor and qualifying family members receive conditional green cards that allow them to live and work throughout the United States.
Step 5: Removal of Conditions
Approximately two years after conditional residence is granted, Form I-829 must be filed. This petition must establish that:
- At least 10 full-time jobs were created for U.S. workers, or
- The investment generated qualifying economic benefits within the project area
If the petition is approved, the conditions on permanent residence are removed. If not, the green cards may be withdrawn.
Following approval of Form I-829, the original $800,000 investment is generally returned according to the terms of the investment project.
EB-5 Visa Processing Time
The EB-5 visa processing time varies depending on factors such as USCIS workloads, the applicant’s country of origin, and individual case circumstances.
Most applicants progress through the following stages:
- Form I-526 preparation and adjudication
- Green card application processing
- Two years of conditional permanent residence
- Form I-829 filing and review
How the EB-5 Program Compares to Other Immigration Options
Unlike many employment-based immigration pathways, the EB-5 program allows qualified investors to pursue permanent residence without employer sponsorship, labor certification, or a permanent job offer.
This makes it one of the few investment-based immigration options that offers a direct path to a U.S. green card.
EB-5 Policy and Legislative Updates (2025–2026)
The EB-5 program remains active and is currently authorized through September 30, 2027. Prospective investors should also be aware that:
- Investment thresholds may increase in the future through inflation adjustments.
- Legislative proposals, including the Trump “Gold Card,” could modify or replace portions of the current EB-5 framework.
- Immigration policies and processing procedures may continue to evolve.
Because of these potential changes, many investors choose to begin the process while the current program remains available.
Why Work with an Immigration Lawyer?
The EB-5 process involves more than completing immigration forms. Applicants must also prepare detailed financial records, document the lawful source of investment funds, and satisfy strict U.S. immigration requirements.
Working with an immigration lawyer can help you:
- Confirm that your investment satisfies current EB-5 requirements
- Prepare complete source-of-funds documentation
- Submit accurate petitions and supporting evidence
- Stay informed about policy changes that could affect your application
At Pilkington Immigration, our immigration lawyers help investors navigate every stage of the EB-5 process while providing clear guidance tailored to their long-term immigration objectives.
Client Reviews
The firm was extremely helpful in all aspects. Definitely appreciated having experts guiding me and handling the application with all of the important details to get a successful result. Thanks again!
Contact Us Today for Help With Your Case
With offices worldwide for businesses and individuals seeking solutions to their immigration needs to Canada, United States, Germany, Mauritius, and Nigeria, the team at Pilkington Immigration in Hamilton, ON has the expertise and ability to find global solutions to local needs.
Call us today at 1-226-821-0422 or Request an Appointment.