Buy Green Card: Essential Information
This guide is for individuals seeking to understand the green card purchase process and associated costs.
- Posted:
- Last updated: October 8, 2026
- By: Logan Pierce
- 6 minutes
You can obtain a U.S. green card through the EB-5 investor program by investing either $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area or infrastructure project, or $1,050,000 in a standard commercial enterprise1. Your investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers2. Processing times for new I-526E petitions average 1–16 months, with approval rates reaching 98% through Regional Centers in 20243. Start by identifying a qualifying project or business that meets job-creation requirements.
What You Receive
Permanent U.S. Residency for Your Family
You receive lawful permanent resident status for yourself, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21. This green card grants you the right to live and work anywhere in the United States indefinitely.
Path to U.S. Citizenship
After maintaining your green card for five years, you become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalisation. This timeline begins from the date your conditional residence is approved.
Faster Processing Through Regional Centers
Regional center investments processed in 1–16 months on average in 2024, with a 98% approval rate for I-526E petitions [3]. This represents a 112% improvement over previous years.
Job Creation Credit Flexibility
Regional center projects allow you to count direct, indirect, and induced jobs toward the required 10 full-time positions [4]. Direct investments require only W-2 employees, making regional centers significantly easier to qualify.
Access to Targeted Employment Area Savings
Investments in TEA or infrastructure projects require only £800,000 (approximately £630,000) instead of the standard £1,050,000 minimum [1]. These designated areas offer substantial cost reduction while meeting all programme requirements.
Predictable Investment Adjustments
Investment thresholds adjust every five years based on the Consumer Price Index, with the next change effective January 1, 2027 [1]. This transparency allows you to plan your investment timeline with confidence.
Buy Green Card: Essential Information
- Option
- Standard EB-5 Investment
- Price
- $1,050,000
- Processing Time
- 1-16 months
- Requirements
- Create or preserve 10 jobs
- Restrictions
- None
- Option
- TEA or Infrastructure Projects
- Price
- $800,000
- Processing Time
- 1-16 months
- Requirements
- Create or preserve 10 jobs
- Restrictions
- None
- Option
- Direct EB-5 Investment
- Price
- $1,050,000
- Processing Time
- 1-16 months
- Requirements
- Create 10 direct W-2 jobs
- Restrictions
- Must meet job creation requirements
- Option
- Regional Center EB-5 Investment
- Price
- $1,050,000
- Processing Time
- 1-16 months
- Requirements
- Create 10 jobs (direct, indirect, induced)
- Restrictions
- Must invest in USCIS-approved center
- Option
- Existing Business Purchase
- Price
- $1,050,000
- Processing Time
- 1-16 months
- Requirements
- Restructure or expand business by 40%
- Restrictions
- Must meet job creation requirements
How to Obtain a Green Card Through Investment
Choose Your Investment Path
You must decide between two routes: investing through a USCIS-approved Regional Center or making a direct investment in a qualifying business. Regional Center projects allow you to count indirect and induced jobs toward the 10-job requirement, while direct investments require 10 W-2 employees created by your business alone4. In Fiscal Year 2024, 4,567 investors chose Regional Center projects over direct investments3. Regional Center petitions also achieved a 98% approval rate compared to lower rates for direct investments3.
Prepare Your Capital
You need £800,000 (approximately $1,050,000) for standard investments or £610,000 (approximately $800,000) for Targeted Employment Areas and infrastructure projects, based on amounts effective from March 15, 20221. These thresholds will adjust for inflation every five years starting January 1, 20271. Your funds must be lawfully obtained, so gather documentation proving the source: tax returns, business sale records, inheritance documents, or employment income statements spanning several years.
Select a Qualifying Project
Your investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time permanent jobs for qualified U.S. workers2. If purchasing an existing business, you must restructure or expand it to increase net worth or employee count by at least 40%1. Regional Centers offer pre-vetted projects where job creation is calculated using economic models rather than direct hires4. Review the project's business plan, financial projections, and job creation methodology before committing funds.
File Form I-526E
Submit your immigrant petition (Form I-526E) to USCIS with evidence of your investment, the business plan, and proof of lawful source of funds. The denial rate for I-526E petitions filed after the Reform and Integrity Act dropped to approximately 3% in Fiscal Year 20245. Processing times averaged 1–16 months in 2024, a 112% improvement over the previous year3. Legacy petitions filed before the Act took an average of 57 months5.
Adjust Status or Apply for Visa
Once USCIS approves your I-526E petition, you can apply for adjustment of status if you're already in the United States or apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. You'll attend a visa interview, undergo medical examinations, and provide biometrics. After approval, you'll receive a conditional green card valid for two years.
Remove Conditions After Two Years
Within 90 days before your conditional green card expires, file Form I-829 to remove conditions. You must prove that your investment remained at risk throughout the two-year period and that the required 10 jobs were created or preserved2. USCIS will review your evidence and, upon approval, issue a permanent green card with no expiration conditions.
Verify Your Status
Check your case status online using the USCIS Case Status tool with your receipt number. You can also sign up for automatic email or text updates. Once you receive your permanent green card, verify that all information is correct and that the card shows no conditional status. Keep copies of all filing receipts, approval notices, and correspondence with USCIS for your records.
Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees
Investing in the EB-5 program comes with specific risks and limitations. The minimum investment amount is $1,050,000 for standard projects and $800,000 for Targeted Employment Areas1. These amounts may increase due to inflation adjustments every five years, with the next change effective January 1, 20271.
Approval rates for petitions vary. The average approval rate for I-526E petitions submitted through Regional Centers was 98% in Fiscal Year 20243. However, a denial can lead to financial loss, as the investment may not be recoverable. Ensure the project can create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers2.
For existing businesses, investments must result in a 40% increase in net worth or employee count to qualify1. If conditions aren't met, your green card may be revoked.
Before proceeding, verify the project’s compliance with USCIS regulations. Review the business plan and financial projections carefully. If you need to withdraw your application, consult with a legal expert, as refunds are not guaranteed.
Keep track of all documentation and correspondence with USCIS. This will help you respond to any inquiries or issues during processing.
FAQ
How much does it cost to buy a US green card?
You need $1,050,000 for a standard EB-5 investment or $800,000 if you invest in a Targeted Employment Area or infrastructure project1. These amounts apply to petitions filed on or after March 15, 2022 and will adjust for inflation every five years starting January 1, 20271. Additional costs include legal fees, administrative expenses, and documentation preparation, which typically add £15,000–£50,000 to your total budget.
Can you buy a green card for $1 million?
What is the difference between EB-5 and E-2 visa?
The EB-5 visa grants you permanent residency (a green card) through an investment of $800,000–$1,050,000 and requires creating 10 full-time jobs12. The E-2 visa provides temporary residency for treaty country nationals who invest a substantial amount (typically $100,000–$200,000) in a U.S. business, but it does not lead to a green card and must be renewed every 2–5 years. EB-5 investors can apply for citizenship after five years, while E-2 holders must maintain their business and cannot directly transition to permanent residency through the same visa.
Cited sources
Handpicked links. A few related services may help with the next step. Tools & services