Can I have an EB-5 green card and not live in the US?

As a general rule, no. The green card obtained through the EB-5 program grants permanent resident status, and that status requires that you make the United States your primary home, with a genuine intention to live in the country and maintain ties there.

That does not mean you are barred from traveling or running businesses abroad. The key is connection: green card holders are expected to maintain effective residence in the US, and extended absences can raise questions at entry and, in more serious cases, be interpreted as abandonment of status.

For this reason, maintaining a green card typically relies on evidence of presence and intent to reside in the country, such as records of residence and tax filings. Each situation is evaluated individually by the authorities.

Because the rules on absences and status maintenance are specific and subject to change, the safest approach is to confirm updated requirements from the official source. Consult the USCIS and seek specialized guidance before planning extended periods abroad.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.