Can I invest in large corporations like Apple, Microsoft, etc.?

No. EB-5 was designed for investments that create jobs and drive economic development, so simply purchasing publicly traded shares of large corporations like Apple or Microsoft does not qualify for the program.

The visa requires that capital be placed into a new commercial enterprise or through an approved regional center, with the required number of jobs created for workers in the United States. Investing in shares of already established companies does not demonstrate that direct job creation.

In practice, EB-5 capital must be committed to a business with a growth plan and verifiable job-creation metrics. The structure of a large publicly traded corporation generally does not fit that purpose.

If you plan to invest through EB-5, research projects that meet the requirements of immigration law, be wary of promises of easy results, and verify the current rules with USCIS or with a specialist before committing resources.

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.