Can I receive financial assistance from American banks?

The EB-5 program allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residence in the United States through a qualified investment – generally starting from US$ 800,000 in targeted employment areas or US$ 1,050,000 in other locations – which must be ‘at risk’ and contribute to job creation. A common question is whether it is possible to count on financial assistance from American banks to compose this amount. In practice, EB-5 rules require that the invested funds be effectively owned by you and be at risk in the project. In many cases, this means that the investment cannot be constituted by traditional loans or bank financing that offer return conditions and guarantees that may compromise the ‘at risk’ character required by the program.

Thus, the use of capital from loans may not meet the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) requirements, jeopardizing eligibility for the visa. However, it is important to distinguish this situation from obtaining financial assistance for other personal needs, such as purchasing a property or starting a business after visa approval. In this context, American banks provide financing for various purposes. But it is essential to clearly separate what concerns the EB-5 investment from your personal or business financial planning in the United States.

We emphasize the need to strictly comply with immigration laws and demonstrate that the invested funds have a lawful origin and were truly at risk in the undertaking. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek clarification from reliable sources and specialized professionals in the field, avoiding traps, scams, or marketing campaigns that promise ease without proper legal foundation.

Maintaining careful planning, ensuring that each stage complies with legal requirements, is essential for the success of your immigration endeavor. Therefore, always pay attention to official guidelines and seek detailed information from secure sources before making any decision.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.