Can I use savings built up over a lifetime?

Yes. In the EB-5 program, savings accumulated over a lifetime can serve as the source of the investment. What truly matters is not the age of the money, but its lawful origin: you need to demonstrate, with documentation, how that amount was accumulated legally.

This means tracing the path of the funds over time and connecting the savings to legitimate sources, such as:

• Wages and employment income.
• Business profits or entrepreneurial activities.
• Investment gains and other assets.

The source-of-funds review is rigorous, so it is worth keeping detailed records of assets and transactions and organizing everything clearly and chronologically. The more transparent and traceable the money trail, the stronger your case will be.

Because every situation is unique and the required documentation may vary, confirm the current requirements with the official source (USCIS) and seek specialized guidance to build your supporting evidence.

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.