Does the EB-5 require a criminal background check?

Yes. In the EB-5 program, a criminal background check is an essential step in the process. Because the program grants permanent residence through investment, authorities must confirm that the investor does not pose a risk to the security or integrity of the United States.

This review is conducted by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and often goes beyond records from the investor’s home country: it may cover the applicant’s conduct in other countries where they have lived throughout their life.

For this reason, transparency is critical. Incomplete or inconsistent information can raise questions and delay a case, so it is worth gathering documentation carefully and responding to any requests in full.

Because every background is unique, consult the official source (USCIS) and, if you have any sensitive background issue, review your case with an immigration professional before filing, steering clear of any promises of guaranteed outcomes.

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.