Does the EB-5 require me to live in the US full time?

No, the EB-5 does not require you to live in the United States full time. Once you receive a green card through the program, you and your family become permanent residents with the freedom to travel and spend time abroad.

The key point is that a permanent resident must keep the United States as their primary residence. Lengthy or very frequent absences can, over time, be interpreted as a loss of ties to the country, which may complicate steps in the process or, in extreme cases, be treated as abandonment of status.

For those who need to spend extended periods outside the US, tools such as a reentry permit can help demonstrate the intent to maintain the US as the primary home. Planning these absences in advance avoids misunderstandings.

Because residency maintenance rules have nuances and change over time, confirm the latest guidance from the official source (USCIS) and align any extended stays abroad with a qualified specialist.

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.