How long must I keep the investment?

In the EB-5 program, capital cannot be withdrawn as soon as it is contributed: it must remain ‘at risk’ and actively deployed in the enterprise throughout the period of conditional residence, until the program requirements are met.

In practice, this means keeping the investment in place while the project generates the required jobs and while you have not yet demonstrated to the authority that the criteria have been satisfied. Only after that demonstration can you apply for the removal of conditions and obtain unrestricted permanent residence.

The exact timeframe may vary depending on the terms of the chosen project and the applicable rules, which may change over time. Some enterprises set their own deadlines or additional conditions, so it is important to understand the investment structure thoroughly before committing capital.

Since the timeframe and the steps are defined by current regulations, confirm updated requirements at the official source (USCIS) and work with qualified counsel to navigate each phase.

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.