The EB-5 immigrant investor program is currently the shortest and safest path to obtaining green cards for the entire family. However, before embarking on this journey, investors need a comprehensive and accurate overview of the budget and the timeline to make strategic decisions. Below are the most detailed updates as of the second quarter of 2026.
Mục lục
To participate in the EB-5 program, investors need to prepare two separate financial categories: the investment capital (potentially refundable) and administrative fees (non-refundable).
Regarding investment capital, under the RIA (Reform and Integrity Act), the current capital levels are divided into two main tiers. If investing in projects located in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA), such as rural areas or locations with high unemployment, the capital level is $800,000. For projects outside of TEA zones, the required capital is $1,050,000. This amount is injected into the project to create at least 10 jobs for local workers and can be refunded after the investor completes their residency obligations.
However, the actual total budget usually fluctuates between $900,000 and $950,000 (for the $800,000 category). Mandatory incidental costs include:
• Project management fee (Administrative Fee): Approximately $60,000 - $80,000 paid to the Regional Center.
• Government fees (USCIS): Approximately $3,675 for the I-526E petition plus biometric fees.
• Legal and attorney fees: Ranging from $15,000 - $25,000 depending on the firm.
• Ancillary fees: Translation, notarization, source of funds audit, and international wire transfer fees, estimated at $15,000.
The processing time for EB-5 applications has changed dramatically since 2022. Currently, the wait time depends entirely on the "visa category" the investor chooses.
If choosing projects under the Rural Reserved Visa (Rural TEA) category, investors enjoy priority processing privileges. Adjudication time for the I-526E petition currently takes only 6 to 10 months. The total time for a family to receive their immigrant visa and move to the U.S. typically spans only 1 to 1.5 years. This is the fastest speed in the history of the EB-5 program for the Vietnamese market.
Conversely, if selecting projects in high unemployment areas or standard urban projects, I-526E adjudication time can last from 18 to 36 months. The total time to receive a green card will fluctuate between 3 and 4 years. Another highlight for investors already in the U.S. is the "Concurrent Filing" mechanism, which allows them to receive a work permit and travel document (Combo Card) within just 3-6 months of filing, helping the family stabilize their lives early even without a formal green card.
2026 is the golden time to file applications before further fee increases and new legal adjustments potentially take place after September 30, 2026. Selecting a rural project with an $800,000 capital level is currently the most optimal solution in terms of both finance and speed.
EMMAUS VILLAGE
Address: 31831 Rochen Road Waller, Texas
Mr. Alexander Schemmel – Project Manager
Hotline: +1(910) 9679332
Email: alex.schemmalt@gmail.com
Mr. Khai – Vietnam Customer Support
Hotline: 0945255525
Email: john.emmausvillage@gmail.com
Website: emmausvillage.net