Why More Indian Investors Are Turning to the EB-5 Visa Route to the U.S.

Understanding the EB-5 Visa Program

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of Indian nationals pursuing the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as a strategic route to U.S. permanent residency. With 400 EB-5 visas allocated to Indian applicants under the Unreserved category in FY2025, this trend is set to gain even more momentum.

These visas offer Indian families a viable path to U.S. green cards, while also fueling the American economy through job creation and foreign capital investment.

What Is the EB-5 Visa Program?

Created by the U.S. Congress in 1990, the EB-5 program aims to attract foreign investment into the U.S. economy. In return, it offers qualifying investors and their immediate families (spouse and children under 21) lawful permanent residency.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Invest at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)—which includes rural areas or regions with high unemployment—or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA.

• Prove that the investment funds were obtained legally.

• Create or preserve a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of their admission.

Why Indian Interest in EB-5 Is Growing

India has rapidly become a major player in the EB-5 space. In FY2025 alone, 400 visas were allocated to Indian nationals—a move that also helps reduce the existing backlog and streamline the process.

States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi are leading the trend, with Maharashtra and Gujarat each contributing 15% of India’s EB-5 applications, and Delhi adding another 11%.

Investment Snapshot:

• 2023: 712 applications × $500,000 = $3.56 billion

• 2024: 733 applications × $800,000 = $5.86 billion

• 2025: 428 applications × $800,000 = $3.42 billion

What Makes EB-5 Attractive to Indian Investors?

Here are some of the key reasons more Indian investors are choosing the EB-5 route:

• Family Benefits
  Investors can bring their spouse and children, ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and long-term U.S. residency.

• Entrepreneurial Growth
  The program allows investors to enter the U.S. market and scale their businesses globally.

• Streamlined Processing
  With a dedicated visa quota for Indians, the process is becoming faster and more efficient.

• No Employer Sponsorship Required
  Unlike H-1B and other work visas, EB-5 applicants are not dependent on job offers or employers.

Economic Impact: A Win-Win for Both Countries

The EB-5 program is more than a pathway to residency—it’s an economic engine. Indian investors contribute significantly to U.S. infrastructure, housing, and development projects, particularly in underdeveloped or high-unemployment areas.

In turn, these families often maintain cross-border ties, encouraging new trade and business opportunities between India and the United States.

Final Thoughts

The dedicated allocation of EB-5 visas to Indian applicants signals the growing importance of this immigration route. As interest continues to rise, the EB-5 program remains a powerful, mutually beneficial bridge between Indian investors and the American dream.

For Indian families and entrepreneurs looking for security, opportunity, and global mobility, this is the time to take action—and stay informed.