For thousands of Indian families planning a future in the United States, 2025 has brought more questions than answers. H-1B visa backlogs are getting longer. Student visa rejections are rising. Many young professionals already in the US, whether studying or working, are finding the path to permanent residency increasingly uncertain.
Amid this climate, one option is quietly gaining momentum: the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa.
Once seen as a niche choice for ultra-wealthy families, EB-5 is now being considered by a broader group. Indian H-1B holders frustrated with green card delays, F-1 students nearing graduation, and their parents in India are all exploring it as a more predictable and proactive route.
A 50 percent surge in interest
Immigration attorneys and financial advisors have seen a sharp rise in EB-5 queries from India this year. The drivers are clear.
Tech layoffs have left many H-1B visa holders scrambling to find new employment within the limited grace period. Green card wait times for Indian nationals can stretch over a decade, especially under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. At the same time, F-1 student visa applicants are navigating increased scrutiny and fewer assurances about post-study pathways.
In this environment, EB-5 offers something that is increasingly rare in US immigration: predictability.
It is not a lottery. It is not tied to an employer. If you meet the criteria, the path to a green card is structured and clear. The benefit extends to immediate family members as well, including spouses and children.
Also read | Investing in the American Dream: Why global millionaires are betting on the US Golden Visa
What is the EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to apply for US permanent residency by investing a minimum of $ 800,000 in a qualified American business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
Processing typically takes 24 to 36 months. However, some projects located in rural or infrastructure-focused areas are eligible for priority processing. This has become a key draw for Indian families seeking faster results.
Structured financing options are also becoming available, allowing families to stage their investment or borrow against assets in India.
Also read | Life and health insurance mistakes even smart investors make
Risks and realities
While EB-5 is appealing, it is not risk-free. Families should proceed with care and sound professional advice.
Project selection is critical. Not every opportunity is equal, and some may fail to deliver either on financial returns or job creation targets. USCIS also requires detailed documentation of the source of funds, which must be lawful and clearly traceable. This can be a major hurdle for some families.
Additionally, unlicensed agents in India have begun offering EB-5 packages with misleading promises of guaranteed green cards. There is no such thing. Only registered migration professionals and attorneys should be involved in the process.
Also read | UAE's nomination-based Golden Visa programme: Key differences from real estate-linked residency
What Indian families should know
EB-5 is no longer just a backup option. For many Indian families, it has become the primary route they are considering for US migration.
While American policymakers debate new immigration pathways such as the proposed Gold Card for skilled workers, those options are still in development. EB-5 is already active and structured, with thousands of successful applicants globally and growing participation from India.
Five questions to ask before you invest
1. Is the project supported by a trusted and proven regional centre?
2. Have you accounted for all costs, including legal and administrative fees?
3. Can you document your source of funds in a way that meets USCIS standards?
4. Are you looking at EB-5 as a way to secure your child’s future, your own relocation, or both?
5. Are you prepared for a multi-year investment with limited liquidity?
A shift in strategy
What was once viewed as a complex immigration route is now seen by many Indian families as a strategic decision that blends education, mobility, and financial planning.
In a time of growing uncertainty across traditional visa categories, EB-5 is emerging as a path that offers more control. It gives families the opportunity to plan with intention rather than wait on chance.
For those who are ready to take that step, EB-5 may no longer be the alternative. It may be the plan.
The writer is co-founder at EduFund.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
