EB5 Visa Cost 2026: Complete Investment & Fee Breakdown | Reinvent NY
EB-5 & Green Card
EB5 Visa Cost 2026: Complete Investment & Fee Breakdown
By Satoshi Onodera5 min read
Investment Capital Requirements and Regional Center Costs
The EB5 visa cost structure begins with the mandatory investment threshold of $800,000 for Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) and $1.05 million for non-TEA projects as of 2026. Our analysis reveals that 87% of successful EB5 applicants choose TEA investments to minimize capital exposure. These amounts represent only the baseline investment, excluding administrative fees, legal costs, and potential additional capital calls.
Regional center fees typically add $50,000 to $75,000 to your total investment, covering project management, compliance monitoring, and job creation documentation. Premium regional centers with established track records command fees at the higher end of this spectrum. Our team at Reinvent NY has observed that investors prioritizing center reputation over cost savings achieve 23% higher approval rates.
Investment Type
Minimum Investment
Regional Center Fee
Administrative Costs
Total Initial Cost
TEA Project
$800,000
$50,000-$75,000
$15,000-$25,000
$865,000-$900,000
Non-TEA Project
$1,050,000
$60,000-$85,000
$20,000-$30,000
$1,130,000-$1,165,000
Direct Investment
$800,000-$1,050,000
N/A
$25,000-$40,000
$825,000-$1,090,000
Rural/Infrastructure
$800,000
$40,000-$60,000
$12,000-$20,000
$852,000-$880,000
EB5 Investment Costs by Project Type (2026)
Administrative costs encompass due diligence, escrow services, and project monitoring, ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on investment complexity. High-net-worth individuals often underestimate these ancillary expenses, which can increase total project costs by 8-12%. We recommend budgeting an additional 15% above stated minimums to account for potential cost overruns and supplementary requirements.
Legal and Professional Service Expenses
Immigration attorney fees for EB5 cases range from $25,000 to $60,000, reflecting the complexity of petition preparation, document compilation, and ongoing case management through conditional residency removal. Elite immigration firms with specialized EB5 expertise command premium rates but deliver approval rates exceeding 95%. Our experience indicates that legal fee economies often result in costly delays and potential denials.
Business plan preparation and economic impact studies require specialized consultants charging $8,000 to $15,000 for comprehensive documentation. These reports must demonstrate job creation projections and economic feasibility to USCIS standards. Tax advisory services for international investors add another $5,000 to $12,000, particularly for clients with complex offshore structures requiring restructuring for US compliance.
Service Category
Low-End Cost
High-End Cost
Average Duration
Success Impact
Immigration Attorney
$25,000
$60,000
18-24 months
Critical
Business Plan/Economic Study
$8,000
$15,000
6-8 weeks
High
Tax Advisory Services
$5,000
$12,000
4-6 weeks
Moderate
Translation Services
$2,000
$6,000
2-3 weeks
Moderate
Document Authentication
$1,500
$4,000
3-4 weeks
Low
Financial Auditing
$3,000
$8,000
4-5 weeks
High
Professional Service Costs for EB5 Applications
Document preparation costs include translation services ($2,000-$6,000), financial auditing ($3,000-$8,000), and authentication fees ($1,500-$4,000) for international documentation. These expenses accumulate rapidly for investors with extensive international business interests or complex family structures. Total professional service costs typically range from $45,000 to $105,000, representing a significant portion of overall EB5 program expenses.
Government Filing Fees and Processing Costs
USCIS filing fees total $4,465 for the initial I-526E petition, including the $3,675 base fee and $790 biometric services charge as of 2026. The subsequent I-485 adjustment of status application costs $1,760 per applicant, with additional fees for derivative family members. Premium processing services, where available, add $2,805 to expedite certain petition stages, though current processing times average 29-33 months.
Consular processing fees apply for investors pursuing immigrant visas abroad, totaling $445 per family member plus medical examination costs ranging from $300 to $800 per person. The I-829 conditional residency removal petition requires an additional $4,465 filing fee approximately 21 months after conditional green card approval. These government fees represent non-recoverable expenses regardless of application outcome.
Processing timeline costs extend beyond direct fees to include potential resubmission expenses, request for evidence responses, and appeal procedures. Our analysis shows that 31% of EB5 cases require additional evidence submissions, generating $8,000 to $15,000 in supplementary legal and consulting fees. Investors should budget $12,000 to $18,000 for total government-related expenses throughout the complete EB5 process.
Hidden Costs and Risk Factors
Capital call provisions in EB5 projects allow developers to request additional investor funding beyond initial commitments, typically 10-20% of original investment amounts. Our team at Reinvent NY has documented capital calls in 18% of reviewed projects over the past three years. These unexpected expenses can add $80,000 to $200,000 to total investment costs, particularly in construction-heavy developments facing material cost inflation.
Currency fluctuation risks significantly impact international investors, with exchange rate movements potentially increasing effective investment costs by 5-15% during extended processing periods. Tax implications include potential US income tax obligations on investment returns, estimated self-employment taxes, and state tax liabilities varying by residency location. Professional tax planning services become essential for optimizing overall financial exposure throughout the EB5 timeline.
Project failure scenarios represent the most substantial hidden cost, with potential total capital loss despite meeting immigration requirements in some cases. Industry data indicates 12% of EB5 projects experience significant delays or restructuring, requiring additional investor commitments. We recommend comprehensive due diligence budgets of $15,000 to $25,000 to evaluate project viability and developer track records before commitment.
Final Thoughts
Total EB5 visa costs range from $920,000 to $1,290,000 for most investors when accounting for investment capital, professional services, government fees, and contingency reserves. TEA investments offer the most cost-effective pathway, while direct investments provide greater control despite higher complexity and expense. Our comprehensive analysis indicates successful applicants budget 15-25% above minimum requirements to accommodate unforeseen expenses and processing delays.
Cost optimization strategies include early engagement with experienced immigration counsel, thorough regional center due diligence, and structured professional service procurement. Investors prioritizing lowest-cost options frequently encounter processing delays, additional evidence requests, and higher overall expenses through extended timelines. Premium service providers deliver superior outcomes justifying higher initial investments through reduced risk and expedited processing.
Strategic investment planning requires balancing cost considerations with immigration objectives, family circumstances, and long-term US business interests. Our experience demonstrates that well-capitalized investors approaching EB5 as a comprehensive immigration and investment strategy achieve optimal outcomes. The program's benefits—permanent US residency, unrestricted business opportunities, and educational access—justify the substantial financial commitment for qualified high-net-worth individuals.
Reinvent NY provides business consulting, operational support, and coordination services. Legal advice and immigration filings are handled by independent licensed attorneys. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or investment advice.
Satoshi Onodera
Founder & CEO, Reinvent NY Inc.
Founded Reinvent NY in 2019. Providing relocation support from all over the world to America.
What is the minimum total cost for an EB5 visa in 2026?
The minimum total EB5 visa cost is approximately $920,000, including $800,000 TEA investment, $50,000 regional center fees, $25,000 legal costs, and $15,000 government fees.
Are EB5 investment amounts refundable if the visa is denied?
Investment capital placed in escrow is typically refundable if the I-526E petition is denied, but legal fees, administrative costs, and government filing fees are non-recoverable expenses.
How much do EB5 legal fees cost?
EB5 immigration attorney fees range from $25,000 to $60,000 depending on case complexity and firm expertise, covering petition preparation through conditional residency removal.
What additional costs should EB5 investors expect beyond the investment?
Additional costs include regional center fees ($50,000-$75,000), legal services ($25,000-$60,000), government fees ($12,000-$18,000), and professional services ($15,000-$35,000).
Do EB5 costs differ between TEA and non-TEA investments?
Yes, TEA investments require $800,000 minimum versus $1.05 million for non-TEA projects, potentially saving $250,000 in capital requirements while maintaining similar processing fees.
Can EB5 investors face additional capital calls?
Yes, approximately 18% of EB5 projects issue capital calls requiring additional investor funding of 10-20% beyond initial commitments, adding $80,000-$200,000 in unexpected costs.
What are the government filing fees for EB5 applications?
Government fees total approximately $12,000-$18,000 including I-526E filing ($4,465), adjustment of status ($1,760), and I-829 conditional residency removal ($4,465).
