EB-5 Minimum Investment Requirements 2026: $800K vs $1.05M Explained
Understand the 2026 U.S. EB-5 minimum investment thresholds under the Reform and Integrity Act (RIA), including $800,000 TEA projects, set-aside visas, and government fee structures.
Understanding 2026 EB-5 Minimum Investment Amounts
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) established mandatory statutory minimum investment thresholds for all U.S. EB-5 immigrant investor filings. For investors evaluating options in 2026, understanding the distinction between Targeted Employment Area (TEA) projects and non-TEA projects is vital to structuring your capital correctly. For comprehensive support, visit our EB-5 Investor Visa section.
TEA ($800,000) vs. Non-TEA ($1,050,000)
- Targeted Employment Area (TEA) - $800,000 USD: Applies to investments located in rural areas (population under 20,000) or high-unemployment infrastructure projects (unemployment at 150% of the national average). Over 90% of global investors select TEA projects.
- Non-TEA Standard Projects - $1,050,000 USD: Applies to commercial developments located in standard metropolitan areas with average unemployment.
Set-Aside Visa Categories: Skipping the Waitlist
The RIA created three reserved "set-aside" visa categories carved out of the annual 10,000 EB-5 quota:
- Rural Projects (20% set-aside): Given top priority by USCIS, resulting in fast-track petition adjudications.
- High Unemployment Projects (10% set-aside): Reserved for urban high-unemployment zones.
- Infrastructure Projects (2% set-aside): Reserved for public infrastructure developments.
Official Fee Schedule Overview
| Fee Component | Amount | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-526E Petition Fee | $11,160 | USCIS |
| RIA Integrity Fund Fee | $1,000 | USCIS Integrity Fund |
| Form I-829 Removal Fee | $9,525 | USCIS |
| Regional Center Admin Fee | $50,000 - $80,000 | Project Regional Center |
Important Note: Legal counsel representation fees charged by Kostiv & Associates are billed separately from government filing fees and Regional Center administrative charges, tailored during consultation.
Explore Our Visa Pathways
EB-5 Investor Visa
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a direct path to a U.S. Green Card through investment. This program is highly suitable for families seeking an eb 5 investor visa from dubai, allowing them to obtain a us green card by investment and secure their family's future in the United States.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows entrepreneurs and investors from treaty countries to live and work in the United States by investing in a U.S. business. A flexible, renewable non-immigrant visa ideal for business owners, startup founders, and international families.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is an immigrant visa category for professionals whose work brings substantial value to the United States. It grants a direct path to a Green Card without requiring a job offer or employer sponsorship.
EB-1A / O-1 Talent Visas
The U.S. Talent Visa is a collective term for programs designed for individuals with extraordinary ability. O-1 (non-immigrant) is issued for up to 3 years with the possibility of unlimited extensions. EB-1A (immigrant) provides a Green Card and permanent residency.
Internship & Research Visa
Exchange visitor program visa for students, researchers, and professionals engaging in educational and cultural exchanges in the U.S.
Family-Based Immigration
Reunite with family members in the U.S. through permanent residency sponsorships for spouses, children, parents, and siblings.