Many new EB-5 investors think the total cost is only the investment amount. In reality, the EB-5 process includes several layers of cost: the investment capital, project fees, legal fees, USCIS filing fees, document costs, and later-stage immigration expenses.
The EB-5 investment amount is the capital placed into a qualifying U.S. commercial enterprise. For petitions filed on or after March 15, 2022, the minimum investment is generally $1,050,000 for a standard project, or $800,000 for a project located in a Targeted Employment Area, known as a TEA, or for certain infrastructure projects. USCIS also states that these amounts are subject to inflation adjustments every five years, with the first adjustment scheduled for petitions filed on or after January 1, 2027.
However, the total cash needed is usually higher than the investment amount. Below is a practical stage-by-stage breakdown.
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
| Investment Cost | |
| EB-5 Investment Capital (TEA / Non TEA project) | $800,000- $1,050,000 |
| Regional Center/Admin Fee | $50,000-$80,000 |
| Immigration Attorney Fee–I526E | $20,000-&35,000 |
| USCIS Cost | |
| Form I-526E +RIA fee | $4675 |
| Form I-485 (adjustment of status) | $1440 |
| Form I-829 (Removal of Conditions) | $3750 |
| Individual Biometrics Fee | $85 |
| Form DS-260 (Investor outside of US) | $325 |
| Other preparation Cost | |
| Source-of-Funds Document Preparation,Translation / Notarization / Certification | $10,000-$20,000 |
| Bank Transfer / FX Costs | $500-$2000 |
| Total | $900,000 – $ 1.2 M |
Investors should also understand the difference between cost and risk. Some payments, such as legal fees and filing fees, are expenses. The EB-5 investment capital is different: it may be returned if the project performs well and meets its exit strategy, but it is not guaranteed. EB-5 capital must generally be at risk.
When comparing projects, investors should not only ask, “How much do I need to invest?” They should also ask, “What is the full cash requirement?” “Which fees are refundable?” “When is each payment due?” and “What happens if the I-526E petition is denied?”