Top EB-5 Visa Markets and Trends

“The American Dream is still a global dream, only now, it comes with a business plan.”

Global demand for U.S. permanent residency through investment remains strong, particularly among high-net-worth individuals. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created to stimulate the American economy through job creation and capital inflow. It has seen notable changes in investor demographics and country-wise participation over the years.

By December 2024, the U.S. had issued more than 138,000 EB-5 visas since the program began in fiscal year 2000, highlighting its long-standing appeal and changing international reach. As 2025 unfolds, staying informed about these trends is essential for both potential investors and professionals working within the EB-5 ecosystem.

 

 

What is the EB-5 Visa Market?

The EB-5 visa market refers to the ecosystem surrounding the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which grants eligible foreign investors and their families a path to U.S. permanent residency (green card) in exchange for making a qualified investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time American jobs.

Now that you have understood what the EB-5 Visa Market is all about. Let us look into what the EB-5 Visa is and its key features.

What is the EB-5 Visa?

The EB-5 visa (Employment-Based Fifth Preference) was created in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.

Key Features:

The EB-5 visa comes with specific investment and job creation requirements that define eligibility and the path to U.S. permanent residency.

• Investment Requirement: $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in other areas (as of the latest update).
• Job Creation: Must create or preserve 10+ full-time U.S. jobs within 2 years.
• Green Card Access: Investors (plus spouse and children under 21) receive conditional green cards.

Wondering how to apply for an EB-5 visa? The Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal can guide you through every step.

What Makes Up the EB-5 Visa Market?

The EB-5 visa market is made up of key players and processes that connect foreign investors with U.S. development projects to facilitate job creation and residency.

• Investors: Primarily high-net-worth individuals from China, India, Vietnam, Brazil, South Korea, and the Middle East seeking U.S. residency.

• Regional Centers: USCIS-approved entities that pool EB-5 funds into larger development projects, often real estate.

• Developers: U.S.-based project sponsors looking to raise capital through EB-5 investors.

• Immigration Attorneys & Consultants: Professionals who guide applicants through legal and procedural requirements.

• Broker-Dealers/Agents: Middlemen who connect investors with EB-5 projects.

• Government & Regulatory Bodies: USCIS oversees the program, while the SEC ensures securities compliance.

Also Read: Process for EB-5 Investor’s Spouse to Obtain a United States Green Card

Understanding the key players and structure of the EB-5 visa market lays the groundwork, but to truly manage this space effectively, it’s essential to track how global demand is shifting. Let’s now explore the significance of market trends and what they reveal about the future of EB-5 investments.

The Significance of Market Trends in EB-5 Visas

Market trends in EB-5 Visas play a pivotal role in shaping investment flows, visa allocations, and the strategic direction of EB-5 stakeholders. By examining where investor demand is growing or fading, the industry players can better prepare for demand surges, adapt project pipelines, and tailor outreach strategies. This helps to resonate with different demographics.

Let’s divide the market into three different groups, namely:

• Dominant Market

• Emerging Market

• Additional Notable Markets

Having comprehended the various groups, let’s analyze them in detail.

A. Dominant EB-5 Visa Markets

Understanding which countries dominate the EB-5 visa landscape reveals key global investment trends. Historically led by China, the market is now diversifying as nations like India, Vietnam, and Brazil gain momentum, reshaping the future of U.S. investment immigration.

• China’s Continued Dominance and Challenges

China remains the leading source of EB-5 applicants. In F.Y. 2025, so far, it accounts for over 50% (4058 Visas) of total visas (7542 Visas). However, retrogression issues, long waiting times, and tighter capital controls have challenged this dominance in recent years, prompting investors to explore alternative immigration programs.

• Vietnam’s Post-Pandemic Resurgence

Vietnam, once the third-largest EB-5 contributor, saw a temporary slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with improving economic conditions and increased investor confidence, application volumes are recovering steadily. So far, 1,110 Vietnamese nationals have been issued EB-5 visas in F.Y. 2025.

• India’s Rapid Growth

India has emerged as the fastest-growing EB-5 market, driven by a rising middle class, educational aspirations, and limited alternatives for U.S. permanent residency. With backlogs easing under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, Indian demand is expected to continue accelerating. This makes them the third highest, with 588 EB-5 visas issued so far in F.Y. 2025.

• South Korea’s Longstanding Presence

South Korea has maintained a consistent presence in the EB-5 space. While it doesn’t dominate in volume like China or India, its high-net-worth population and cultural affinity for the U.S. ensure ongoing interest in EB-5 investments.

B. Emerging EB-5 Visa Markets

These emerging markets, fueled by growing wealth, political uncertainty, and better program awareness, are seizing opportunities in reserved visa categories. Understanding these shifts is key for investors seeking faster processing and for industry players adapting to a more diversified demand.

• Brazil’s Unique Position

As the top EB-5 contributor outside Asia, Brazil holds a unique position. Wealthy Brazilians increasingly view EB-5 as a strategic move amid political uncertainty and limited local investment opportunities.

• Taiwan’s Growth Amid Regional Tensions

Growing concerns about regional security and political tensions with China have led to a surge in EB-5 interest from Taiwan. Investors seek the protection and mobility that a U.S. green card offers.

• Mexico’s Economic Drivers

Mexico has seen growing participation in the EB-5 program, spurred by economic concerns, crime rates, and proximity to the U.S. border, making American residency particularly appealing for upper-middle-class families and entrepreneurs.

• Hong Kong’s Politically Motivated Interest

Since the 2019 protests and implementation of China’s National Security Law, EB-5 demand from Hong Kong has surged. Political freedom and the desire for global mobility are major motivating factors.

C. Additional Notable Markets

The following countries may not top the charts yet, but shifting economies, political climates, and growing investor awareness are making them important to watch in the years ahead. Let’s explore which nations are stepping into the EB-5 spotlight.

• Canada’s Quiet Rise

Despite having its investor immigration options, Canada has seen a steady increase in EB-5 visa applications. Reasons include business diversification, children’s education, and smoother entry into the U.S. market.

• Venezuela’s Investment Amid Economic Instability

Venezuela’s economic collapse has led many wealthy citizens to seek security abroad. Despite financial hurdles, the EB-5 remains an attractive route for those able to move capital out of the country.

Are you worried about how changing political circumstances might affect your eligibility under the EB-5 program? A firm like The Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal offers curated strategies to help you manage complex market trends and issues.

Understanding the significance of these market trends is only the first step. Let’s explore the most impactful trends currently redefining the global EB-5 market.

 

 

Key Trends Shaping the EB-5 Visa Landscape

The EB-5 program continues to change, influenced by new regulations, global events, and evolving investor preferences. Here are the latest insights you should know:

1. EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) of 2022: A Major Turning Point

The RIA was passed in March 2022, renewed the Regional Center Program, and introduced visa set-asides for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure projects. These reserved categories receive priority processing, often bypassing backlogs faced by applicants from countries such as India and China. As a result, multiple visa queues now exist, with rural investors seeing faster outcomes than those in the unreserved category.

2. Ongoing Processing Delays and Visa Caps

Even with RIA’s benefits, USCIS still struggles with processing delays, especially for legacy cases or unreserved applicants. Reserved categories see I-526E approvals in 8–10 months, while others wait longer. The annual 10,000 EB-5 visa cap and 7% per-country limit continue to influence priority dates and create bottlenecks.

3. Global Events Fueling Demand Shifts

Political instability and economic downturns often push wealthy individuals to explore U.S. immigration through EB-5. Many view the program as a reliable route to long-term security, legal protection, and better opportunities for their families.

4. Recent Data Highlights New Trends

The latest EB-5 statistics reveal how investor behavior and visa distribution are shifting post-pandemic and post-RIA implementation.

• FY 2023 Visa Utilization: Issuances rebounded after COVID-19. Reserved categories gained traction, showing RIA’s impact.
• Rise in Adjustment of Status Filings: Investors already in the U.S. now file I-526E and I-485 together, unlocking work and travel authorization quickly.
• Shifting Country Shares: While China still dominates the pipeline, India, Vietnam, and other nations now claim more visas in the reserved categories.

Although these major trends point to a more organized and investor-focused EB-5 landscape, the program continues to grapple with operational challenges. Understanding these ongoing issues in visa processing is crucial to navigating delays and achieving successful outcomes.

Challenges in EB-5 Visa Processing

While the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) brought meaningful improvements, several hurdles remain:

• Risk of Unused Visas: Each year, visa numbers are allocated, but delays in adjudication by USCIS or the National Visa Center may result in some going unused. These lost opportunities delay U.S. residency for qualified investors.
• Need for Faster USCIS Processing: Investors and stakeholders continue urging USCIS to reduce wait times. Although progress has been made, especially for rural petitions, sustained improvements are needed to match the growing demand and make full use of available visas.

Are you worried that your EB-5 application might get rejected? Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal for expert guidance tailored to your business needs.

FAQs

Q1. Where do most EB-5 visas originate?

1. The largest share of EB-5 visas historically comes from mainland China. Other leading origin countries include India, Vietnam, South Korea, and Brazil.

Q2. Why did China dominate EB-5 investment?

1. Chinese investors have led the EB-5 program due to wealth growth and limited other U.S. immigration options, accounting for over 50% of annual allocations.

Q3. Have other countries’ shares increased?

1. India, Vietnam, and Brazil have seen rising numbers after the 2022 reforms and pandemic recovery, diversifying the EB-5 landscape.

Q4. How many EB-5 visas are available per country?

7. About 10,000 EB‑5 visas are issued yearly, with a maximum of roughly 700 visas per country based on a 7.1% limit.

Q5. What effect did the 2022 RIA have on country trends?

1. The EB‑5 Reform and Integrity Act created reserved categories for TEAs, speeding processing and helping emerging markets like Vietnam and India gain share.

 

 

Final Thoughts

The EB-5 Visa market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by policy changes, emerging markets, and evolving investor motivations. While China and India continue to lead, countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Mexico are rapidly closing the gap.

Looking ahead, the market is expected to diversify further, especially as demand grows for rural and TEA projects under the new visa reserve categories. If USCIS streamlines its processes and global mobility remains a priority, the EB-5 market may well enter a new era of balanced, sustainable growth.

Still confused? Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal to get personalized guidance that works for your EB-5 Visa. Talk to Sweta Khandelwal and get an idea for your EB-5 Visa application. Ready to start but need help with the paperwork or USCIS forms? The Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal can walk you through every step without the usual stress.

Disclaimer

Please note that the prices listed for visa services are estimates and may vary in real-time. We recommend consulting the official government websites or other authoritative resources for the most up-to-date pricing information. These estimates do not constitute a guarantee of costs, and fees may change without notice.