Why Indians are turning to EB-5 Visa for the US: What it is and who is eligible
As the Trump administration tightens limitations on student visas, more Indian professionals and students are considering the EB-5 visa as a different route to permanent residency in the United States.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created in 1990 and permits foreigners to get a Green Card by investing in US businesses that create jobs.
A minimum investment of $800,000 (about INR 7 crore) in a qualifying US business is required for the EB-5 visa, especially in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) that are rural or have high unemployment rates. The investment should at least create ten full-time employment for American workers.
Applicants have the option of investing directly or through regional centres authorised by USCIS that oversee economic development projects.
Read more:
World's 10 tallest waterfalls that will take your breath away
The tightening of US immigration policies has led to a significant surge in EB-5 visa applications from Indian nationals. Immigration lawyers report a 100% increase in applications from Indian students over the past few months. This uptick is largely driven by concerns over the stability of student visas and the desire for a more secure and direct route to permanent residency.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Soluções de energia de confiança para Data Centers de IA
Siemens Energy
Learn More
Undo
Investors can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 in their application, in addition to the EB-5 visa offering a route to a Green Card. This option makes it an appealing option for families seeking long-term stability in the United States.
Nonetheless, there are certain challenges associated with the program. According to reports, India gets roughly 700 EB-5 visas annually, which might lead to backlogs and lengthy application wait times.
Due of the high cost demand, high-net-worth individuals are likewise limited in their access.
Reports add that the Trump administration has responded to these restrictions by proposing a new "Gold Card" immigration program that would do away with the job creation requirement in exchange for a $5 million investment. This program aims to attract more affluent investors, but it has not yet received congressional approval and is uncertain legally.
Read more:
Schengen Visa for Indian passport holders: Application, cost, timeline & tips
Despite these modifications, Indian people who wish to settle permanently in the US should still consider the EB-5 visa, especially in light of the nation's current immigration regulations and political climate.
As the situation continues to evolve, potential applicants are encouraged to consult with immigration specialists to manage the complexities of the EB-5 program and determine the best paths to achieving their residency goals.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Russia seizes key lithium field in a dare for US-Ukraine minerals deal
Moscow's troops seized it as part of their summer offensive, which has achieved steady gains across Donetsk. Russian forces have seized control of a valuable lithium deposit in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, depriving the country of a critical asset that could have helped support a new economic partnership with the United States. The deposit, just outside the Shevchenko village in western Donetsk, was captured in recent days, according to battlefield maps from independent groups tracking Russian advances through geolocated combat footage. Moscow's troops seized it as part of their summer offensive, which has achieved steady gains across Donetsk. Though relatively small - just 100 acres - the deposit was seen by industry analysts as one of Ukraine's most valuable because of its rich concentration of lithium, a mineral essential for manufacturing advanced technologies such as electric batteries. The United States has designated lithium as critical to its economy and national security. The Trump administration has aimed to tap into Ukraine's vast lithium reserves, some of Europe's largest, through a recently signed landmark agreement granting it front-row access to the country's mineral wealth.
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
From Tatkal bookings for trains to ATM fees: Big changes coming in July 2025 - All you need to know
This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only. The month of July 2025 is set to bring significant financial and service-related changes for Indian consumers, especially affecting train travellers and bank customers. These key shifts, from Aadhaar-based Tatkal ticket booking to new banking fees, could impact your daily transactions and travel plans. Here are the big changes applicable from the month of July: Aadhaar mandatory for online Tatkal bookings Starting July 1, Indian Railways will make Aadhaar authentication compulsory for booking Tatkal tickets online via the IRCTC website and mobile app. Travellers will need to link and verify their Aadhaar with their IRCTC profile to be eligible. A stricter Aadhaar-based OTP verification will come into effect from July 15 for all Tatkal tickets booked online. Additionally, authorised agents will be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. Even Tatkal tickets booked at PRS counters and through agents will require OTP verification from mid-July. Axis Bank revises ATM and account charges Axis Bank will implement revised charges across savings, NRI, and Trust accounts starting July 1. Customers exceeding their free transaction limits at Axis and non-Axis ATMs will now be charged Rs 23 per transaction, up from Rs 21. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo This will apply to all financial transactions such as withdrawals and balance inquiries, beyond the free quota. Small Savings changes The government is set to announce the interest rates for small savings schemes, which will take effect during the quarter from July to September, reported ET. ICICI Bank to roll out new service fees ICICI Bank will also enforce a new set of service charges beginning July 1. According to ET, ATM users in metro cities will get three free transactions at non-ICICI ATMs, while non-metro customers will get five. Beyond these, Rs 23 will be charged for financial transactions and Rs 8.50 for non-financial ones. Other revisions include Rs 125 per international ATM withdrawal and updated fees for IMPS transfers. Cash transactions will be limited to three free branch/CRM uses a month, post which Rs 150 will be levied per transaction. With these sweeping changes across sectors, customers are advised to update their Aadhaar details, review their bank's updated charges, and complete necessary activations to avoid disruptions. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
NATO's 5% pledge: Rearming the West or rebalancing the world
In an era where geopolitical boundaries are blurred and warfare has morphed from trenches to tech, NATO 's recent commitment to invest 5% of GDP annually in defence by 2035 sends a thunderous signal—not just to adversaries, but to allies questioning the alliance's strategic relevance. The Hague Summit Declaration, adopted by 32 member states, marked a pivotal moment in transatlantic security thinking. The question now is whether this is a forward-looking strategy or a reactionary bulwark clinging to the past paradigms. At the core of the declaration lies an emphatic reaffirmation of Article 5—the principle that an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all NATO members. However, the real headline is the proposed ramp-up in defence and security-related spending: 3.5% of GDP earmarked for traditional defence infrastructure and capabilities, and an additional 1.5% for resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and innovation. This is a fundamental reset of NATO's budgetary posture, reflective of a world no longer anchored to the certainties of post-Cold War peace. The strategic rationale behind this move is evident in the literature. From Russia's protracted war in Ukraine to hybrid warfare tactics deployed through cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and economic coercion, the threats facing the Euro-Atlantic region are no longer just physical; they are systemic. However, the implications of NATO's new doctrine stretch far beyond Europe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo By including Ukraine's security under the umbrella of NATO's own, the alliance is signalling that Kyiv's stability is no longer peripheral—it is central to the European defence architecture. Although the declaration stops short of directly naming Russia as an aggressor, it unequivocally categorises it as a long-term threat. The political calculus here is clear: to maintain unity among diverse member states while advancing a credible deterrent posture. However, pledging 5% of GDP—especially in times of economic uncertainty, rising public debt, and shrinking fiscal room—will not be without domestic blowback. For many European countries, where defence budgets have long played second fiddle to social spending, the pivot will require not only financial reallocation but also political will. The path to 2035 will be fraught with parliamentary debates, economic trade-offs, and inevitable scrutiny from taxpayers questioning the utility of militarisation during peacetime. Live Events That said, NATO's blueprint smartly distinguishes between "hard power" and 'soft shield' spending. By allocating up to 1.5% for cyber defense , critical infrastructure, industrial innovation, and civil preparedness, the alliance acknowledges the multidimensional nature of modern warfare. Drones, AI, satellite technologies, and quantum encryption will define future battles. This is NATO's attempt to future-proof itself. Another compelling aspect of the declaration is its call to dismantle internal defence trade barriers and catalyse transatlantic industrial cooperation. The subtext? Europe's dependence on American defence systems must evolve into a mutual technological collaboration. With U.S. domestic politics becoming increasingly isolationist and polarised, especially in light of looming electoral uncertainties, Europe has no choice but to shoulder more of the strategic burden of NATO. The timing of this declaration cannot be ignored. This occurs at a time when questions are being raised about the longevity of American leadership and the cohesion of Western alliances. Populist politics, migration crises, climate-induced conflicts, and digital disruptions are redrawing the map of security concerns. In this light, NATO's 5% commitment is as much about deterrence as it is about staying relevant. However, for all its ambition, the declaration raises a philosophical question: can militarised investment alone secure peace in a world where most battles are fought in cyberspace, legislatures, and courtrooms? While NATO shores up its arsenal, adversaries weaponize currency systems, manipulate public opinion through AI-generated propaganda, and infiltrate supply chains. In such a scenario, defence must be defined not only by missiles and manpower but also by legal resilience, technological agility, and economic fortitude. In its closing remarks, the summit's declaration looks ahead—to Türkiye in 2026 and Albania thereafter. Symbolically, this eastward shift in NATO meeting venues reflects a changing strategic frontier. The frontlines are no longer confined to the Fulda Gap but extend into the Black Sea, Indo-Pacific, and digital cloud networks connecting us all. Ultimately, NATO's 5% pledge is more than just a budgetary item. It is a test of collective resolve in a fractured global order. If implemented wisely—with strategic clarity, equitable burden-sharing, and an eye on emerging threats—it could become a blueprint for securing liberal democracies in a multipolar, volatile world. But if the focus remains confined to tanks and treaties while ignoring the algorithmic and institutional battlefields of the 21st century, NATO risks building a fortress for yesterday's war The author is Department of Commerce, Assistant Professor and Research Supervisor, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala
