The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a U.S immigration program that provides lawful permanent residency (green cards) to qualifying foreign investors into the U.S. economy. An individual must invest a minimum of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) that is typically rural or a high unemployment area) to qualify for the program. Your investment must also create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. An investor may invest directly into a business or through a USCIS-approved Regional Center which allows for more flexibility with job creation. An investor and his or her family (spouse and unmarried children under 21) that apply successfully for EB-5 investor status will be granted “conditional” green cards for two years. After two years the family can apply for the removal of conditions and prove that jobs have been created, which will lead to becoming “unconditional” lawfully permanent residents. After holding a green card for 5 years the EB-5 investor will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.