IN THIS GUIDE · An individual application funded after a business sale
Separate the fee from the gift
The official program describes US$15,000 in non-refundable processing fees per person and a US$1 million individual gift after successful vetting when instructed. The gift is not EB-5 investment capital, an equity interest or a promise of repayment. Payment does not guarantee approval or timing.
Count each eligible joining person
Each joining legally married spouse or unmarried child under 21 adds US$15,000 and a US$1 million gift, including relatives of a corporate-sponsored employee. Confirm actual relationship and age eligibility; household headcount alone does not determine who can immigrate.
Review the immigration basis early
The framework operates through applicable EB-1 or EB-2 requirements, admissibility and visa availability. The gift serves as evidence of the specified benefit under the framework, but does not waive other requirements. Review category and chargeability before the gift stage rather than assuming money settles every issue.
Distinguish the corporate route
A corporate-sponsored employee has a US$2 million gift plus the processing fee. Corporate terms also describe 1% annual maintenance and a 5% transfer charge with a new background check; the charge does not guarantee approval of a replacement employee. A business owner’s personal application is not automatically corporate sponsorship merely because proceeds originated in a company.
Sources reviewed 2026-09-07. This guide covers a preparation focus; it is not an individual eligibility assessment.