Investing in the United States through the Green Card by Investment Program (the EB5 visa) is both a financial and immigration decision—one that opens doors to permanent residency for an investor and their family. Yet it’s also natural to ask two key questions before making such a commitment: What are my risks? and What are my chances of success?
The EB5 program has existed for more than three decades, bringing over $55 billion in investment to the US economy and helping more than 135,000 families obtain permanent residency in the United States. These facts demonstrate the program’s effectiveness as an immigration pathway, but individual success ultimately depends on selecting the right project and understanding both the rewards and the risks involved.
What Are the Main Risks in EB5?
As with any investment, there is a chance of financial loss—indeed, the risk of financial loss is a requirement that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has set for EB5 investments. Invested capital must remain “at risk” for the purpose of job creation, with a genuine possibility of gain or loss. However, “at risk” does not mean the investment is reckless. It simply means that the funds cannot be guaranteed or offer] fixed returns.;
This is where choosing the right EB5 project becomes essential. Strong EB5 projects are structured conservatively—with senior loans, collateral, third-party oversight, and clear exit strategies designed to return capital once the job creation and sustainment requirements are fulfilled.
At LCR Capital Partners, we focus on premium-quality projects that emphasize capital preservation and transparency throughout the process. This disciplined approach has led to a high rate of approvals and successful capital returns for our investors.
In addition to the financial risk inherent in an EB5 investment, there is always the risk that your visa application will be denied or delayed. These possibilities typically occur when a project fails to create the required ten full-time jobs per investor or when USCIS identifies compliance issues. Partnering with an experienced regional center that manages USCIS filings, job creation reports, and I-956F approvals reduces this risk significantly.
What Are My Chances of Success?
Overall, EB5 approval rates remain strong. According to recent USCIS data, the approval rate for I-526E petitions has hovered around 85 to 90 percent in recent years, making it one of the most certain paths to US permanent residency. For investors working through reputable regional centers with fully approved I-956F projects and documented job creation plans, the likelihood of immigration success is even higher.
Another important factor in reducing risk is the stage of project construction. Projects that are already well underway or have completed significant portions of construction provide an added layer of safety for EB5 investors, since much of the job creation required by USCIS may already have been achieved. Some project developers even include construction guarantees or completion bonds, ensuring that the project will be delivered as planned—a safeguard that protects both the immigration outcome and the financial position of EB5 investors.
When it comes to financial success—meaning the return of capital—outcomes depend on project selection and execution. Although no EB5 investment can be entirely risk-free, working with a team that has a proven track record for delivering successful projects and returning investor capital is the best way to mitigate financial risk.
Is the New “Gold Card” a Safer Alternative?
Recent headlines have mentioned the concept of a “US Gold Card,” announced in September 2025 through an executive order made by President Trump that would allow foreign nationals to obtain Green Cards through a one-time, nonrefundable donation of $1 million to the US Treasury. Although the idea may sound appealingly simple, there are important distinctions—and limitations—inherent in the Gold Card that prospective investors should understand.
Unlike the EB5 program, the Gold Card has not been enacted through a law passed by Congress. It is an executive (presidential) initiative that may be challenged, amended, or rescinded by future administrations, making it an unpredictable path for investors looking to secure residency.
Moreover, many high-net-worth families find the concept of a nonrefundable donation less appealing than an investment that has the potential for capital return. Under EB5, despite the required risk, investors can usually expect to have their funds returned (often with a modest preferred return) once all program requirements are met.
In contrast, the funds paid to secure the Gold Card are considered a gift, with the Gold Card program offering no investment return, limited transparency, and uncertain long-term standing. For those weighing both options, EB5 remains the more secure and time-tested route to residency.
Final Thoughts
The EB5 program is not just a transaction; it is a carefully regulated immigration and investment framework that has stood the test of time. Though every investment carries risk, EB5’s structure—built around job creation, economic impact, and oversight of capital—provides safeguards that newer or untested programs cannot match.
For investors seeking stability, legal certainty, and the opportunity to achieve US residency and to preserve capital, EB5 continues to be the most trusted path forward.
