Investment Immigration Options

The standard minimum investment amount for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is $1,050,000. For projects located in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), which include rural areas and areas with high unemployment, the minimum investment is reduced to $800,000. The investment must be in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying US workers.

The EB-5 is an immigrant visa that leads directly to US permanent residency (green card) through a qualifying investment of at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area. The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is a nonimmigrant visa for nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty with the United States. The E-2 allows an investor to direct and develop a US business but does not lead directly to a green card.

Yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may be included as derivative beneficiaries in an EB-5 petition. They are eligible to apply for immigrant visas or adjustment of status alongside the principal investor and receive permanent residency at the same time.

The Canada Start-Up Visa Program was designed to grant permanent residency to immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada. The program is currently paused. IRCC stopped accepting new Start-Up Visa work permit applications on December 19, 2025, except from people already in Canada applying to extend their current Start-Up Visa work permit. IRCC stopped accepting new commitment certificates and new program applications after December 31, 2025, except from applicants who had a valid commitment from a designated organization made in 2025 and had not yet applied; those applicants had to apply by June 30, 2026. Please check the IRCC Start-Up Visa page for the latest status.

No. The Immigration Compass is an education and immigration consultancy. We provide guidance on investment immigration options. Where legal representation is required, clients are referred to independent licensed immigration attorneys. We do not practice law or provide legal counsel.