Pay US$800K for EB-5 Visa, But Not All at Once: Here is How Indians Can Start With Just US$200,000

As interest from Indian investors in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme rises, a new approach is gaining attention: partial or staggered EB-5 investment. This method allows investors to begin the process without wiring the full USD 800,000 upfront, making it easier to navigate India’s remittance rules and asset-sale timelines.

What Is a Staggered EB-5 Investment?

A staggered investment does not reduce the overall USD 800,000 requirement. Instead, it spreads the investment over a period, allowing investors to demonstrate that the capital is actively being invested when filing their visa petition. Typically, an initial tranche of USD 200,000–300,000 is deposited into the new commercial enterprise (NCE), while legally binding agreements ensure the remaining amount will be invested over a defined schedule.

How Does It Work?

1. Initial Investment and Petition Filing: The investor wires the first portion to the NCE and signs binding documents committing to the remaining capital. The EB-5 petition is then filed with proof that the funds are in the process of being invested. Complete source-of-funds documentation is required for all tranches.
2. Subsequent Instalments: The balance is invested in stages, usually within 6–12 months. The instalments are structured to align with India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits, tax compliance, banking regulations, and asset liquidation schedules.

Why Are Indians Choosing This Route?

The main advantage of staggered investments is timing. Investors can file their petitions earlier, securing a priority date and a favourable position in the EB-5 visa queue, even if they cannot deploy the full investment immediately.

Risks to Consider

Staggered investments come with both immigration and financial risks. Immigration risks include petition delays or requests for additional evidence if documentation is incomplete. Financial risks involve potential delays due to LRS caps, banking procedures, or slow asset sales, which can affect funding schedules and project outcomes.

Read more: New Zealand to Hike Visa Service Fees in India and 25 Other Countries from January 2026.

Conclusion

Staggered EB-5 investment provides a practical pathway for Indian investors to enter the US immigration programme without needing the entire USD 800,000 upfront. While it offers strategic timing benefits, careful planning, strict adherence to documentation requirements, and timely fund transfers are essential to reduce both immigration and financial risks. This approach allows investors to manage capital more efficiently while starting the visa process earlier.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.