EB-5 Visa for Canadians: Invest for a US Green Card
The EB-5 lets you invest in a US business and get a green card for you, your spouse and your children under 21. Here is how it works, what it costs in 2026, and how it compares with the E-2.
Interested in immigrating to the United States?
Does this sound like you?
- You've sold a business or property, or you're about to, and you keep wondering what the money could do for your family.
- You've read about the E-2, but you want a green card, not a visa you have to keep renewing.
- You're a Canadian permanent resident, and you just found out the E-2 is only for Canadian citizens.
- You've looked up what US universities charge international students and thought about your kids.
- You'd rather invest your own money than wait for a US employer to sponsor you.
If two or more of these are you, the EB-5 is worth a closer look. So is the E-2. We'll help you compare.
Two changes coming up
- Filing fees go up on November 30, 2026. The main government filing fee for most EB-5 investors rises from $3,675 to $7,850.
- The minimum investment is scheduled to rise on January 1, 2027. The law requires it to be adjusted for inflation. The current amounts are $800,000 and $1,050,000.
If the EB-5 is on your mind, now is a good time to get a plan in place. Good preparation matters more than rushing. Read: what the new EB-5 fees mean for you
The short answer
The EB-5 is a US green card for investors. Canadians can apply, and so can Canadian permanent residents. You need to:
- Invest $800,000 in a targeted employment area (a rural or high-unemployment area), or $1,050,000 anywhere else.
- Create 10 full-time US jobs through the investment.
- Show where your money came from and that it was earned legally.
You get a 2-year conditional green card first. Once the investment and jobs are in place, you apply to make it permanent.
Two ways to invest
Through a regional center
You invest in a project run by a USCIS-approved regional center, such as real estate or infrastructure. Jobs created indirectly count toward the 10.
- Hands-off: you don't run the business
- Live anywhere in the US
- Choose the project carefully. Returns and risk vary.
Direct investment
You invest in your own US business and run it. The business itself must employ 10 full-time US workers.
- You're in control of the business
- Harder to meet the job requirement
- Some E-2 owners may move to an EB-5 as their business grows
EB-5 or E-2?
A bigger budget doesn't automatically make the EB-5 the right choice. Many Canadians are better served by the E-2. Here's how they compare.
| E-2 investor visa | EB-5 green card | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Canadian citizens | Canadian citizens and permanent residents |
| Investment | No fixed minimum. Often $100,000 to $250,000 | $800,000 or $1,050,000 |
| Your role | You run the business | Often hands-off |
| Status | Renewable visa while the business runs | Green card, then citizenship later |
| Speed | Usually faster | Usually takes longer |
| Family | Spouse can work, kids can go to school | Spouse and kids under 21 get green cards |
Not sure which fits? Check if you qualify for the E-2 or talk it through with us.
How the EB-5 works, step by step
- Get a planConfirm the EB-5 is the right route, and compare it with the E-2 and other options.
- Choose your investment and document your fundsPick a regional center project or your own business, and gather proof of where your money came from.
- File your petitionFile with USCIS. If you're already in the US in valid status, you may be able to apply for your green card at the same time.
- Get your conditional green cardYou, your spouse and your children under 21 get 2-year green cards.
- Make it permanentShow the investment was kept in place and the jobs were created, and the conditions are removed.
Common mistakes to avoid
Weak proof of funds
Not being able to trace where your money came from is one of the most common problems.
Picking a project on returns alone
Look at the project's track record and job plan, not just the promised return.
Skipping the E-2 comparison
The E-2 may get you to the US faster, with far less money.
Waiting too long
Fees and the minimum investment are both set to rise. Plan early.
Common questions
Can Canadians apply for the EB-5?
Yes. The EB-5 is open to people of any nationality, including Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents.
How much do I need to invest for an EB-5 in 2026?
$800,000 in a targeted employment area, which is a rural or high-unemployment area, or $1,050,000 anywhere else. The minimum is scheduled to be adjusted for inflation on January 1, 2027.
Is the EB-5 better than the E-2?
Not always. The EB-5 leads to a green card, but it needs a much larger investment and usually takes longer. The E-2 needs far less money and lets you run your own business, but it is a renewable visa, not a green card. The right choice depends on your goals, budget and timeline.
I'm a Canadian permanent resident. Can I use the E-2?
No. The E-2 is based on citizenship, so it is only open to Canadian citizens. Canadian permanent residents may be able to use the EB-5, or the E-2 through the country where they hold citizenship if it has a treaty with the US.
Does my country of birth matter?
It can. Your place in line for an EB-5 green card is based on your country of birth, not your Canadian status. Investors born in some countries, such as China and India, can face longer waits. Projects in rural and high-unemployment areas have visas set aside that may move faster.
Can I use a gift or a loan for my EB-5 investment?
In many cases, yes. Gifted money and some loans can qualify, but you must document where the money came from and that it was obtained legally.
Can my children come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 get green cards with you. That means your children can study at US schools and universities as residents.
What happens after I get my green card?
Your first green card is conditional and lasts 2 years. Before it expires, you apply to remove the conditions by showing the investment was kept in place and the jobs were created. You can later apply for US citizenship.
Is the EB-5 or E-2 right for you?
Answer a few quick questions and see which US visas and green cards may fit you. Free and confidential.
Prefer to talk now? Call 866-934-7447
VisaPlace Immigration works with licensed and experienced immigration lawyers. VisaPlace Immigration does not provide legal advice. This page is for information purposes only. For legal advice, consult a licensed immigration lawyer. Fees and investment amounts are as of October 2026 and can change.