Family Benefits of the EB5 Visa: Green Card for Spouse and Children Under 21

Priya Rajakumari • 7/1/2025

If you're considering immigration through investment, the EB5 Visa stands out for one powerful reason: it offers direct green card benefits to your spouse and children under 21.

We’ll break down exactly what those family benefits of the EB5 Visa are, how the process works, and why thousands of families around the world are choosing this route to secure long-term residency in the U.S.

Report highlighted about reserved EB‑5 categories (like rural, TEA, and infrastructure) saw a 149% increase in visa issuance in March 2025, continuing a six-month surge – a notable trend in FY 2025.

Inquiries rose 168% in early 2025, with many opting for the $1.05 M EB‑5 route.

Source: Business Insider

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1. What Is the EB5 Visa and Why Does It Matter for Families?

The EB5 visa, also known as the Employment-Based Fifth Preference visa, allows foreign investors to obtain a U.S. Green Card by investing in the American economy. But beyond the investor, it also grants permanent residency to their immediate family.

So, who qualifies under “immediate family”?

Spouse
Children under the age of 21 (unmarried)

It's a central feature of the EB5 visa program and one of its most attractive advantages for families looking for security, education, and career opportunities in the U.S.

2. Green Cards for Your Family: What's Included

The spouse receives a green card with the same rights as the investor.
Each child under 21 receives a separate green card, which enables them to study, work, and live in the U.S.

These benefits are not conditional on additional applications, employer sponsorships, or educational achievements. As long as the primary investor qualifies, the spouse and eligible children qualify too.

3. US Visa Bulletin for June 2025: Updates for Indian Green Card Applicants

EB-5 Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5): May 1, 2019 (unchanged)
EB-5 Set Aside (Rural - 20%): Current
EB-5 Set Aside (High Unemployment - 10%): Current
EB-5 Set Aside (Infrastructure - 2%): Current

Dates for Filing - Employment-Based Green Cards (India)

EB-5 Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5): April 1, 2022 (unchanged)
EB-5 Set Aside (Rural - 20%): Current
EB-5 Set Aside (High Unemployment - 10%): Current
EB-5 Set Aside (Infrastructure - 2%): CurrentSource: The Economic Times

4. Work Opportunities for the Spouse: Career Without Sponsorship

Another green card advantage that often gets overlooked is the freedom it gives to the investor’s spouse. The spouse receives a green card that allows them to:

Work anywhere in the U.S., without sponsorship
Start a business
Pursue higher education or vocational training
Switch jobs freely without employer ties

There are no restrictions like the H-4 visa, no dependency on the investor’s job, and no limitations on industries or positions.

This creates career independence for spouses, often a dealbreaker for dual-career households considering immigration.

Must read: From Capital to Citizenship: EB5 Visa Program for Global Investors

5. Education Advantages for Children Under the EB5 Green Card

One of the most powerful family benefits of the EB5 Visa is the access it gives children to world-class education, without the limitations faced by international students.

Key education benefits include:

In-state tuition rates at public universities (saving tens of thousands of dollars per year)
No F1 visa restrictions (such as limited work hours or OPT caps)
Eligibility for federal scholarships and financial aid
No need to renew a student visa every year
Freedom to choose majors and programs without visa restrictions

6. Family Benefits of the EB-5 Visa: Green Card for Children

The EB-5 program makes education in the U.S. more affordable and offers Green Card benefits for children of investors. High-net-worth families can secure a promising future for their kids through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

The EB-5 visa allows families to obtain Green Cards, giving their children access to better educational opportunities and a strong start in the U.S. job market.

Many Indian students who want to study in the U.S. face numerous hurdles: strict visa rules, very high tuition fees, and a highly competitive job market. But to create a stable future for their children, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a different path. This program provides permanent residency along with major education and career advantages.

Challenges with Traditional Student Visas

Restrictive Visa Rules: F-1 visa holders have limited work options, often restricted to on-campus jobs or short-term Optional Practical Training (OPT), and must constantly prove they don’t intend to immigrate.
High Tuition Fees: International students pay much higher fees, often nearly three times what U.S. residents pay.
Job Market Barriers: Without a Green Card, graduates find it difficult to get stable, well-paying jobs, as employers prefer candidates who don’t require visa sponsorship.

Important article: Is the EB5 Visa Program Right for You? A Deep Dive for Aspiring U.S. Investors

7. EB-5: A Route for High-Net-Worth Families

Created in 1990 to boost U.S. economic growth, the EB-5 program offers an attractive option for families with significant funds. By investing in a qualified new commercial enterprise, families can obtain permanent residency (Green Cards) for themselves and their dependents.

8. Key EB-5 requirements:

Investment Amount: At least USD 1,050,000, or USD 800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
Job Creation: The investment must create or maintain at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

For high-net-worth individuals, EB-5 isan investment in their family’s future. With a Green Card, their children move from temporary student visas to U.S. residents, unlocking many benefits.

Important article: Top Benefits of the EB5 Visa Program for Foreign Investors in 2025

9. Benefits of the Green Card Holder

Lower Tuition Fees: Green Card holders qualify for in-state tuition rates, which are often much lower than international fees. For example, while international students may pay USD 75,000 per year, in-state students pay around USD 25,000.
Access to Financial Aid: Green Card holders can apply for federal student aid, scholarships, and grants, significantly lowering education costs.
More Job Opportunities: Unlike F-1 visa holders, Green Card holders face no restrictions on employment. They can pursue internships, full-time jobs, or even start their own businesses without worrying about visa renewals.
Long-Term Security: Permanent residency offers families a stable legal status and the option to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future.

10. Practical Investment Example

Suppose a family aims for the reduced EB-5 investment of USD 800,000 in a TEA. If they invest monthly over 20 years with an average 10% annual return (compound interest), they’d need to invest about USD 1,053 per month (roughly INR 90,000).

Over 20 years, the total paid would be approximately USD 252,841, which, through compounding, grows to the target USD 800,000.

At an exchange rate of about INR 85 per USD, this monthly investment equals around INR 10,74,060, showing that early and regular investing can be a manageable way to meet EB-5 requirements.

11. Why Early Planning Matters

Starting early offers many advantages. Families benefit from compounding returns and have enough time to meet EB-5 requirements, including the job creation condition. This approach helps secure Green Cards, giving their children access to top education and strong career opportunities in the U.S.

Source: Financial Express

For Indian families facing high costs and limits in traditional study abroad options, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a game-changer. It offers lower tuition fees, broader job prospects, and long-term legal security. With disciplined, early investment planning, what seems like a large financial commitment today can become a valuable asset tomorrow, opening the door to the American dream for education and beyond.

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