EB-5 Emerges as Alternative for Indian Students Facing F-1 Visa Hurdles

As the United States is securing scrutiny over student visas, many Indian students are quickly turning to the EB-5 visa program as a better option for Permanent Residency.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a US Green Card to foreign nationals who invest at least USD 800,000 (approximately INR 7 Crore) in a qualified American business or government-approved regional centre. This investment will also create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. The immigration lawyers note that EB-5 applications are witnessing a 100% increase in interest from F-1 student visa holders compared to previous years, when most applicants were H-1B holders.

Reasons for Quick Shift to EB-5 Visa

The instant surge in EB-5 interest comes from the mistakes over intensified restrictions on F-1 student visas. In his second term as US President, Donald Trump has introduced policies that have made it more difficult for international students to remain in the country after completing their studies. The F-1 visa allows students to study full-time in American institutions but offers only limited options for employment during and after their studies.

With continuous hurdles, many students are looking for long-term options from the very beginning of their educational journey, including permanent residency pathways like EB-5.

Although the EB-5 visa offers a stable path to a Green Card, it comes with its own constraints. Each country has a cap of 700 EB-5 visas per year, including dependents. Considering that there are more than 86,000 Indian students currently studying in the US as of 2024, competition for this limited quota is expected to intensify.

Also Read: UK Introduces New Immigration Rules for Skilled Worker Visa

Why US Remains a Top Choice Even With Challenges

Even with all the challenges, the United States is a top destination for higher education among Indian students. The EB-5 program has come out as a boon, offering long-term residency, fewer work restrictions, and a more straightforward path to citizenship.