Tighter restrictions around US student visas are leading many Indian families to consider the EB-5 visa route, which allows foreign investors to apply for permanent residency by investing $800,000 (approximately ?7 crore) in targeted US projects. The shift is particularly evident among international students aged 19 to 24, especially those studying computer science, biotech, and finance. This visa is now being viewed as a reliable alternative to the traditional student visa path.
Immigration lawyers report a noticeable increase in interest from Indian students currently on F-1 visas. Rajneesh Pathak, founder of immigration law firm Global North Residency and Citizenship, stated that while the EB-5 route was earlier dominated by H-1B visa holders, ※the interest from F-1 visa holders has risen by 100% over the last few months.§ This trend gained traction during the final phase of President Donald Trump＊s second term, when many began reassessing their long-term residency options in the US.
Parents are also playing a significant role in the shift. Given the unpredictable political environment and increasing scrutiny of international students, families are opting for the EB-5 route as a precaution. Pathak noted that many parents are ※willing to invest in EB-5 to secure the future of their children.§ With F-1 visa processes becoming less predictable〞due to delays, stricter social media monitoring, and tighter work permissions〞the EB-5 is viewed as a more dependable alternative.
Despite its advantages, the EB-5 visa has a fixed annual cap. India is allotted approximately 700 EB-5 visas per year, including for family dependents. With over 86,000 Indian students studying in the US in 2024 alone, experts predict rising competition for these limited slots. Legal advisors warn that this increasing demand could eventually lead to longer processing times, which may impact applicants looking for faster pathways to residency.
The EB-5 visa differs significantly from the F-1 student visa. While F-1 is a temporary, non-immigrant visa with limited work flexibility, EB-5 provides a direct route to a Green Card. For those who can afford the investment, the program offers long-term security, fewer restrictions, and faster processing〞some green cards are reportedly processed in as little as three months. As political and administrative uncertainty grows, the EB-5 program is emerging as a serious alternative for Indian students looking to secure their future in the United States.
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