Head-to-head comparison
EB-5 vs EB-1C: Which Should You Choose?
Two very different ways for business people to get a US green card: EB-5 buys in with an $800k+ at-risk investment; EB-1C earns in by running a multinational company as a senior executive. One costs capital, the other costs a corporate structure and time.
| EB-5 EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | EB-1C EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | 🇺🇸 United States | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Leads to PR | Yes — permanent residence | Yes — permanent residence |
| Government fees | ~$11,160 | ~$700 |
| Typical timeline | 24–60 months | 6–18 months |
| Mandatory requirements | 3 | 4 |
| In depth | RequirementsCostsTimeline | RequirementsCostsTimeline |
Choose the EB-5 if…
- You have $800,000+ of lawful-source funds you can leave at risk for several years
- You want a passive-ish route — no US employer, no role requirement after investment
- You can wait out the EB-5 processing queue (longer for some countries)
Choose the EB-1C if…
- You have managed a foreign company for 1+ year and can be transferred to a qualifying US entity
- You would rather spend on building a real US operation than on a passive investment
- You want to keep your capital — EB-1C has no investment threshold at all
Our verdict
EB-1C is the better deal if you genuinely run a multinational business — it is faster in most queues and costs no investment capital. EB-5 is for those with money but no qualifying corporate role.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the EB-5 and the EB-1C?
Two very different ways for business people to get a US green card: EB-5 buys in with an $800k+ at-risk investment; EB-1C earns in by running a multinational company as a senior executive. One costs capital, the other costs a corporate structure and time.
Which is cheaper: EB-5 or EB-1C?
Government filing fees are approximately $11,160 for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and $700 for the EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive. Supporting costs (tests, translations, medicals, optional legal help) apply to both.
Which is faster: EB-5 or EB-1C?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program typically takes 24–60 months; the EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive typically takes 6–18 months. Individual timelines vary with caseload and completeness of evidence.
Should I choose the EB-5 or the EB-1C?
EB-1C is the better deal if you genuinely run a multinational business — it is faster in most queues and costs no investment capital. EB-5 is for those with money but no qualifying corporate role.