Now is the right time for Indians to explore EB-5 investor visa: US attorney

chennai: the eb-5 immigrant investor program offers a rare window of opportunity for indian nationals seeking u.s. residency, u.s.-based immigration attorney nadadur kumar said here on thursday.speaking at an interactive session in the city, kumar, who has over three decades of experience in u.s. immigration law, stressed that the backlog for indian eb-5 applicants is currently shorter than usual but could lengthen as demand rises. “forget about the golden opportunity—this golden opportunity will not last for too long,” he cautioned.clarifying a common misconception, kumar said securing a u.s. green card under eb-5 does not require giving up indian citizenship. he explained that a “re-entry permit” allows card holders to stay outside the u.s. for up to two years, with scope for extensions.the eb-5 program requires a minimum investment of usd 800,000 (about ₹6-7 crore). many indian families pool resources, often leveraging home equity, to participate. kumar advised against using short-term, high-interest loans offered by some regional centers, warning that such arrangements could delay meeting the two-year job creation requirement. “if you have the money, invest directly. meet the requirement with certainty. that is the only way to guarantee outcomes,” he said.tracing the program's growing popularity among indians, kumar pointed out that rising property values and financial stability of h-1b professionals and f-1 students transitioning into the u.s. workforce have made eb-5 a viable option.on the program's stability, he said eb-5 laws have remained unchanged for decades, though enforcement practices may vary. cautioning against “mushrooming promoters” offering unrealistic schemes, he advised investors to verify the credentials of advisors and regional centers. “be alert and you won't be hurt,” he remarked.kumar concluded that eb-5 is no longer a niche route but an increasingly popular pathway for indians, particularly in stem fields, urging families to act with due diligence before the window narrows.