EB-5 Is Entering a Critical Window

If you are part of the Global Chamber network and even thinking about EB-5, this is not something to push off.

We are having more and more conversations with international founders, investors, and business owners who are looking at the U.S. not just as a market, but as a place to build long term. For many of those conversations, EB-5 comes up as a real option. But right now, timing is everything.

There are a few upcoming deadlines that will directly impact eligibility, cost, and risk. The most important one is September 30, 2026. This is the EB-5 grandfathering deadline.

If you file your EB-5 petition by this date, you are protected under the current law. That means your case can continue even if the program changes or expires later. If you file after this date, you lose that protection and are relying on Congress to renew the program. There is no guarantee of that.

This is especially important because the EB-5 Regional Center Program is only authorized through September 30, 2027. So anyone filing after the 2026 deadline is taking on a level of uncertainty that can be avoided with proper planning.

There is also a financial component that Global Chamber members should be aware of. On January 1, 2027, the minimum investment amounts are expected to increase due to inflation adjustments. Right now, the minimum investment is $800,000 for TEA projects, and that number is expected to go up. For many investors, that difference is significant.

One thing we consistently see is that people underestimate how long it takes to prepare a strong EB-5 case. This is not a quick process. Between gathering source of funds documentation, structuring the investment, and reviewing the project, it typically takes at least one to three months to prepare a high-quality filing. Waiting too long can make it very difficult to meet the September 30, 2026 deadline.

What makes this especially relevant for Global Chamber is that EB-5 is rarely just an immigration decision. It is part of a broader cross-border strategy. Many Global Chamber members are expanding into the U.S., building partnerships, or scaling operations internationally. EB-5 can support that strategy when it is approached correctly.

At Weiss and Moy, P.C., we work closely with Global Chamber members and international clients to align immigration strategy with business goals. That means not just filing a petition, but helping investors understand how EB-5 fits into their overall expansion into the U.S. We guide clients through eligibility, investment structure, documentation, and filing, with a focus on getting it right the first time.

The key takeaway here is simple: if EB-5 is even a possibility, now is the time to start the conversation. Filing before September 30, 2026 puts you in the strongest position under the current law and avoids unnecessary risk and higher investment thresholds.

For Global Chamber members who are exploring U.S. expansion or advising international clients, this is a moment to act early and plan strategically.

If you want to discuss whether EB-5 makes sense for you or your network, Weiss and Moy, P.C. is here to help guide you through the process and timing.