✧ EB-5 Visa for Indians in Chicago: Fast Green Card Path for Families
For Indian nationals living in Chicago and surrounding suburbs—such as Naperville,
Schaumburg, Oak Brook, Aurora, and Skokie—navigating the U.S. immigration system can be challenging. Many families are on temporary visas like H-1B, L-1, F-1, or O-1, facing long green card delays, work restrictions for spouses, and uncertainty for children as they approach age 21.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a powerful solution. By making a qualifying investment in the U.S., Indians in Chicago can obtain green cards for themselves, their spouses, and children under 21—without the long wait times associated with traditional employment-based visas.
As of 2025, the minimum EB-5 investment amount is:
- $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
- $1,050,000 in a non-TEA
✧Why the EB-5 Visa is Popular Among Indians in Chicago
1. Escape the Green Card Backlog (H-1B & L-1 Holders)
Indian professionals in Chicago’s IT, healthcare, finance, and consulting sectors often face 10+ year green card waits under EB-2 and EB-3 categories. EB-5 bypasses these backlogs, offering a faster route to permanent residency.
At U.S. Visa India Services, we have guided many H-1B and L-1 families in Naperville, Schaumburg, and Oak Brook toward EB-5 as a long-term residency solution.
2. Secure Residency for Spouses & Children
The EB-5 program extends benefits to the whole family:
- Spouses get unrestricted work authorization.
- Children under 21 qualify as derivative applicants.
This is especially important for Indian families in Aurora, Skokie, and Hoffman Estates, where parents worry about children aging out of H-4 or F-2 status. Filing EB-5 early helps protect their education and immigration future.
3. Green Card Security for F-1 Students in Chicago
Chicago hosts a large number of Indian students at universities like UIC, University of Chicago, DePaul, and Northwestern. Many face uncertainty after graduation due to the H-1B lottery.
With EB-5, parents can:
- Apply on behalf of their children, or
- Have their child (18+) be the primary investor.
This creates a backup green card pathway for students living in Chicago, Evanston, and Naperville.
4. Freedom from Employer Ties
Unlike H-1B or L-1 visas, an EB-5 green card is not tied to an employer. This provides:
- Career freedom for professionals in tech, finance, or
- Spousal employment flexibility.
- Relocation options across Illinois or anywhere in the U. S.
Indian families in Schaumburg and Oak Brook especially value this flexibility, since many dual- income households want both spouses to work freely.
5. Protect Against Rising EB-5 Costs & Policy Shifts
The EB-5 investment requirement has risen in the past and is expected to increase again. By filing today, Indians in Chicago can:
- Lock in the current investment threshold.
- Secure their priority date.
- Stay ahead of policy changes and delays.
Who in Chicago’s Indian Community Should Consider EB-5?
- H-1B professionals in Schaumburg & Oak Brook with children nearing 21.
- L-1 executives working in downtown Chicago looking for permanent residency.
- Parents of F-1 students at Northwestern, UIC, or DePaul.
- Indian entrepreneurs in Naperville and Aurora seeking a quicker green card path.
- Families in Skokie and Hoffman Estates where one spouse seeks open work authorization.
