Interest in U.S. EB-5 visa rises among UAE expatriates

Recent developments and ongoing tensions across parts of the Middle East have prompted many expatriate families in the UAE to reassess long-term planning decisions. While the UAE continues to stand out as one of the region’s most stable and resilient economic hubs, periods of conflict in the wider region often encourage residents to think more carefully about future options related to education, residency and international investment.

In recent weeks, EB-5 immigration experts in the UAE say they have seen a noticeable increase in inquiries about the U.S. EB-5 immigrant investor program, a pathway that allows foreign investors to obtain U.S. permanent residency through investment.

The increase in calls, advisers say, is largely driven by families seeking to understand what options may be available should regional uncertainty persist.

For many expatriate professionals and entrepreneurs living in the Gulf, these discussions are not about leaving the UAE. Instead, they reflect a broader effort to create long-term flexibility for their families, particularly when planning for children’s education or maintaining international mobility.

The EB-5 program offers one such pathway. Under the program, investors commit at least $800,000 to qualifying U.S. development projects located in targeted employment areas. If the investment results in the required job creation, investors and their immediate family members may become eligible for U.S. permanent residency.

Shai Zamanian, a U.S.-licensed lawyer and director of The American Legal Center’s Dubai office, says the firm has received a growing number of inquiries from expatriate residents looking to better understand how the EB-5 process works.

“Many families are reaching out to better understand the pathway and what steps are involved in preparing an application,” he said. “Our role is to provide clear guidance so families can evaluate whether the EB-5 program aligns with their long-term plans.”

According to Zamanian, advisors often assist families in reviewing eligibility requirements, evaluating investment projects and preparing the documentation required to file an EB-5 petition.

Another factor influencing interest is the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which introduced a grandfathering provision for investors who file petitions before September 30, 2026. Applications submitted before that deadline can continue processing even if the program later requires reauthorization by the U.S. Congress.

For many expatriate families in the UAE, the program is therefore viewed less as an immediate relocation strategy and more as a way to maintain future options in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Expatriate residents seeking more information about the EB-5 pathway can consult immigration professionals, including EB-5 specialists at The American Legal Center, to better understand eligibility requirements and the steps involved in filing a petition.