EB-5 investor visa: photo and application guide
Permanent residence for foreign investors who invest at least $800,000 (in a Targeted Employment Area) or $1.05 million in a new US commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 jobs.
Photo format
51 × 51 mm
Quick answer
2 × 2 inch photo · DS-260 · $345 consular fee for an employment-based immigrant visa
Prepare a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) biometric photo on a plain white background. File the DS-260 after USCIS I-526E petition approval and pay $345 consular fee for an employment-based immigrant visa; the USCIS petition I-526E costs $3,675 plus the mandatory $1,000 EB-5 Integrity Fund fee, all paid by the investor. Processing time The wait is made up of three stages — USCIS, the National Visa Center and the consulate — and it changes every month. Check the current time for your form in the USCIS Check Case Processing Times service. Interview: Yes, mandatory in-person interview. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Permanent residence for foreign investors who invest at least $800,000 (in a Targeted Employment Area) or $1.05 million in a new US commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 jobs. |
| Application form | DS-260 after USCIS I-526E petition approval |
| Fee | $345 consular fee for an employment-based immigrant visa; the USCIS petition I-526E costs $3,675 plus the mandatory $1,000 EB-5 Integrity Fund fee, all paid by the investor |
| Processing time | The wait is made up of three stages — USCIS, the National Visa Center and the consulate — and it changes every month. Check the current time for your form in the USCIS Check Case Processing Times service |
| Interview | Yes, mandatory in-person interview |
| Official portal | US Department of State — EB-5 investor visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The EB-5 investor visa uses the shared US visa photo standard. The same photo file works for DS-260 upload and the printed copy at the consulate appointment.
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (22–35 mm) chin to crown — 50% to 69% of the image height |
| Background | plain white or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears visible when possible |
| Expression | Neutral facial expression, both eyes open (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016 except medical exemption) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 600 pixels (1:1 aspect), maximum 240 KB |
| Checked against primary sources. Updated . | |
What to watch out for with the EB-5 investor visa
EB-5 has a long processing pipeline because USCIS investigates the source of investment funds. The visa photo is reused on the visa sticker, on the I-485 if adjustment of status is filed, and on the conditional green card. Plan the photo for an appearance that will not change significantly over the 2-year conditional residence period.
Frequently asked questions about the EB-5 investor visa
01What size photo do I need for a EB-5 investor visa?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The EB-5 investor visa uses the same photo specification as all other US consular visas: square format, plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches (22–35 mm) chin to crown — 50% to 69% of the image height.
02What form do I file for a EB-5 investor visa?
DS-260 after USCIS I-526E petition approval. The form is filed online; the photo is uploaded as part of the same submission.
03How much does the EB-5 investor visa cost?
$345 consular fee for an employment-based immigrant visa; the USCIS petition I-526E costs $3,675 plus the mandatory $1,000 EB-5 Integrity Fund fee, all paid by the investor. Photo and document preparation costs are separate.
04How long does the EB-5 investor visa take to process?
The wait is made up of three stages — USCIS, the National Visa Center and the consulate — and it changes every month. Check the current time for your form in the USCIS Check Case Processing Times service. Plan the photo within the last 6 months but not earlier — a stale photo from before significant appearance change creates trouble at the appointment.
05Is the EB-5 investor visa interview mandatory?
Yes, mandatory in-person interview. The biometric photo is captured at the interview alongside fingerprints; bring the digital file plus one printed 2 × 2 inch photo.
Other US visa categories
Prepare your EB-5 investor visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the 2 × 2 inch crop, white background and DS-160-ready file size automatically.