What is the difference between “conditional” and “unconditional” visas?
Under the regulations, an investor who is approved for the EB-5 immigrant visa receives a “conditional green card” (which is actually pink in color!). The only difference is that the conditional “green card” must be reissued after two years. The cards are exactly the same in every other way, and offer the same rights and privileges. This process is based upon procedures established by the INS in other immigration contexts. For example, every marriage-based sponsorship case allows that the alien spouse initially receive a conditional “green card” for two years before the issuance of the unconditional card. The EB-5 Investor Visa Program works the same way. (return to question list for U.S.
