To participate in the EB5 Visa Program, investors must make a significant investment in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. The minimum investment amount is $1,050,000 or $800,000 if investing in a targeted employment area (TEA). Investing through an EB5 regional center offers many benefits that can increase your chances of getting a green card. Regional centers can provide the following benefits to investors:
Streamlined Application Process
Reputable regional centers usually come with a streamlined application process. After verifying that you meet the eligibility requirements, you must submit the I-526E petition to receive a conditional green card. This petition has to be submitted with specific documentation, such as investment, personal, and financial documents. Regional centers help make sure you submit all of the required documents and that the petition is filed correctly. This can help avoid delays due to inaccurate information or lack of documentation.
Expertise
EB5 regional centers are run by experienced professionals with in-depth knowledge of the EB5 program, investment strategies, and immigration laws. They can help increase your chances of meeting program requirements and receiving your permanent green card. Many regional centers have well-established networks with other industry experts, such as immigration attorneys and project developers. When you work with a regional center, you can gain access to this network and use it to your advantage.
Job Creation
To get your permanent green card, you must create or preserve ten full-time jobs in the United States. Standalone investors who make a direct investment can only count full-time, W-2 employees toward this total. EB5 regional center investors can count direct, indirect, and induced jobs. This makes it easier to meet the job creation requirements. Regional centers can also take on larger projects that can generate more jobs than smaller projects. When it comes time to file your I-829 application to remove conditions from your conditional green card, your regional center can provide proof that your investment met these requirements.
Reduced Risk
Regional centers can spread the project’s risk among multiple investors. They also conduct due diligence and market research before starting a project. This can help reduce your individual risk. Projects sponsored by regional centers are generally more stable and can offer a better chance of securing a green card. It is still good practice to complete your own research on an EB5 project before investing.
Flexibility
Regional centers offer a variety of investment options. They can invest in projects within various industries, such as real estate or industrial projects. This can give you the flexibility to explore investment projects that align with your financial goals, interests, and risk tolerance. Research the regional center’s past projects to see if they have experience with the type of project you’re interested in. You can also ask for more information on their success rates to see how often they complete their projects.
Options in Targeted Employment Areas
Many regional centers choose to initiate projects located in targeted employment areas. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) organization defines targeted employment areas as having a high unemployment rate or being in a rural area. Investing in TEAs can contribute to economic development in struggling or rural communities, and it lowers the investment amount from $1,050,000 to $800,000. This makes it a more cost-effective option for many investors and puts less money at risk.
Invest Through an EB5 Regional Center
Investing with the help of an EB5 regional center gives you access to experienced professionals and streamlined application processes. They can also make it easier to reach the job creation requirement by counting direct, indirect, and induced jobs toward your total. By investing in a USCIS-approved regional center, you can contribute to the U.S. economy and increase your chances of securing a visa. Contact a regional center today to learn more about the EB5 Visa Program.