Contact Us

The EB-5 I-526 Petition

The EB-5 investor files Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, to show that they have already invested the necessary funds in an approved EB-5 project or are in the process of doing so. In most cases, an immigration lawyer will prepare I-526 petitions on behalf of EB-5 petitioners. After making the necessary preparations to invest in an approved EB-5 project, applicants are qualified to submit the I-526 petition. These projects, which must be a part of a brand-new business venture, can be handled directly by the immigrant investor or through an EB-5 Regional Center, which the government authorizes to handle EB-5 projects.

What Are the Requirements for the Eb-5 I-526 Petition?

Investment Amount

USCIS sets Eb-5 I-526 PetitionsThe investment required for an Eb-5 I-526 petition. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 raises the investment to $1,050,000 for standard cases and $800,000 for targeted employment areas. This act also redefines what is classified as a targeted employment area. A TEA is defined as an area that the state has designated as rural or an area with high unemployment (at least 150% of the national average rate).

The investment has to be made in a brand-new commercial enterprise, which is a for-profit organization established for the continuous conduct of legal business, including but not restricted to:

– A sole proprietorship

– Partnership (whether limited or general)

– Holding company

– Joint venture

– Corporation – A business trust or other entity which may be publicly or privately owned.

Investment Capital Was Lawfully Obtained

Suppose an Eb-5 investor’s capital was obtained through lawful means, such as through gifts, loans, or other legal sources of income. In that case, the investor will likely be able to successfully file an Eb-5 i-526 petition. However, if an Eb-5 investor’s capital was obtained through illegal means, such as through fraud or money laundering, then the investor will likely not be able to successfully file an Eb-5 i-526 petition. Therefore, the Eb-5 investor must also show that the investment capital was lawfully obtained, like security agreements and bank account statements and that it is not derived from criminal activity. To do this, the Eb-5 investor must provide documentation demonstrating the lawful source of the investment capital.

Obtained Capital Was Invested in an NCE.

Suppose you’re looking to obtain EB-5 investor status. In that case, you’ll need to file an I-526 Petition demonstrating that you have the minimum amount of capital required and that it has been invested in a New Commercial Enterprise (NCE). An NCE is defined as any for-profit entity engaging in lawful commercial business activity established after November 29, 1990. In other words, as long as your business was established after that date and engaged in legal, and commercial activity, it should qualify as an NCE.

EB-5 investment must be at risk

In order for an EB-5 investment to be considered at risk, the investor must show that they have irrevocably committed their capital to the enterprise and that they stand to lose their investment if the enterprise fails. In other words, the investor cannot simply withdraw their investment if the business does not succeed. To demonstrate that their investment is at risk, the investor will need to provide evidence such as business plans, contracts, and other documentation showing their commitment to the enterprise.

The Eb-5 investor must also show that the investment capital was obtained through lawful means and that it is not derived from criminal activity. To do this, the Eb-5 investor must provide documentation demonstrating the lawful source of the investment capital.

The investment creates 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

If you are looking to invest in a U.S. business through the Eb-5 immigrant investor program, one of the essential requirements is that your investment must create or preserve at least 10 jobs for qualified U.S. workers.

There are two main ways to meet this job creation requirement: direct or indirect job creation.

Direct Investments

The 10 positions must be created by the NCE itself, be permanent, full-time, and filled by W-2 employees. The requisite number of jobs must be created; positions filled by nonimmigrant aliens or by the investor and his or her family are not eligible. The I-526 Petition filed by the investor must show the creation of at least 10 new jobs. The I-526 must clearly outline the NCE’s hiring strategy, including which positions will be created and when they will be filled, in order to prove future job creation.

Indirect Investments

An NCE that a regional center sponsors must still create at least 10 full-time jobs for each EB-5 investor and these jobs might be generated directly or indirectly. Jobs created by the NCE’s revenues are referred to as indirect jobs. Any indirect jobs that count toward an investor’s minimum job creation criteria must be supported by an economic report in the investor’s I-526 petition.

How long does it take to approve I-526?

The I-526 Immigrant Investor Visa petition can take anywhere from 29 to 61 months to be approved, depending on the country’s visa availability. The time frame for approval also varies depending on the service center that is processing the petition.

Final Thoughts

The Eb-5 i-526 petition can be a great way to get your green card, but it’s important to do your research and understand the process before you apply. There are a lot of moving parts to the Eb-5 process, and it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and help you avoid potential pitfalls.

If you’re considering Eb-5, take the time to learn about the program and speak with an experienced immigration attorney before you apply. With careful planning and a bit of luck, the Eb-5 process can be a great way to get your green card and start a new life in the United States.

EB-5 Regional Center

A regional center is a type of private or public economic unit that is designated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to facilitate investment and job creation in a specific geographic area. Regional centers play a critical role in the EB-5 investment program by providing a streamlined process for foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in the United States.

Regional centers are typically created by private developers or public entities with the goal of attracting foreign investment to fund economic development projects. These centers can be located in a variety of areas, including urban or rural regions, and can focus on a range of industries, such as real estate, infrastructure, or manufacturing.

The primary benefit of investing through a regional center is the ability to count indirect and induced jobs towards the job creation requirement of the EB-5 program. This means that the investor can receive credit for job creation that occurs as a result of the investment, such as jobs created by suppliers or service providers. This can be a significant advantage for investors, as it allows them to meet the job creation requirement more easily and can increase the likelihood of receiving their permanent residency.

Additionally, regional centers can offer investors a more passive investment option, as the investor does not have to actively manage the project. Instead, the regional center manages the investment and ensures compliance with USCIS regulations.

Investing through a regional center does carry some risks, however. Investors must conduct thorough due diligence to ensure that the regional center has a successful track record and that the project is suitable for their needs. Additionally, regional centers must comply with USCIS regulations, and failure to do so can result in the revocation of their designation.

Regional centers play a critical role in the EB-5 investment program by providing a streamlined process for foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in the United States. By investing through a regional center Projects, investors can count indirect and induced jobs towards the job creation requirement of the program and can benefit from a more passive investment option. However, investing through a regional center does carry some risks, and investors must conduct thorough due diligence to ensure that the investment is suitable for their needs.

Choosing an Eb-5 Project

Choosing an investment project can be an extensive process for EB-5 investors. However, there are steps to take to make this monumental decision efficiently and effectively. Due to the market’s consistency and transparency, investors must strongly prefer commercial real estate projects.

Surrounding with legal and financial advisors is imperative when selecting an eb5 investor program, as immigration law compliance issues and financial risks are involved with the process. The following points focus on regional center project-related factors to consider when making this critical decision.

Here are some important aspects of a regional center project to keep in mind when making your decision:

  • First, ensure you understand the eb-5 visa requirements and the different types of investment to new commercial enterprise options available. There are two main categories of EB-5 projects: direct investments and investments through an eb5 regional center. Each has its own set of benefits and risks.
  • Next, consult with legal and financial advisors to get expert opinions on the project you’re considering. There are many compliance issues to be aware of, and you want to ensure your investment is as safe as possible.
  • The Investor Subscription Agreement and Private Placement Memorandum shall comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the USCIS.
  • Finally, do your research on the project and the company behind it. Request information about their business plan, financial projections, and past performance. Carefully review all materials before making your final decision.

By taking the time to understand the EB-5 program and consult with an investor company in River Oak to choose an investment project that meets your needs and gives you the best chance of success.

Regional Centers

A public or private economic organization in the United States that fosters economic growth and economic development is known as EB 5 regional center. Although EB-5 investors can establish their own New Commercial Enterprises, most EB-5 visa applicants typically invest through a Regional Center.

A project must accompany every application to the USCIS for regional center approval. USCIS chooses regional centers to take part in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program.

Direct Investments

Any investment not made through a regional center program is considered an EB5 direct investment. Direct investments include things like creating your own company, buying an existing company, and making investments in an existing company.

 

Direct investments usually require a higher minimum investment amount than indirect investments and more hands-on involvement from the investor.

What Is the Future of Eb-5 Projects in the United States?

EB-5 remains an attractive financing option for commercial real estate developers in the United States. However, it has been challenging for the various EB-5 sector participants and the U.S. government to come to an agreement on how to improve the EB-5 program. This is why passing EB-5 legislation in Congress can be challenging, particularly the reauthorization of the own regional center designation.

According to industry analysts, a clause reauthorizing regional center investment is anticipated to be included by Congress in a February 2022 appropriations package initially expected in December 2021. These forecasts are speculative, of course, and prospective regional center investors could need to hold off on starting the EB-5 procedure for many more months.

For the direct EB 5 visa investments, the situation is very different. Government renewal is not a requirement for direct EB-5 investors. Many investors have learned to value the many benefits direct EB-5 development projects offer, including the possibility for higher returns and more influence over corporate operations.

Direct investors can still participate in the EB-5 program for as little as $500,000 even if USCIS appealed the court decision that reduced the investment requirement. In 2022, direct EB-5 projects are projected to continue to be popular.

EB-5 Visa Requirements-U.S. Citizenship by Investment

1.Qualifying Investment

The first requirement that must be met is the investment amount requirement, which states that applicants must invest at least $900,000 USD into a new commercial enterprise located within the United States or its territories.

The required minimum investment can be reducing to $500,000 if the investment is made into an area that has been designated as a “Targeted Employment Area” (TEA) or a “Regional Center” (RC).

A TEA is defined as an area with high unemployment rates or rural areas without adequate employment opportunities while RCs are entities that have been approved by USCIS and designated as such due to their ability to create jobs, attract investments from foreign countries, and stimulate economic growth within their region through job creation and capital investments.

Individuals looking for United States citizenship must submit Form I-485 and a fee of $1140, plus an additional cost for biometric services totaling $85. With these funds, applicants are one step closer to their goal of becoming United States citizens!

2. Job Creation Requirement

In addition to meeting the investment requirements outlined above, applicants must also demonstrate that their investments will fulfill atleast 10 full-time job creation requirements for U.S.-based employees within two years of receiving conditional green card status on their EB-5 application approval date.

These jobs must meet certain criteria such as being direct (jobs created directly by the applicant’s business venture), indirect (jobs created indirectly by increased demand due to the applicant’s business venture), and induced (jobs created indirectly due to increased spending resulting from direct and indirect employees).

Additionally, these jobs must remain in existence for at least two years after the initial two-year period has passed in order for applicants to maintain their conditional permanent resident status and eventually gain full permanent residence status in the United States upon fulfillment of all other applicable requirements under this program.

If you have any questions about whether you meet these qualifications then it is best practice always consult with financial advisors familiar with immigration law prior making any decisions regarding your eligibility for this type of visa application process.

EB-5 Green Card Process for Qualified Investors

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a US immigration program that allows foreign investors to become permanent US residents by investing in job-creating projects in the United States. For many, it’s a great way to gain access to the US and its benefits.

But how does the process work? Let’s explore the steps needed to invest in an EB-5 Green Card.

Step 1 – Qualifying for an EB-5 Visa

The first step is determining if you meet the requirements for an EB-5 visa. To qualify, you must have invested or be in the process of investing at least $1 million into a new commercial enterprise in the US (or $500,000 if investing in certain targeted employment areas). Additionally, you must demonstrate that your investment will create full-time jobs for at least 10 American workers.

Step 2 – Selecting an Investment Project

Once you’ve determined that you are eligible for an EB-5 visa, the next step is selecting an investment project. There are many options available, from real estate development projects to manufacturing plants or even service businesses such as restaurants and hotels. It’s important to choose a project that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Step 3 – Making Your Investment 

Once you’ve selected your project, it’s time to make your investment. This can be done through either direct investment or regional center investment. With direct investment, you must manage all aspects of your business yourself; with regional center investment, you can invest in pre-approved projects managed by experienced professionals who will handle all of the details on your behalf.

 Step 4 – Filing Your Immigrant Petition 

The final step is filing Form I-526 with USCIS and submitting all necessary supporting documents (including evidence of job creation). Once filed, USCIS will review your application and determine whether or not you meet their requirements for approval. If approved, you will receive conditional permanent residency status based on your investments and job creation activities.

 Step 5 – Removing Conditions 

After two years of receiving conditional permanent residency status, investors must file Form I-829 with USCIS to remove their conditions and receive full permanent residency status in the United States—a critical step that should not be overlooked!

After these five steps are complete, eb-5 investors will have received their green card and can enjoy all of the benefits that come along with being a lawful resident of the United States!

Benefits of the EB5 Visa Program for the US and Its Citizens

The EB-5 Visa Program proved to be a great benefit for the US and its citizens. This program allows foreign investors to live and work in the country, investing in new businesses and creating jobs for the local communities.

In short;

  • Economic expansion.
  • Creation of jobs.
  • Developing in less-served regions.

By doing so, these entrepreneurs help stimulate local economies, boost revenues, and strengthen industries. As their investments expand, they bring experienced workers to their projects while helping existing American workers increase their wages and benefits.

Furthermore, the EB-5 visa holders have the freedom to engage in any investment activity of their choice as long as it adheres to the laws lay down by the US government.

In that way, EB-5 visas provide many of invaluable economic opportunities for both foreign investors and US citizens alike.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program- Free EB-5 Visa Consultation

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a unique avenue for individuals and families to receive their permanent residency in the United States.

It allows qualified foreign investors to obtain a Green Card by investing $900,000 in an approved project that creates jobs in the U.S., such as regional centers.

As this program is highly specialized, it is important to consult with an EB-5 migration specialist who can help you navigate the process smoothly.

At EB 5 River Oak, we provide free EB-5 visa consultation, which makes it easier and more accessible for those interested in joining this program. Our experienced team of experts helps guide you through the documentation process quickly and efficiently so you can enter the country sooner.

Interested in speaking with us?