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USCIS Approved EB5 Regional Centers for Immigrant Investor to Apply for United States Citizenship

By creating the EB-5 Regional Centers in 1992, Congress established an innovative program to stimulate economic growth and job creation across the United States. This entrepreneurial initiative provides a unique opportunity for immigrant investors to support development projects throughout our country – offering their cash investments to be put back into U.S.-based companies with approval from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

As such, this investment towards American prosperity is both beneficial for businesses nationwide as well as offers immigrants an impactful pathway of contributing positively towards society.

The EB 5 investor visa is an opportunity for foreign investors and their families to obtain permanent legal status in the United States. All that’s needed? The investment of at least $800,000 towards a new business endeavor located within certain employment areas with plans to employ 10 American citizens full-time!

 

EB-5 Regional Center: Definition & History

Regional centers are governmental entities approved and regulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. EB 5 regional center allow New Commercial Enterprises (CEEs) in the US to combine the foreign investment of several investment firms in an integrated project.

The NCO is either a public or private company. In 1992 Congress created the Regional Center Program based upon immigrants’ investor program. It was two years before the first federal EB-5 visas were issued for immigrants who promise to promote economic growth by opening a new commercial enterprise & job creation.

Direct vs. Regional Center EB-5 Investments

The Green Card will allow foreign investors who are investing in the United States if their investments in the United States do not exceed the minimum requirement of the EB-5 program and the green card. EB5 investors have two investment options for these criteria.

Direct investments

For those looking to put their money into a business that creates jobs, the emergence of direct investments has opened up exciting possibilities. No longer do you need to go through an owner-operated franchise – now investment can be made into companies with established concepts and goals, allowing them to grow without spreading out ownership too thinly. This model is set for more expansion after June 30 2021 when the Regional Center Program reaches its expiration date!

Regional Center EB-5 Investments

The EB 5 investor visa is an opportunity for foreign investors and their families to obtain permanent legal status in the United States. All that’s needed? The investment of at least $800,000 towards a new business endeavor located within certain employment areas with plans to employ 10 American citizens full-time! EB 5 River Oak is an approved EB5 Regional Center in U.S.

What is the EB-5 Regional Center Securities Compliance?

All regional and project sites must adhere to federal securities laws. These laws serve as a way to prevent unjustified and unprofessional securities sale practices. Securities under the 1933 U.S. Securities Act include stock notes & bonds and direct investment programs as well as investment contracts. Securities are regulated by the SEC and are issued by the SEC. The EB5 Regional Center has 4 security compliance requirements;

  • Registering Securities– The EB-5 program offers the potential for a lucrative financial success, yet navigating through its registration process is no easy feat. From costly disclosures to meeting USCIS’s stringent timeline requirements, coupled with additional state regulations – it can be an incredibly challenging and time-consuming obstacle course that may leave investors feeling completely drained from their journey towards achieving this investment goal.
  • Regulation D Exemptions– Regulation D provides a unique opportunity for high-net worth individuals to invest in the EB 5 securities offerings of regional centers. The related private placement memorandum contains important information and disclosures pertaining to the offering, which is open only to accredited investors with at least $1 million net worth or income over $200k/$300k (single/married filers) for last two years. Each investor will have sign an attestation indicating that they meet these requirements before investing.
  • Securities Laws and EB5 Solicitation– Regional centers and sponsored initiatives seeking EB-5 investors can’t openly market or advertise according to Regulation D, but the SEC has not laid out how this applies. While investment details are off limits for advertising, general information may be shared in a way that does not reference specific info about an offering.
  • Broker-Dealers and the EB-5 Program– Broker-dealers are a vital part of the 1934 Securities and Exchange Act, connecting EB5 projects with investors. These entities may be individuals, companies or other organizations that must adhere to strict regulations set forth by both the SEC and relevant government securities regulators – including regional centers, migration agents, advertisers and others who facilitate these investments between buyers & sellers.

Direct vs. Regional Center Investment Job Creation Criteria

Investors who have invested directly will have no job requirements to create 10 permanent job opportunities for US workers. Direct jobs are referred to the work in the commercial sector. Investor’s direct employment numbers must be confirmed in the payrolls of the business.

Generally new businesses create comparatively few jobs permanently full time. In contrast to investment at regional centers, investors may count indirectly created jobs in a 10-year plan to meet the 10-job requirements.

Regional center investors can make an even greater economic impact than they realize–not only through direct job creation, but also by stimulating growth in related industries and providing a boost to the local economy from increased spending.

What Are the Benefits of Establishing a Regional Center?

EB-5 investor funding is a key advantage of creating a regional centre. Because there is more flexibility in the requirements for jobs for foreign investors in regional centers, the investment often attracts multiple EB-5 visa applicants.

Consequently, project developers are able to access low cost capital, creating an attractive environment for investment, project developers and communities.

  • Easy loans for job creating entity
  • Promoting economic growth
  • Improved regional productivity
  • Less Unemployment

USCIS-Approved Regional Centers: Approval is not Endorsement

The United States Department of State is currently accepting 721 centers of interest. Investors must be mindful of the restrictions on approval by the United States government regarding the regional center. The EB-5 approval by USCS is based on no USCIS approval of the regional centers. It also minimizes investment risks.

Here are some lists of USCIS approved regional centers;

  • Alabama
  • California
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Utah
  • Colorado
  • Texas
  • New York
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois

Those interested in investing should seek professional advice. We at EB 5 River Oak helping immigrants and commercial enterprise with regional center investment for EB 5 programs.

Call us today!