Understanding the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Overview

Have you ever considered pursuing the American dream, perhaps to benefit your children’s educational and career opportunities, or to mitigate political risk, yet found yourself unsure about how to make it a reality? The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program may be the opportunity you’ve been searching for. This U.S. government-sponsored initiative enables foreign investors to gain permanent residency and potentially citizenship in the United States through investing in qualified U.S. businesses.

A Brief Overview of the EB-5 Program

Introduced in 1990, the EB-5 program, which stands for Employment-Based Fifth Category Program, provides a pathway to U.S. residency for foreign nationals who invest in a qualified U.S. business. The program has significantly contributed to the U.S. economy, particularly aiding recovery during the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 by creating millions of U.S. jobs.

The requirements for participation in the EB-5 program are straightforward. Each foreign investor is required to create more than ten U.S. jobs through their investment. Once this condition is met, they are eligible to obtain a U.S. green card, offering them the many benefits of living in the United States, including access to world-class education, healthcare, and a high quality of life.

Updates to the EB-5 Program

However, like any dynamic initiative, the EB-5 program has undergone changes over the years. In June 2021, the program was temporarily shut down as it did not pass a unanimous consent vote in the U.S. Senate. Following a period of uncertainty and tireless efforts by representatives of organizations such as IIUSA, of which InvestAmerica is a member, the program was reinstated on March 15, 2022, when President Biden signed into law the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. This act introduced several crucial modifications to the program:

1. The EB-5 program received an extension through September 30, 2027, ensuring more than five years of uninterrupted operation.

2. The minimum investment amount in a targeted employment area (TEA) rose from $500,000 to $800,000, while in a non-targeted employment area, the minimum investment rose from $1 million to $1.05 million.

3. The grandfathering clause was introduced, ensuring all investor petitions filed before September 30, 2026, must be fully adjudicated by USCIS, regardless of any future lapse in the EB-5 program.

4. New set-aside visas were added to the program, allocating 20% of all the EB-5 visas for rural projects, 10% for targeted employment area urban distress projects, and 2% for infrastructure projects. This helps investors bypass potential backlogs in visa applications.

5. Rural projects now receive priority processing, meaning applications for such projects are projected to be processed faster.

Why Choose InvestAmerica?

InvestAmerica has successfully navigated the EB-5 program, raising hundreds of millions of dollars across a wide range of investments and helping hundreds of investors secure green cards for themselves and their families. We prioritize aligning our financial interests with those of our investors, acting as a financial advisor and striving for a conflict-free process.

We prioritize security for our investors by focusing on fully funded capital structures with well-capitalized and experienced developers. Our investment philosophy also includes focusing on projects already under construction and creating jobs.

In conclusion, the EB-5 program, especially with its recent modifications, offers a unique opportunity for foreign investors seeking residency in the United States. With the right guidance and assistance, living the American dream could be within your reach.