Questions, Answers & Opinions

Eb-5 Immigration Process

• How many EB-5 visas are issued every year? (8 answers)
• When was the EB-5 program established? (8 answers)
• What happens if my I-829 is denied? Must I leave the US immediately? (7 answers)
• Can I purchase third-party insurance to guarantee my EB-5 investment? (5 answers)
• Can the minimum investment amount ($500,000) ever be increased? (7 answers)
• Can I appeal an I-829 denial to USCIS? (5 answers)
• What is an NTA and why is it relevant in I-829 adjudication? (4 answers)
• What is form I-924? (6 answers)
• What is the fee for Form I-526? (5 answers)
• What is the fee for Form I-829? (6 answers)
• Where can I find the I-829 regulations? (6 answers)
• Is an interview required at the I-526 stage? (6 answers)
• Is an interview required at the I-829 stage? (7 answers)
• What is the minimum required amount of capital to be invested in order to apply for an EB5 visa? (6 answers)
• What is the EB-5 Investment Visa Program? And what are the obligations of the investor who wants to participate in the investment? (2 answers)
• What is the process to obtain lawful permanent residency through the EB-5 visa program? (3 answers)
• Can my spouse and children also receive "green cards" under the EB5 visa program? (6 answers)
• How long does it take to have an I-525 approved by USCIS? (7 answers)
• Is "premium processing" available for I-526 petitions? (5 answers)
• Is premium processing available for I-829 petitions? (5 answers)
• What issues cause the most problems when applying for an EB-5 visa? (5 answers)
• What are some reasons for rejection of an EB-5 visa application? (4 answers)
• Can I apply for an Eb-5 visa if I am currently out-of-status (i.e., I live in the United States, but do not have a current visa)? (4 answers)
• Can I travel during the Eb-5 process? (4 answers)
• If a member of my family or I are already in the U.S. on another visa, do I have to return to my home country in order to obtain an EB-5 visa or permanent residence? (3 answers)
• If I was denied another U.S. visa, can I still apply for EB-5? (6 answers)
• When will my visa become permanent? (5 answers)
• Is EB-5 a truly passive investment? (3 answers)
• Regarding to the source of fund, if I have a total income of 0.9 million US dollar for last 10 years, provided the supporting documentation is available,is it acceptable to USCIS that I am capable to make a half million investment through EB-5 pilot program? what if my total income for the last 5 years is 0.7 million dollars? (5 answers)
• If I have total income of 0.9 million for the last 10 years, and my tax return for the last 5 years is available, will USCIC accept my source of fund? However, my bank statement does show my money accumulate a bit by a bit since I transfer my money so randomly for other usage or lending to my family. (4 answers)
• How will USCIS' release of materials used to train officers in adjudication of EB-5 cases affect the EB-5 community? (3 answers)
• are Iranian citizens eligble for EB-5 ? (3 answers)
• Are Iranian citizens eligable for EB-5 ? (3 answers)
• Why are Requests for Evidence "commonly necessary" for EB-5's? (3 answers)
• Hi I have read that to prove lawful source of invested funds, the applicant must provide at least the last five years of records, including tax returns and bank statements. However, say an applicant was only 20 years old and has earned the money from a fast growing successful business, but only have 2-3 years of bank records and tax returns, as the business is only 2-3 years old. Would that be sufficient prove if it firmly proves lawful source of the invested funds? (3 answers)
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• What is the premium processing fee for EB-5 petitions? (5 answers)
• if i recieve a visa eb-5 can ithen leave the us and continue to work overseas after my initial arrival to validate the visa and how long can you remain outside the usa (2 answers)
• if i recieve a visa eb-5 can ithen leave the us and continue to work overseas after my initial arrival to validate the visa and how long can you remain outside the usa (1 answer)
• if i recieve a visa eb-5 can ithen leave the us and continue to work overseas after my initial arrival to validate the visa and how long can you remain outside the usa (1 answer)
• if i recieve a visa eb-5 can ithen leave the us and continue to work overseas after my initial arrival to validate the visa and how long can you remain outside the usa (3 answers)
• What Due Diligence questions should I ask Regional Centers to decide investment choices? (1 answer)
• Are all the English and non-English documents submitted for the application for I-526 need to be notarized? What kind of notarization do we need (ie. notarized by US Consulate, Chinese Embassy or solicitor)? (3 answers)
• Can the investment amount be raised through angel investors or venture capitalists who are ready to back the petitioner? (2 answers)
• Is a bank loan of US$500,000 acceptable as investment funds? If so, must the investor provide evidence or explanation regarding the loan? (3 answers)
• Upon receipt of Conditional Green Card: 1. Can the investor, spouse and children work and study in US? 2. How long do they have to stay in US every year? 3. Can their stays in US accumulated (ie. accumulated from 2 or 3 trips every year) or do they have to be a continuous stay (ie. stay continuously for 6 months)? (2 answers)
• If I invest $500,000 for the EB-5 project, do I still need to show that I have a net worth in excess of $1,000,000? (3 answers)
• What is the definition of "children under the age of 21"? Is the children eligible if he or she is 21 yrs & one day old (ie. one day after his or her 21st birthday). (3 answers)
• If the investor died: 1. While holding a Conditional Green Card, what will be the outcome? Can his spouse replace the investor's position? Can the spouse and children continue to hold the Conditional Green Card and file the I-829 application? 2. While holding a Unconditional Green Card, what will be the outcome? (3 answers)
• For the "regular" EB-5 program (not the regional center route), must the investment be in a new business? Or do certain categories of existing businesses qualify? (3 answers)
• How am I supposed to "invest" funds in a regional center if I am not in the US, and have no US bank accounts? (3 answers)
• How am I supposed to "invest" funds in a regional center if I am not in the US, and have no US bank accounts? (3 answers)
• Must an EB-5 foreign investor, whether by direct investment or by regional center, live in the immediate area where his investment is being made? (4 answers)
• Even though the statute requires an EB-5 petitioner to have invested or be in the process of investing the required capital, does USCIS effectively requires the entire capital amount to be already invested and at risk in the commercial enterprise at the time the I-526 petition is filed? (2 answers)
• If the I-829 is denied, will the client be refunded $500,000 and admin & legal fees? If so, when will the client receive the refund (ie. instantly, 1 year, 2 years etc? (2 answers)
• If the money invested incurs a loss during the conditional period, will the EB5 be cancelled and we be sent back home? (3 answers)
• Can our parents join us on the EB5 visa or can we sponsor them for a green card during the conditional period of two years? (3 answers)
• What is the Administration Fee in EB-5 process that is before fund $500,000 ?and how much is the Administration Fee ? (3 answers)
• We are preparing for petition for eb5 immigration. In the meantime, we hope to apply for a F1 visa for my child to go to America. It is my understanding f1 visa is non-immigration visa and it would be objected if we have apply for eb5 visa. When is the good timing for applying both visa? would F1 visa cause problams when interview for eb5 visa and adjustment for the status from f1 to greencard. Thank you for your answer in advance. (2 answers)
• If we form a management LLP & applicants invest in this LLP and through the LLP purchase Apartment communities and directly employ 10 full time personnel per EB-5 applicant will that be acceptable form of job creation to USCIS or are they changing that also. (1 answer)
• If we form a management LLP & applicants invest in this LLP and through the LLP purchase Apartment communities and directly employ 10 full time personnel per EB-5 applicant will that be acceptable form of job creation to USCIS or are they changing that also. (1 answer)
• If the child under age 21 is already in the U.S. on F1 visa, does he have to return to home country in order to obtain an EB-5 visa or permanent residency with other members of family? Can he travel abroad during the EB-5 process? (2 answers)
• If I have applied for EB-5 visa, ca my child apply for B1 visa? (3 answers)
• According to the definition of "A troubled business is an enterprise that has been in existence for at least two years and has incurred a net loss during the 12- or 24-month." When is business considered opened? is it the time an enterprise was incorporated? or when the enterprise paid the first month's rent? or it is no considered opened for business till you have payroll and sell products? In my case the business was incorporated in Aug 2009. Planning and permits took till end of May 2010. First rent was paid in June but the business was open in July 2010. What date will I be able to use to determine the if the business has been in existence for two years? (1 answer)
• My parents are moving to the US under the eb5 visa, after they employ 10 full time employees, will they be able to sponser me and my husband to work at their business on top of the other 10? So they would employ 10 american citizens, and 2 forigners. If not how would we be able to go and work for them, legally? For the purpose of running this business we need to be there to help them operate it. (1 answer)
• I and my wife and one of my children got B1 visa once some-years ago and we came back to our country Iran . Now i am investing on EB-5 project. but my child wants to go to USA during the process (waiting time) of EB-5 How is his chance to get another visa like B1 during the process of EB-5 ? or is there any special visa for persons who invest on EB-5 and they want to go to USA earlier ? And if i could not get that visa (reject) from embassy ,does it change the EB-5 process ? (1 answer)
• After obtaining the Conditional Green Card, must the family (husband, wife and children) stay permanently in US? If not, what is the minimum stay for them in the US? (1 answer)
• After obtaining the Green Card: 1. When are we eligible to apply for US citizenship? 2. What is the minimum time that we have to physically stay in the US? (1 answer)
• I am business owner in the US wanting to expand my business with EB-5 capital. I have a medical supply company that sells a wide variety of supplies and equipment. However, I have an investor that wants to create a new company that will specialize in selling massage equipment and supplies, which my company currently does. I want to eliminate the massage supplies and equipment division in my company so my friend can create his own business for EB5. We hope that creating a new business for these specific products will generate more revenue and profits. The two companies will be separate but affiliated with one another. When eliminating the massage supplies division in my company, can my friend use my fired employees from that department and hire them for his company and it be counted as part of the job creation requirement? These employees are currently under as 1099 and the new company will bring them on as W-2's. Thanks, your advice is greatly appreciated. (1 answer)
• After obtaining the immigration visa, when do I receive the Conditional Green Card? Do I receive it at the Immigration Center at the airport when I land in US? (3 answers)
• Can I check on an EB 5 project as to the number of I-526 applications are in play , and/or how many I-829 are in play to evaluate the progress/lack of progress the project is making? (2 answers)
• If I-526 is denied for EB-5 "A" project, can the investor re-apply for another EB-5 project later? If re-application is permitted, will the USCIS refer to or use the information that the investor had submitted earlier for "A" project? Or will the USCIS just review the current information submitted for the new EB-5 project? (2 answers)
• Which of the following funds need to be proved as lawful funds? 1. Investment funds of $500,000 only 2. Investment funds of $500,000 plus admin & legal costs of $60,000. (1 answer)
• can the $500,000 investment amount be loaned to the investor? if so are there any restrictions on who the lender is? (2 answers)
• What happens if $1mm is used to create 10 jobs, but then the company, say a software startup, fails before the 2 yr period and all the money is lost? Does that impact the granting of the I-829? Or what happens if 10 jobs are created in a short term project, say a movie, the jobs end in, say, 12 months, but the movie goes on to be successful and returns the investor's money. Does that impact the granting of the I-829? (2 answers)
• What happens if $1mm is used to create 10 jobs, but then the company, say a software startup, fails before the 2 yr period and all the money is lost? Does that impact the granting of the I-829? Or what happens if 10 jobs are created in a short term project, say a movie, the jobs end in, say, 12 months, but the movie goes on to be successful and returns the investor's money. Does that impact the granting of the I-829? (1 answer)
• What if you don't care about return on investment or even return of investment, you have the $1mm, and you just want the surest, easiest path to obtaining the I-829. What is the easiest way to create and sustain 10 jobs so you pass through the I-829 adjudication? (1 answer)
• I had heard from a speaker in a seminar that the age of dependent child had been amended and lowered from 21 years old to 18 years old. Is it true? (1 answer)
• I just want to ask a question to clarify some confusion here with regards to EB-5 investor eligibility criteria. I read in some posts here that EB-5 investor has be an "accredited investor" that means that he has to minimum have 1 million dollar net worth or a high enough income. I didn't see that requirement in the USCIS site. So this is probably an oversight or misunderstanding in some posts here. Could someone please clarify. (2 answers)
• How much minimum net worth do I have to show in liquid funds besides the 500K investment for regional center and the fees (around 50K for legal, managment, finders fees etc) for the approval of I-526? I know that the 550K or so needs to be deposited in escrow account. But how much extra I need to have in my own bank account to show that I will be able to sustain mself after I come to US. I will get the gift of 550K from my brother who will get these funds from re-financing of his residential real state. I am 36, and I have graduate degress (in IT and Economics) and am currently working in Dubai, but the salary is very low and I don't have my own assets. Do I need to show an extra say 20K to show solvency? How much extra amount will suffice to get the I-526 approval (1 answer)
• My father has his primary residence that he had built back in 1984 (In pakistan). He had acquired his funds from his life time savings from working in several places in middle east in the 60's, 70's and 80's. He had been retired since 1986. He is 80 years old. He would like to gift me that property to me to be able to apply for the EB5 program. What kind of proof will be required to show legality of funds. Since there was no income tax in most of the places he worked (he was agriculture research scientist and did his PhD from australia in early 60;s), there no old income tax records. Any other records of income from that while back will be skechy at best. Will that be a problem to show that the funds came from sale of real state of a retired old person ? (1 answer)
• I assume when USCIS is categorically approving an Regional Center program, i.e. it's business plan, financial structure, etc., then when it comes to I-526 approval process, the focus shall only be on the investor information, and not a re-checking of RC project. In other words, is it possible that an I-526 application is rejected or taking longer processing time, due to RC project, and not the investor profile? (1 answer)
• What is a conditional green card? (3 answers)
• Can you recoup your EB-5 investment if your green card is denied? (2 answers)
• Do I need to have a sponsor to get an EB-5 green card? Does this sponsor have to be related to me? (2 answers)
• Can a property mortgage qualify as an EB-5 investment? I invested $300,000 as cash down and got a $700,000 mortgage from the bank. Is this a valid investment for EB5 Category? What if I buy a $1,000,000 hotel business with the property? (1 answer)
• Can I apply for a waiver on a two year home country presence requirement if I am an EB-5 investor? (1 answer)
• Is there a guaranteed return or interest rate that EB-5 investors will get on their investment? What happens if there is a guarantee and the investment is lost? (1 answer)
• What are the most common problems that EB-5 visa applicants face? (1 answer)
• Is it possible to qualify for the EB-5 visa investment program without investing through a Regional Center? Could I invest in another existing company or start my own instead? (2 answers)
• Can funds from a parent in the U.S. be used for an EB-5 visa? (2 answers)
• Can investors from Vietnam participate in the EB-5 visa program? We know that the U.S. does not let Vietnam citizens participate in the green card visa lottery. Has this been extended to other visa categories? (2 answers)
• Does USCIS give notice of receipt to investors, or rather to their lawyers, upon receiving the EB-5 visa application? How can I tell whether my lawyer submitted my materials in time? Can I submit a request directly with USCIS? (1 answer)
• My wife and I entered the United States illegally and currently do not have legal status. I own and operate a restaurant and have accumulated wealth. Could my wife and I qualify for an EB-5 visa? (1 answer)
• Will I have to manage my EB-5 project from inside the United States? After receiving conditional permanent residency can I assign project management to someone else? Will I have to stay in the United States or will I be able to leave to go back to my home country? (2 answers)
• How do I find a qualified EB-5 attorney? (2 answers)
• Can a secured loan be used to fund an EB5 visa investment? (2 answers)
• We hear that the EB5 Investor Visa processing office is now located in Washington, D.C. with additional adjudicators. What is the estimated new time-frame for I-526 processing? After obtaining conditional Green Card approval, what is the time frame for getting a green card from the U.S. Embassy of the current residence of the applicant? The U.S. needs more investment and the creation of new jobs to support a healthy economy and they should reduce the time-frame for issuing conditional Green Cards to encourage and attract more investments. (1 answer)
• I applied for eb5 visa since 8 month and till now no answer and I want to withdraw can I do that or not . I applied for reginal centre. (1 answer)
• For troubled businesses, and counting existing employees, can the new commercial enterprise keep the same number of positions, but replace some of the existing employees with others? (1 answer)
• Is there any issue for EB-5 purposes if one has a company that is incorporated in Florida, but is doing business only in Pennsylvania? I do not want to incorporate in Pennsylvania. Is there any problem with the EB-5 program if I choose not to do so? (1 answer)
• If the I-526 is denied, what will happen to the administrative fees and legal fees charged by the Regional Center? Will the investors get the fees back? (1 answer)
• I want to invest in a troubled business. I know that in a troubled business an investor is supposed to maintain the number of employees that the business had before the investment was made. If I maintain the number of employees but replace them with my own employees (all of who can legally work in the US), am I in violation of the EB-5 program for troubled businesses? The relevant regulation (8 CFR 204.6(j)(4)(ii)) does not give me clear guidance on this issue. Thank you very much for your help. (1 answer)
• Do I need to have a sponsor to get an EB-5 green card? Does this sponsor have to be related to me? (1 answer)
• Can you recoup your EB-5 investment if your green card is denied? (1 answer)
• What is a conditional green card? I have heard that EB-5 green cards are only conditional and not like other permanent green cards. (1 answer)
• My real maternal uncle has sold his business in the U.S.A. and he wants to gift me money for EB5. Can I use gifted money from him? Or it is necessary to transfer some funds from my home country (India)? I am 25 years old and unmarried. What will my chances for getting an EB5 approved be? (1 answer)
• Can I apply for an EB-5 Visa on an E3 Visa? I am going to by applying for an EB-5 Visa in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). If the answer is yes, then do I need to leave the country to get my passport stamped? (1 answer)
• : I currently live in China. I am planning to apply for the EB5 investor visa for myself and my family (wife and son). Once the EB5 visa is approved, am I required to reside in the US? I appreciate that I need to go to the US within 180 days upon the EB5 visa approval. Would it be OK to stay there, say just for a few days, and come back to China, after which I will only go to the US on occasional basis? My wife and son can reside in the US for the majority of the time, but not me, however I am the primary petitioner. (1 answer)
• Can I use rental income for the EB-5 Program? How Do I prove lawful source of funds For The EB-5 (1 answer)
• May I use my saved $500,000 while I am on H-1B visa to start my own business? The $500,000 will be used to start-up an IT staffing and consulting business. Although I might not use the whole amount, but will be able to create more than 10 jobs in 2 years. Will my case be approved to receive unconditional Green Card? What if I create fewer than 10 jobs in 2 years and show potential to increase job creation after some more time. Can I extend my stay? (1 answer)
• Very complicated situation here and for a few moments, I do not know what to say. I am the principal applicant for an EB-5 visa application and my I-526 petition was approved about one week ago. My file will be transferred to NVC and eventually to a US Consulate in China for further processing, the last step of which will be an interview. This process, all things considered, may take at least 6 months. On the other hand, I was accepted into a top program at a prestigious university and school starts in late August. In order to get to school on time, I will have to make an appointment for an F-1 student visa interview before August. For failing to do so would result in an involuntary withdrawal from the program. Now I really fear that I would not be able to get the visa due to dual intentions. But I feel like I really have no choice but must take a chance and see how it goes. I would really like to hear your opinions and suggestions regarding my situation. Thank you for your time. (FYI: former F-1 student, worked under OPT, never over stayed.) (1 answer)
• I notice the application for an EB5 is only a few pages long. Do I need an attorney to help me apply for an EB5 visa? (1 answer)
• I earned most of my wealth through perfectly legal sports gambling activities in the EU where I am a citizen of. However, as this kind of income is considered tax extempt in my country, it does not appear on any tax statement. Can it still be used in the EB-5 application? Would a letter from the EU-regulated gambling company I did business with be enough proof? (1 answer)
• I live in the USA. Can I gift $500,000 to my brother who is in India to qualify for an EB5 visa? And if the answer is yes do I need to transfer the funds to India, or can I transfer to a new corporation account where he owns 50% equity in the new project. (1 answer)
• How soon after receiving EB-5 approval must the investor go to the USA? That is, how long may they delay going to the USA? (1 answer)
• I own 100% of XYZ operating company in China. Rather than disburse funds from XYZ to my personal account and then use funds to make my personal investment in a new enterprise, can I make a qualified EB-5 investment by having my wholly owned company, XYZ, invest its funds in newly formed C Corp which is 100% owned U.S. subsidiary of XYZ? (1 answer)
• What if the venture I invest in drops below the ten person employment restriction? Is there a difference if this happens while I am being reviewed for a Permanent Resident card and after the process? Can my PR card be taken away? (1 answer)
• We are canadian residing overseas. Our EB-5 application was submitted last Nov. hoping for visa to arrive by fall before school starts. Apparently we were over optimistic. Now can we get F-1 visa for kids to go to school while I, the mother, get F-2 to accompany them while await for EB-5? (1 answer)
• I am hoping to obtain a green card through the direct investment route in a Targeted Unemployment Area. Planning to use a single commercial entity to invest in multiple small franchised businesses. Is that allowed? Further, can I use 2 to 3 different TEA's or only a single TEA? What if my investments location's TEA designation is removed after initial approval from USCIS? Thank you for your help! (1 answer)
• I have filed my I829 application in March 2013. USCIS rules say that a will decide in 90 days. The 90 days has past and have not heard any news. How can I request a status on my case and find out if its is being processed. (1 answer)
• I already hold a visitor visa for USA and am willing to apply for EB-5. Can i travel in and out of US at all times during processing? After my case is processed do i have to stay in US for certain period of time or i can travel freely back to my home country? (1 answer)
• Hello! I am hoping to obtain a green card through the direct investment route in a Targeted Unemployment Area. Planning to use a single commercial entity to invest in multiple small franchised businesses. Is that allowed? Further, can I use 2 to 3 different TEA's or only a single TEA? What if my investments location's TEA designation is removed after initial approval from USCIS? Thank you for your help! (1 answer)
• What would be an applicant's position if EB5 pilot program is not renewed (Sept 2015) in the period after approval of his I-526? Would all rights to obtain residence be lost? Could an investor sell his investment immediately to reclaim funds? (1 answer)
• Does an EB-5 investor need to own a certain minimum share of a qualifying company and is s/he required to participate actively in the management/control of the company? (1 answer)
• I submitted my I-526 form to USCIS and it was received almost over a year ago. I am starting to wonder if they will ever get back to me because I have not gotten any approval or rejection. Will the new US immigration reform policies affect my EB-5 application approval time? (1 answer)
• 1) I would like to know if my dad can sponsor me for the EB-5, as in put my name as main investor of the EB-5 project but when we are able to exit the EB-5 project, he gets back the monetary returns. 2) What actually happens if unfortunately the main investor passes on. What will happen to the principal investment (if and when we can get it back after getting our conditions removed and exiting from the EB-5 project)? Will the $500,000 (or whatever amount is left) be given to the main investor's spouse, the sponsor or can the main investor will it to whomever he wants to? Does this investment count as an asset or equity? (1 answer)
• I hold a valid B1/B2 visa and have planned to invest in a Gas Station in California. The Gas Station i am investing in does not fall under EB5 category as it is a running business. Can i invest on B1/B2 visa and get all the relevant documents like tax id etc? Can i stay in US on B1/B2 visa and manage my business ? Later on if i get an opportunity to invest in an EB5 eligible project, can i sell this project and invest the funds into an eligible EB5 project and obtain PR ? (1 answer)
• I prepared my own I-829 petition and it has been a really long time now. I have heard nothing back and it has been almost 8 months. Does this mean it was denied? What will happen to my money if it is? (1 answer)
• I am looking to invest in a company and get an EB-5 visa. The company I am currently looking into has a good business plan in TEA but they are not yet a Regional Center. They are asking for my investment now. Should I jump in or should I wait till they are set up as a legitimate regional center? Are they likely to be rejected as one? What would happen to my money if we went forward and then they were rejected? (1 answer)
• I am thinking about applying for an EB-5 visa but ultimately I am looking to live in New Zealand. Is it possible after obtaining EB-5 investor visa to settle with my family in New Zealand? (1 answer)
• When a Brazilian citizen receives American citizenship (or Green Card) via the EB-5, which taxes are due on their income in Brazil related to wages, retirement and financial investment, as there is no taxation agreement between Brazil and the USA? (2 answers)
• Do I have to have prior business experience to be an accredited investor according to EB-5? I have the $1million investment amount, what else does it take to qualify as an accredited investor? (1 answer)
• When it comes time to submit my I-829, how can I avoid being denied for "material change" which has evolved within my business within the two year period? What changes are allowed and which are not? What paperwork do I need to present from my business in order to make a good case? And if my I-829 is denied, will I get a chance to resubmit information? (1 answer)
• My I-526 is approved and now I have to go for consulate interview. What do they want to know? How can I prepare for this and what are they going to do during the interview? (1 answer)
• I want to invest with EB-5 regional center so that investment is reduced amount but I do not understand what a regional center is. Is a regional center a global location or a domestic U.S. location? Is it a company or does each regional center correspond to a specific project center or institution? (1 answer)
• I am 20 years old and currently have an F-1 student visa for the U.S. I want to apply for EB-5 in order to get my green card and permanent residency. Am I able to do this? Can I still continue my education the same through this process? I have the funds. (1 answer)
• I would like to come to U.S. with family under EB-5 program. Application is in process, I applied last June. My 17 year old son wants to go to American university, will he apply as U.S. resident or international student? Will we have to pay international tuition prices? (1 answer)
• I am getting ready to submit my I-829 but I have only created 7 of the 10 full time jobs. By the time the application actually gets looked some more might have been created. Will I be penalized for not having all of the jobs created? What has the USCIS in the past considered a "reasonable time" to create the full job requirement? (1 answer)
• Can a father apply for EB-5 visa for himself and his wife and also pay for their two daughters applications in 2 separate cases? Is it acceptable by the immigration authorities that 3 of them (the whole family) are applying for EB-5 visa at the same time and the father pays for all three case? Both of the daughters are above 21 years old and married. (1 answer)
• If I get my green card through EB-5 and get status as permanent resident, is it possible to also become a citizen after that through the program? What are the differences between a citizen and a permanent resident? (1 answer)
• How can I apply for EB-5 with a B1/B2 status? (1 answer)
• Does the EB-5 visa program have restrictions on the countries where investors originate? Is there a cap on certain countries? Can anyone with the investment amount be a part of the EB-5 visa program regardless of what country they come from? (1 answer)
• I have a father who wants EB-5 status and he has a wife and 2 children, however 1 child just turned 23 but is a full time student and will be for another year at least. What is the most efficient and simplistic way to get the father his EB-5 status as well as his son? If the son cannot gain EB-5 status under the father's application, what should he and the father do as the son will be working directly in the business the father is investing into? (1 answer)
• Hello, I was deported from the U.S. in 1995 trying to enter through Canada. Previously I used to have a work permit but when I tried to enter in 1995 they refused it and deported me through a court order. Now after 18 years I have gathered wealth and would like to apply for EB-5 visa. Would I be eligible to have it or not? (2 answers)
• How can I get visa as a non-principal investor? (2 answers)
• I am planning a direct investment in a franchised restaurant in a TEA. Does the investment need to be made prior to I-526 petition approval and therefore prior to entering the U.S.? It does not seem possible to start a business in the U.S. from outside the country. Further, how could it be sustained without its sole operator during the time required to get all approvals? (2 answers)
• Hi, I just graduated and am on OPT now, which expires next May. I want to invest one million to buy a company and apply for EB-5 green card for myself. Will I encounter any issue such as dual intent? (2 answers)
• My F1 visa was expired in June 2013 and I am staying in the U.S. right now. I filed my I-526 petition in February 2013 and am still waiting for the adjudicating result. Can I adjust my status here after the approval of my I-526 approval? Do I need to apply for OPT? (2 answers)
• I am the EB5 investor who is studying in US. My spouse and children are living in my home country. Can I apply for the conditional green card by the adjustment to status in the US and my spouse and child apply for their green cards via consular processing in my home country after my I-526 is approved? Thanks a lot! (2 answers)
• I'm currently on F-1 visa in United States and pursuing my Masters in Chemical engineering. I would like to obtain the green card through EB-5 investment. My dad is willing to spend the required amount of money in United States. My question would be that what is the procedure for investing the money, I mean how much money we can wire or if there is a way to invest in a certain business. Also does it matter what is the source of money that is being invested? If yes, then what are the good options to transfer that money? Apart from that would I still be able to get my green card if I invest my money with a foreign national in US who already has a green card (In Partnership but I will invest the required amount) ? Or do I have to invest the money separately and alone? Any help would be appreciated. (3 answers)
• What other roles (apart from filing I-526, I-485/CP, and I-829) can an immigration attorney play in order to help investor fulfills his goals? (3 answers)
• I intend to apply for EB-5 visa at Jan. 2014 and I have now B1-B2 visa valid until 2017. Can I enter USA (several times) at any time after I submit for I-526 using my B1-B2 valid visa until the approval of I-526 (I know it may take 6-12 months)? (3 answers)
• I had heard in a seminar that the investment funds of $500,000 for EB5 will be increased to $750,000 in September 2013. Is it true? (2 answers)
• When can I move to the U.S. during the EB-5 process? (3 answers)
• What immigration actions could bar me from obtaining EB-5? (3 answers)
• What documents are generally used to prove EB-5 source of funds if my parents are providing the investment funds for my investment? (2 answers)
• Should I have the same attorney for all EB-5 applications? (3 answers)
• How can a loan be used to supplement my EB-5 capital investment? (3 answers)
• How do you structure a gift of EB-5 funds? (3 answers)
• How can I set up a bank account to receive EB-5 funds? I will be frequently visiting the US but don't wish to be a permanent resident. I don't intent to be a permanent immigrant of USA as my projects are outside of USA. (3 answers)
• What tuition will my child pay as an EB-5 dependent? Do children of EB-5 holder can apply to any other state university other than their residence state? What will be the tuition fee? Whether he will be considered normal US citizen/student or as International student? Do he need to pay out-state tuition fee, and also provide other eligibility details (3 answers)
• What are the benefits of EB-5 escrow capital? ,Should we devote all my funds in the escrow account at one time? Or by installment? (3 answers)
• What determines where you can live with an EB-5 visa? (3 answers)
• I am interested in the EB5 visa for my family. I have many business obligations and do not have much time to spend on the visa application. I am speaking with many US lawyers to choose one for the process. How long does it take to file the I-526 form and how long until it gets approved. An estimate even. How long until I can move to USA? (2 answers)
• Once I get my I-526 approved, do I have to live in the United States permanently? All of my family is in China and I would like to be able to go back to visit them, as well as to check up on my business there. Do I have to wait a certain amount of time before I can leave the U.S./go on a vacation? Is there a limit on how long that trip can be? (2 answers)
• Do I have to meet someone in the embassy of my home country to get my temporary visa? Is there an interview? If there is an interview, what should I prepare? I'm not sure what the process is for a temporary visa and I would like to get to the U.S. as soon as possible. (2 answers)
• Can you make 10 investment of $100,000 to qualify for the $1 million investment overall? In other words, can you build a portfolio of qualifying investments in order to mitigate the risk of any one of these investments failing financially? (1 answer)
• I currently hold a B1/B2 visa and I'm seeking to create a new business in the US within the EB5 pilot investor program, specifically in the state of California. Can I proceed with the adjustment of status while I'm in the US or should I go back to my country of origin and proceed from there? How much time does it usually need to get an approval of the EB5 Visa ? (2 answers)
• I have already filed my I-526 but want to make changes to my business plan, is this possible? Will I have to re file a new I-526 or is there a way I can amend the one I have already filed? I do not want to delay the process any more than necessary. What is the fastest way to go about this? (2 answers)
• How can I invest Indian funds? (2 answers)
• How do I document inherited money? I can show my bank statements and my father's death certificate. Is this enough to prove lawful source of funds? (2 answers)
• How can I petition for my husband at a later time? Can I add only my children initially and then later when my husband can come I petition for him? If so, at what stage can I do this after the the conditional status is removed or before it is? And how long would such a petition take? (3 answers)
• How will leaving the U.S. affect my pending I-526? (2 answers)
• How do I choose an immigration lawyer? Can a foreign immigration lawyer represent me in my EB-5 process once I select a regional center? (2 answers)
• How can Canadians navigate EB-5? Are Canadians allowed to file adjustment of status (in our case from B2 status to conditional permanent resident under EB5), I thought the rule only prohibits people under Visa Waiver program. It does not mention Canadians. Can you please clarify? Is preconceived intent an issue for AOS? (2 answers)
• Can a person just file EB-5 for his wife and child since he can't file for himself because of work? If I invest the money, can my wife and child get the visa? Once my wife and child get their temporary green card, can I come to visit on a visitor's visa? (2 answers)
• What are the processing times for direct investment and regional center projects? (2 answers)
• Can I still file for the I-829 petition for Removal of Conditions if my family is out of the US? My mother is the primary applicant of my family's EB-5 visa (Regional Center Program). However, due to some limitations, all of my family, except me, has been outside the States for more than one year. (2 answers)
• What is the future of the tenant occupancy methodology? Does anyone know what happened to the Carlsson et al v. USCIS case that used the tenant occupancy methodology? Also what's the future of this methodology? (2 answers)
• How can an EB-5 investment be divided? I understand that EB-5 requires an investment of $1 million or $500k (TEA). Is this a one time investment that must occur before filing, or can this take place as a cumulative investment. And can this investment amount be divvied across multiple companies? (2 answers)
• How can an out-of-status person go through with EB-5? I entered U.S. legally as a student and I'm on my OPT right now. I'm thinking of starting a business here and I was wondering if I stay longer than my OPT "deadline" (in 2014), will I be able to go through EB-5 when I accumulate enough wealth? (2 answers)
• Audited or reviewed Financial Statements, which one makes Form I-829 easier to remove Conditions? Would CPA firm makes a difference? Is out-of-state CPA OK? (1 answer)
• How long does an EB-5 investor have to stay in the U.S? If an investor has EB-5 visa and conditional green card, does he/she need to stay in the US for a minimum number of days in the first 2 years in order to gain a permanent green card? How about his/her dependents? (2 answers)
• What do I do if my petition is denied? Our EB-5 was denied today. Would it be possible to get it approved if we sent more evidence or whatever else they need to get more information? Will they accept it? If we apply with another case and file again, is the process still 10 months or will the time be reduced because we already did a case before it? (2 answers)
• What happened if I waited a year and my I-526 still hasn't been approved? The USCIS website still shows the date of processing time as March 16, 2012. What does this mean? They haven't approved any I-526 file since that date or they are not updating the website? (3 answers)
• What is the usual procedure to compensate an attorney for legal fees? I am considering hiring an attorney to handle my EB-5 case and I was asked to wire transfer the legal fees into a trust account. Is this normal? (2 answers)
• What sources of funds are allowed for investing in a regional center? Can the source of funds for investing in a regional center be from selling my own house? (2 answers)
• Can I take a loan to make an EB-5 investment? If I borrow money from an American friend (who can prove that her funds are from lawful sources) or from a foreign company of which I own 20%, can I use the loan proceeds for my EB-5 investment? Also, if I am not in the U.S., do I still need to show $200,000 annual income for the past 3 years or $1 million in assets? (2 answers)
• What is the current processing time for the I-526 Petition, as of October 2013? Now that the EB-5 unit has moved from California to Washington DC., what is the current EB-5 processing time? What is the likely outlook for the next 6 months? Thank you. (2 answers)
• How will leaving the U.S. affect my pending I-526? I have been in the US for 2 months. My I-94 allows me to stay 6 months. However, I plan to leave after I file my I-526 at the end of this month. I plan to return 3-months later. My problem is, the dates on my current I-94 and the I-94 number will change when I come back and will be different from the I-94 info on my I-526 application. Is this a problem? Can I leave while my I-526 is pending and come back with a new I-94 stamp/ticket in my passport and adjust status with the new I-94? (2 answers)
• How can I adjust from an E-2 to an EB-5 visa? I live in England. If I buy a business in the U.S. with an E-2 visa and we like living in the U.S., can I then apply for an EB-5 visa whilst in the US running the current business on the E-2 visa? (3 answers)
• Can someone with a criminal record engage in an EB-5 investment program? I am Indian citizen. i have a criminal record against me in Australia 2009-10 (car insurance fraud). I was convicted for 6 months there and it has been 4 years now. I have two kids and both were born in Australia, but they have Indian passports because my wife was on student visa and I had a dependent visa during that time. I just want to know if I am eligible for this EB-5 visa program please guide me. Your kind help will be highly appreciated. Thank you. (2 answers)
• Does the applicant need to physically live in the United States for the entire EB-5 process? My cousin is interested in the EB-5 program to get U.S. citizenship, but he still lives in Iraq. He has a business there that he can leave more than a few times a year. (1 answer)
• Can I move a pre-existing company to the United States for EB-5? I have had my B1/B2 visa for 10 years. I am managing director and CEO of my own company, ATP PATHCARE LAB PVT LTD, in India, dealing in specialized diagnostic testing. I would like to apply for the EB-5 and register my company in United States. I have one spouse and 2 children younger than 12 years old. How can I begin the EB-5 process and how much does the whole process cost? Thank you. (2 answers)
• Can I use gifted funds to apply for EB-5? I am interested in investing in a regional center but do not have all the required funds. Is it acceptable that my uncle provides me with the money which he would show was legally obtained? Including the $500,000 gift, my net worth would add up to around $700,000 USD, would this restrict me for trying to apply for EB-5? I don't know if this is relevant but my uncle’s net worth is way above the $1 million mark. (1 answer)
• What experts should I consult for the EB-5 process? What sort of experts do I need to hire to help me with the EB-5 process? I know I should have an attorney but do I need an accountant or someone to help with a business plan too? Can my lawyer find me other experts or do I have to find them on my own? I am living in China, can I find people in my own country to help me, or do they have to be in the U.S.? I want to apply for the EB-5 visa but I don't know how to start. (1 answer)
• How do I verify international funds? I am currently a student on an F-1 visa. If my father from Hong Kong (Chinese citizen) wires me $1 million to apply for EB-5 what documents are needed to verify this? Is it even possible for me to apply for EB-5 if I have an F-1 visa? (2 answers)
• Can a U.S. citizen lend an EB-5 investor money? (2 answers)
• How can I bring my child from a previous marriage? My I-526 petition has been approved. My current wife and son will move to the United States with me. Right now, I would like to bring my other kid (under 21 years old) from my previous marriage to the United States also. Is this possible and how can I do it? (2 answers)
• Can a recent investment qualify for EB-5? We just bought a winery and undeveloped land recently, but it was before we knew about the EB-5 program. Would it be possible to use this investment for the EB-5 program if we apply right now? If not, what steps can we take to make this investment qualify? (2 answers)
• Does the entire investment need to be made at the time of filing? (2 answers)
• Do I need to be fluent in English to apply for EB-5? (2 answers)
• How do I transition from a temporary to permanent green card? (1 answer)
• What are the requirements for education and business experience? (2 answers)
• How does the USCIS determine "good health"? I have read that one requirement of the EB-5 program is that the applicant must be in "good health." (2 answers)
• How much time must be spent in the U.S. to obtain a green card? (2 answers)
• What is the best option to make up for a deficit of funds? I'm a citizen of Russia. I am looking to purchase a business worth $1,000,000 which would qualify for EB-5 visa. I have $400,000 of my own funds and can prove that it originated from a lawful source of funds. I can borrow the remaining amount of $600,000 from my friend who is American and can prove that the funds were obtained from lawful source of funds. The other options is to borrow the money from my cousin who is a citizen of Ukraine, who has a very good credit history and can take a loan of $600,000 from a bank for me. (2 answers)
• How does a child born during the EB5 process get a green card? (2 answers)
• What would happen if the EB-5 capital quota increases when my I-526 petition is still under review? (2 answers)
• How can I bring my spouse over if I get married during my application process? I have already submitted my I-526 application, is it already too late or is there something I can do? (2 answers)
• What are the overhead costs for an EB-5 visa? I will make an investment of $500k for the EB-5 visa. What are the legal fees for the processing of this visa (government fees) and an estimated professional fee for the process? How much should I be expecting to pay for both, direct investment and investment through a regional center? (2 answers)
• How do I establish residency after receiving my green card? Do I have to buy or rent a home? What other actions can I take to show that I intend to stay in the United States? (2 answers)
• How long does it take to get a response after appealing? My family's EB-5 case got rejected, even though we were confident and proved that we are qualified to be an EB-5 investor. Immigration miscalculated the investment fee when they were calculating the exchange rate from Taiwan NT to USD. We already transferred the right amount of money out, when the immigration said it wasn't enough. It has been about 24 days and we still haven't got a respond yet. We do have some history where our visa got rejected which was about two years ago. When my mothers E-2 visa expired and our renewal was rejected. Even if we are qualified for EB-5, are there other reasons where they can still reject us? (2 answers)
• How will a divorce affect permanent resident status? (2 answers)
• Can the child of an EB-5 investor remain in school even if I-829 is not approved? (2 answers)
• Is it possible to borrow from a person who takes out a loan? Can he obtain a bank loan, which would be secured by his apartment, and then I would borrow the money from him? He cannot provide any documents to prove a lawful source of funds, which were used for purchase of his apartment since it was 10 years ago. How can I assure that this source of income will be EB-5 eligible? (2 answers)
• When is the best time to apply for EB-5? (2 answers)
• Should EB-5 money be transferred in the United States or a foreign country? If my daughter is in the United States and I want to give half a million dollars to her, should I transfer the money in the United States or have her come back to her country and give her the money there? (2 answers)
• How long I have to wait for interview once NVC foward the case to councilor ? (1 answer)
• I ama Canadian and founder/owner of a highly successful venture (incorporated in Canada) valued in the $10MM pre-money. I am negotiating with some VCs in Silicon Valley for investment to the tune of $1MM. Is it possible that I invest the $1M raised into the company as at risk to meet the requirements of the Eb-5? Since I own almost all of the company. Would that be considered "at risk" investment? And it would create jobs in Silicon Valley. (1 answer)
• How can an Indian immigrant investor transfer funds more efficiently? I am from India and the remittance amount allowed is $75,000 per year. What are methods used by Indian eb-5 applicants to transfer the necessary $500,000 dollars? Can I open a bank account in the United States and transfer money yearly until I have a sufficient amount for investment, or is there another way for paying a regional center? (1 answer)
• Is an EB-5 investment period 5 years? From what i understand, foreign investors receive permanent residency status 24 months after the initial I-526 approval (assuming that the investment meets all criteria). However, there is also a 5-year period that the investment needs to be in compliance with, otherwise the EB-5 investor could have their residency status revoked. Can somebody explain the discrepancy please? (2 answers)
• What is the process for permanent residency to U.S. citizenship? (2 answers)
• How is Form I-551 related to my EB-5 investment? I am an EB-5 investor and I have successfully passed my immigrant visa interview in a foreign consulate. I was given an immigrant visa on my passport and on that visa I saw the following sentence: "Upon Endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidence permanent residence for 1 year". What does this sentence mean? What exactly is the I-551 and how does it affect my EB-5 status? I have landed in the United States. Can I leave this country temporarily for any reason? (1 answer)
• Can the funds used to purchase real estate qualify as part of the required capital? Instead of leasing a space and paying rent, can I buy a commercial space, say for $500K, and use the rest of the $500K to buy inventory etc. and operate the business? Would this meet the $1 million requirement? The business will occupy and use the newly purchased commercial space. Technically, real Estate investment is also "at risk", as it can go up or down in value. So I am wondering if this qualifies. (2 answers)
• How can I invest remotely in an EB-5 project as a student? I am currently a student in Boston and I am looking at making an investment in my friend's marketing company in NYC. What type of role do I need to have in the business and can I do this remotely? (I want to stay in Boston but have my investment in NYC.) (2 answers)
• Can family members adjust status while in different locations? After the approval of I-526, can one family member (a dependent), who's on F-1 visa, adjust her status in the United States by filing I-485 application, while others in the family apply for their green cards through consular processing in their home country? Will this cause any complications? (2 answers)
• When should I transfer capital into the new U.S. enterprise? Should I transfer the money immediately after establishing the company or do I have to wait for certain forms to be approved first? (2 answers)
• Can I file for advance parole after my I-526 is approved? I am currently a B1/2 visa holder in United States and my I-526 just got approved. When I file I-485, can I simultaneously file for advance parole? What do I need to do to file both of them at the same time? Also, if my advanced parole gets approved, does that mean I can return to my home country any time without running the risk of abandoning my I-485 filing? (2 answers)
• How does the I-526 backlog work? The USCIS website shows that CSC is still processing I-526 applications from Mar 2012. That is almost a 21 month backlog. Does it mean if I apply now, the processing time for I-526 is at least 21 months? How does that work? (2 answers)
• : What if USCIS denies my I-526 application but the investment was already made? According to USCIS, the requirement for I-526 is "the investment is at risk." Does that mean, for individual project, I have to invest the money first before filing the I-526 application? But in that way, what if USCIS denies the application? In that way, the business will not be setup yet. (2 answers)
• Can I apply for EB-5 while my company is generating income to fund the investment? I have a business that is on course to generate $500,000 within the next year. Do I have to wait until all that income is generated and in the bank before I apply for the EB-5? Or can I apply in the interim whilst my business is generating that income? (2 answers)
• Do I already need to have 10 employees at the time of initial investment? Should I create 10 jobs at the time of the initial investment? When does the clock for the new 10 jobs start ticking? Is there a test period for these 10 jobs prior I-829 filing? (2 answers)
• What EB-5 professionals should I consult before I apply? I plan to apply for the EB-5 visa and I want to have the best chance of being approved. I know that I should contact and hire immigration attorney, but what other EB-5 professionals are essential to the process? Also, what is the best way to find these professionals? (2 answers)
• What are the ownership requirements for investing in an existing business? I would like to invest half a million into a bakery that has existed since January 2013 and has suffered slight loss. Am I required to receive any percentage of shares? If so, is it 51% or more of the shares? Are there any other ownership requirements when investing in an existing business? (2 answers)
• How does deportation history affect EB-5? I was deported from the U.S. in 1995 trying to enter through Canada. I used to have a work permit but when I tried to enter in 1995 they refused it and deported me back to Canada through a court order. Now after 19 years I have gathered wealth and would like to apply for the EB-5 visa. (2 answers)
• What is the I-526 processing time for a direct investment? I am aware that if I go through regional centers, I would have to wait for about 12 to 16 months. (2 answers)
• How will my marriage date affect my family's green cards? I may get married after filing my I-526, and I may even have a child before I get the green card. If so, can they get a green card too if I get one? (2 answers)
• How will my juvenile record affect my EB-5 application? When I was 15 years old I received a reprimand (U.K. caution) and a few hundred bucks fine. (2 answers)
• When should an F-1 visa holder file the I-485? Shall I file I-485 right after the I-526 approval or maintain F-1 until my family's landing? During this period, can I travel internationally? (2 answers)
• Is it possible to adjust my status after submission of I-526? I want to know if I can apply for a green card through the 1-485 application for adjustment of status as an Irish citizen after submission of my 1-526 petition. I want to do this because my passport permits me to stay in United States for no more than three months at a time. (2 answers)
• When should I transfer capital into the U.S. enterprise? I am planning to establish an enterprise in the U.S. to apply for an EB-5 visa. What is the deadline for transferring the capital from my country to the U.S. enterprise after establishing the company in the U.S.? (1 answer)
• How can I use lottery winnings as a source of income? (2 answers)
• Can I bring my family into the U.S. before my EB-5 is processed? (2 answers)
• How can a Chinese investor transfer funds more efficiently? Is it okay to have friends or family to transfer funds for me? What type of professional should I speak to about this? (2 answers)
• How can I apply for EB-5 if I am out of status? I entered the country with F-1 visa in 1992, and have fallen out of status for a couple of years now. Would I be able to adjust my status if I invest in a business and apply for EB-5? (3 answers)
• How can I use U.S. financial institutions when applying for EB-5? For example, can an investor borrow money from a U.S. bank or open up a credit line for a business? (2 answers)
• How can I invest funds prior to visa approval? I am planning on a direct EB-5 investment in a franchised business such as McDonalds. How can one be expected to invest a majority of the investment requirement prior to visa approval? Is it possible to invest a smaller amount and demonstrate some type of commitment to invest the remaining amount subject to visa approval? (2 answers)
• Where are the employment-based I-485 cases generally processed at? Are all the employment-based I-485s adjudicated at the California service center? What is the current processing time? Will it be faster for an investor who has already had the I-526 approved to attend the interview in a foreign consulate instead of adjusting his/her status in the United States? (2 answers)
• What is the level of scrutiny by USCIS at the I-829 phase? For example, what issues may arise if the approved construction budget is roughly adhered to, but savings in one area of construction are applied to overages in another area of the construction budget? What steps might USCIS take if aspects of the construction budget runs over our original budget submitted to USCIS? (2 answers)
• How much money should I have in escrow to file and secure I-526 approval? I know I have to be in the process of investing, but what does this actually mean. I am afraid to commit my funds before I know if my I-526 will be approved. What else do I need for an I-526? (2 answers)
• How do I utilize EB-5 funds as an equity investor? I want to gain an understanding of the EB-5 investment program from an equity investors perspective. For example, in China, we are looking for equity investors to get a project started through a regional center. How can I find information such as: 1) How long does it take to acquire the funds for EB-5? 2) What proportion of a project makes up loan, equity and EB-5? I wish to make a return on investment rather than gain access to the United States. (2 answers)
• What happens to my investment if my I-526 is approved but my immigrant visa is denied? Will I get my investment fund refunded? What should I do to make sure I get my money back? (3 answers)
• How can I transfer funds from Sri Lanka? Have there been any EB-5 investors from Sri Lanka before and if so, how did they transfer money out? Also, I have been working in the UAE for 14 years and earned $4000 per month. I bought properties from the earning in Sri Lanka and I can sell it to earn the required $500,000. Would this be suitable for EB-5? (2 answers)
• Does my entire family need to be included in the EB-5 application? I am thinking about immigrating through EB5 investment, and my husband will stay at our home country to take care of his business. Do I need to submit a copy of the marriage certificate if my husband is not applying for a green card under my application? And will USCIS question my marriage status during interview if my petition is approved? (3 answers)
• Should I maintain my current immigration status? My I-526 just got approved. Should I maintain my F1 immigration status? What could happen if I take a three or four month break before filing my I-485 petition? Should I be concerned about staying at an F1 status for too long? (3 answers)
• Can I use retirement funds for EB-5? I have funds in a 401k retirement account. What is the process for using these funds toward an EB-5 investment? What kinds of penalties, if any, can I expect to pay? What should I keep in mind regarding the documentation of the legal source of my retirement funds, or other documentation? (2 answers)
• How long do I need to stay in the United States to keep my CPR status? How long do I need to stay in the United States each year to keep my conditional green card? My business is located in China, and I need to stay there for a long time. Also, how can my dependent go back to China to study without losing conditional permanent residency status? (3 answers)
• What is "Aging-out" issue in children of principal EB-5 investor? My child was 6 months short of 20 years old when my I-526 filed with USCIS. With current Processing times, he will be older than 21 years, and by the time we may get consulate interview to get visa he might be 22, and permanent green card 24+, etc. Would there be any concern in this regard which needs my special precaution care now? (2 answers)

Regional Center

• What is a Targeted Employment Area and why is it important? (10 answers)
• What is involved in an annual Regional Center compliance report? (3 answers)
• What is the process to become a designated Regional Center? (8 answers)
• What is an “at risk” direct investment? (5 answers)
• What is a Regional Center? (5 answers)
• Can my Regional Center take advantage of indirect job creation by my project outside my area of geographic scope? (2 answers)
• How will USCIS adjudicate I-829 petitions that seek to utilize indirect job creation outside the Regional Center's area of geographic scope? (2 answers)
• When is the next USCIS EB-5 stakeholders meeting? (4 answers)
• Other than China, where are the other 'hot' markets for EB-5 investors? (5 answers)
• Is there a fee required for I-526 exemplar filings? (1 answer)
• Where can I get a copy of the laws and regulations of the U.S. EB-5 Regional Center Program? (4 answers)
• What is the definition of "shovel ready" for EB-5 premium processing? (3 answers)
• did most of the investors in the past receive back most of their initial capital? (4 answers)
• From time of submission of an I-924 to USCIS, what is the typical time for acceptance or rejection? I am also curious if someone could tell me the typical Finders fees, incentive fees or commissions charged by Regional Center Promoters or agents and if that is typically on a preformance basis. (2 answers)
• Can an I-924 Regional Center DENIAL be appealed? How hard is it? Is it worth it? (1 answer)
• May a Regional Center continue to build upon initial projects with new projects, i.e. introduce new enterprises in addition to what was originally planned before RC designation? (2 answers)
• If an RC considered for 20 investors, absorbs sufficient investors in say 1st year, unable to have planned desirable start, it may happen early investors (whose clocks start ticking once entered US soil after getting I-526) fail in I-829 stage in 2 years due to lack of enough created jobs, while those who join later benefit from developed momentum and succeed in I-829. Is there any precautions? Can a specific project have mixed results when it comes to I-829 applications? (1 answer)
• When a Regional Center (RC) uses an escrow account for investors’ investments, can the money be held in escrow until the investor’s conditional immigrant visa is issued or only until the I-526 is approved? (1 answer)
• When an EB-5 investor's money provides some of the funds for a business, does the EB-5 investors get credit for all the jobs saved or created? (2 answers)
• How do I know what Regional Center to invest in ? (3 answers)
• Hi. According to USCIS, a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is defined as a high unemployment area OR a rural area. However, in the Department of Labor website of New Jersey: A Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is defined as: A rural or non-rural area that has experienced a high unemployment rate of at least 150 percent of the national average unemployment rate during a comparable 12-month period. Is there a discrepancy here? Thanks a lot for your clarification. (1 answer)
• Can a non-US Citizen be a partial owner of a Regional Center? I have been looking for this answer, but I am unable to find anything concrete. The scenario is such: a currently approved regional center is looking to amend its business plan and expand its geographic boundary. As part of the new plan, the regional center will be adding a non-us citizen as a partial owner and giving him a spot on the management team. This non-us citizen will not be investing in any of the projects and will solely be involved in the management, due diligence, and other general tasks required of the regional center. In some cases, I know the USCIS doesn't like to see foreigners owning a US company that is in charge of getting Visas for non-US Residents. However, in this case, is a non-US citizen allowed be a partial owner of a regional center, but not invest in the projects? Your answer if much appreciated. Thank You. (1 answer)
• How long do the 10 full time jobs need to exist, e.g., 1 year, 5 years? (1 answer)
• Is there a minimum time period or a typical time frame for the durration of the investment, i.e., when can the investor cash-out on their investment? (1 answer)
• How does a United States corporation find investors to invest in their company under the EB-5 status? (1 answer)
• How much capital needs to be initially deposited with the Regional Center? (2 answers)
• Which law firm offers the service of establishing a regional center? And approximately how much would it cost for this service? Thanks. (1 answer)
• Do you need to have an EB-5 Project in order to start your own Regional Center? I want to know the requirements to start a regional center myself, and if I need to have a project ready before applying to become a Regional Center? (1 answer)
• Why does I-924 takes from targeted 4 month to 9 month? What are the reasons for this delay? (1 answer)
• Do I submit my project directly to a Regional Center? I am a real estate developer in Indianapolis. I have a project in Chicago which will develop 50 new jobs and the project total cost is $10 million. (1 answer)
• Is it possible to pool EB-5 investments (from say, 2-3 dozen investors) together and structure them as a micro-VC or super-angel fund that makes investments in hi-tech ventures? What are the possible issues that one might run into? Also, does being a Regional Center or not affect the situation in any way? (1 answer)
• How do you go about using an EB5 Regional Center to fund a project, without becoming designated as a regional center yourself? I have a business in Colorado and have researched the EB5 program. Once I find a regional center whose designation I may use, who does the reporting to USCIS and do I have to do a business plan and economic impact study to work through the regional center. What does the Regional Center have to provide the USCIS with if a third part project is using its designation? (1 answer)
• I am looking to create a regional center where the jobs would be created in a variety of urban centers around the country. Can we do a regional center for the whole US? Or can jobs created outside the region be counted toward the 10? Or what is the best approach to that? Any insights would be appreciated. (1 answer)
• If using EB5 investor capital to buy an existing hotel, does this qualify for job creation? If not, what will be the best way to structure the acquisition in order to satisfy EB5 requirements? I have read that if assuming an existing entity then EB5 does not qualify unless the property is able to increase NOI or expand business. But what if a new LLC entity is created and used to buy the asset, does that qualify for EB5 requirements? (1 answer)
• What is the current market in China for marketing an EB-5 offering with an early release of escrowed funds prior to each Investor's I-526 approval? Is it necessary to wait for each Investor's I-526 to be approved before releasing their funds from escrow? Are there plausible compromise solutions such as 1. Waiting for the 1st I-526 approval from a subscriber before releasing all Investors' funds in escrow (to demonstrate USCIS project approval) and/or 2. Releasing a portion of the escrowed funds, such as 80%, and keeping the remaining 20% in escrow until each individual Investor's I-526 is approved (in order to have a reserve to repay Investors who have denied I-526s)? (1 answer)
• I have a company that is incorporated in Florida. However, my principal place of business is in Pennsylvania, and I don't do any business in Florida. Under these facts, is there a problem with the EB-5 program if I keep the Florida incorporation? (1 answer)
• Why do Regional Centers use mezzanine financing? Isn't mezzanine financing risky? (1 answer)
• Can a regional center, or those working on its behalf, charge a commission (i.e. 10%) on top of the $500,000 investment made by the person seeking the EB-5 visa? (1 answer)
• If our business plan is to build and open a hotel, what specifically can we count as an indirect job if we become a Regional Center? Do construction jobs count as direct or indirect? If we hire consultants, do those jobs count for the total of 10? Does it matter how many of the jobs we create are direct? (1 answer)
• My business currently works developing nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The EB-5 program looks to be a good way to get funds and investors for these kinds of projects. Would it be best to present my proposal to an existing regional center and collaborate with them or can I make my business a regional center? What is needed to become a regional center, is it ok if it's only a 1 year old business? Is all the hassle worth the RC authorization? (1 answer)
• Is the EB-5 Adjudications Policy Memorandum that was just released going to make it easier for potential Regional Centers to be approved or just making it easier for existing RCs to add new geographic locations and industries? Is the amendment process just being thrown out the window? (1 answer)
• I have an green energy project I've been trying to get up and running through EB-5. I need to count indirect jobs but it takes so long to get approved as a Regional Center so I could count them, I don't have the time. Can I buy a Regional Center? In the long run, is it better to buy a Regional Center or simply work in junction with one? (1 answer)
• Does USCIS provide any foreign investor leads to Regional Centers, i.e. when foreigners seeking Green Cards against investments make inquiries directly with USCIS, how does USCIS handle those inquiries; does it (1.) refer prospective investors to Regional Centers? If no (2.), what is the disposition of such inquiries? If yes (3.), what criteria is used to determine which Regional Center such inquiries will be referred to? Please provide, or point me toward a list of Features and Benefits (as well as negatives, if possible) of becoming a USCIS Regional Center. I operate a boutique hedge fund which conducts most of its business cross-border and have worked nearly exclusively on this basis for > 20 years. (1 answer)
• Assuming company headquartered in the US and majority shares held therein, might a Regional Center have the right to invest in projects outside US jurisdiction? (1 answer)
• I need to show that I have the 10 full time employees for EB-5, what qualifies as full time according to USCIS? I currently have 20 employees and they all work 30 hours a week. What paperwork do I need for each employee? (1 answer)
• As a regional center, to represent our projects to licensed overseas brokers, are we required to have a U.S. securities license? And if so, which series of license is required? (1 answer)
• I have a project that I believe qualifies for EB-5 investment. How do I go about advertising my project? (1 answer)
• We are currently looking at leasing a center while waiting for I-924 approval. We have heard that leasing-a-center can add additional delays to I-526 applications. Knowing that the first I-526 will have the business plan and economic analysis whether it's through our own center or one we lease, are there any extra delays to leasing-a-center as opposed to using our center once approved? It seems like the I-526 will go through the same process, whether is through a center we lease or though our own, so if we lease a center then we could potentially submit our first I-526 sooner than waiting for our center to be approved. It will be a year this December that our I-924 has been pending. (2 answers)
• I am interested in finding a location to open a business for a direct EB-5 investment and I would like to do it in a TEA so my investment can be lower. How do I find out where the TEA's are in a given state? Is it public record or is that something I need to calculate myself? (3 answers)
• We do community care business, we serve developmentally disabled and mental illness clients. And we accepted 2 EB-5 investments already. 1. Is it possible we can be a regional center? 2. Do our facilities need to be in a TEA area if we are a regional center? 3. Can we be a regional center before we control any facilities? Thanks (2 answers)
• Is the particular city and state in which I am interested in developing my business a TEA? (2 answers)
• I have a Regional Center in Florida. Can I sell it? (3 answers)
• How are full time equivalent positions counted by USCIS in an EB-5 visa? (3 answers)
• If a project requires bank financing along with EB-5 investor capital how do you present the EB-5 capital to the bank, or structure the project to consider EB-5 capital as equity into the project? Do banks consider the EB-5 capital as a loan since it’s not secured? By utilizing and counting EB-5 capital we are trying to achieve bank financing LTC of less than 55% per project! (2 answers)
• Our non-profit works as a business accelerator and we give grants to entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable ideas. We would be interested in attracting foreign investors in our area and would like to become an EB-5 Regional Center. Could you tell if we could qualify? (2 answers)
• Does construction of my EB-5 project have to last at least 2 years? It requires only one year for construction. So we are wondering whether it will qualify for the EB5 standards? (2 answers)
• How can EB-5 serve asset light companies? It looks like most are development projects that are perceived to be a safer for the investor. I have an asset light healthcare service company and am wondering if the EB-5 program would be an option to raise capital to fuel growth plans. (2 answers)
• How do payments work for immigration lawyers? I have an EB5 project that I am looking to make plans for. I want to find a lawyer who can help make plans, verify through economists that things will work, and get the project in front of the right people. (2 answers)
• What is the definition of "relative" in regards to the 10 job requirement? My client would like to hire two extremely distant cousins (through marriage), for which he wants me to form an LLC. Would they be included in the 10 minimum job requirement? (1 answer)
• Is there a premium processing alternative available through the USCIS for EB5 regional center applications? (1 answer)
• How do I find EB-5 investors? I am looking for multiple investors for a large project in Tennessee. It is in the hospitality industry. What do I need to do as the person "looking" for the investors? How do I find these EB-5 investors? (2 answers)
• How can I form a regional center without the start-up capital? I have been reading and have found that the start-up costs for an EB-5 Regional Center are between $75,000 - $175,000. I have a great concept for a project for a regional center and have some possible EB-5 investors lined up, but unfortunately I do not have the amount of capital that is needed to form a regional center. I have approximately $15,000 and am looking for a law firm that would work on contingency or on a deferred payment basis. If you can refer me to someone it would be highly appreciated. Thanks. (2 answers)
• How is an EB-5 investment distributed in projects? I am asking this question from a company located on Oklahoma State University’s campus and we are very interested in the EB-5 program. We provide a lot of financing for university research-based start-ups and are taking a look at the EB-5 program as a potential source. In order to better inform our board of directors about the program, we are searching for some information on the breakdown of the total investment into the United States from the program. For example, what percentage of the funds goes to strictly just project financing, “bricks and mortar” projects so to speak? How much of the funds actually go to start-up companies, or what percentage of the funds are used to actually start a company? I have been searching for this information and was wondering if you had any insight on the topic, or maybe could point me in the right direction as to where I could find it? (2 answers)
• I am a real estate agent and have a chinese investor that wants to participate in EB-5 program, either via a regional center or direct investment. Is it legal for me to make a commission on the funds contributed to the regional center? If so, what is standard practice on fees paid? (1 answer)
• How does an EB-5 investor get paid? Who pays the investor back? Is it the developer or regional center who pays the investor? What is the process like? (2 answers)
• What is the process to setting up a regional center? . I understand that the money comes in before the investors application is sent in. Can the project use this or does it have to wait until the investor obtain the visa? (2 answers)
• When can a project use the investment capital? Can the project use this or does it have to wait until the investor obtains the visa? This would severely delay most projects. (2 answers)
• How can EB-5 funds be shifted to a different project? If EB-5 investments were successfully transferred to a regional center and their initial project fell through, are those funds allowed to be used on a different project? Would they return to the investor and would they have to start the whole application process again? (2 answers)
• What are the responsibilities of a regional center sponsor and project developer? (2 answers)
• What responsibilities or liabilities does the U.S. contractor take on by becoming involved with an EB-5 recipient? (2 answers)
• How do I apply for a regional center that covers multiple states? (2 answers)
• How can I count construction jobs toward the 10 job requirement? I am considering investing in a hotel for my EB-5 investment. The hotel would be built from scratch and would require many workers for construction that will probably be employed for many years to constantly improve the structure. (2 answers)
• Does an entire business have to be in a TEA to qualify for lower investment? (2 answers)
• How to get TEA designation in California city? The project will be in a small city in Santa Barbara County with a population of five thousand residents per the Census. The city is not designated a TEA by the CA state government to our knowledge. The city is not listed as one of the four cities in Santa Barbara county in California's List of Designated Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Counties and Cities. Based on the city's census tract, the city is not a designated high unemployment census tract using CA's list of 2012 unemployment data. The city's census tract is not directly bordering another city’s census tract per the 2010 census tract map of Santa Barbara County on census.gov. (2 answers)
• What if two regional centers use the same project? I applied for my regional center in June 2013. USCIS estimated the approval time at 9-13 months. So, I leased a different Regional Center for the project that I filed my I-526 petition with. My own regional center is using the same project, so my question is, can two different regional centers use the same project and will I have any issues at 829 stage if I use my own regional center but the same project? (2 answers)
• How is the unemployment rate determined in an EB-5 TEA? What is the definition of unemployment or how is the unemployment rate determined in a targeted employment area? (2 answers)
• What is Matter of Ho and how does it affect my EB-5 investment? I am interested in applying for the EB-5 program and during my research, I have read that my project must be Matter of Ho compliant. What exactly is the Matter of Ho and how can I ensure that my project meets that requirement? (2 answers)
• How can I list my company for an EB-5 project? I have a company based in Atlanta with 160 employees. I am considering forming a separate entity in the same industry. The plan would be to grow it and sell within 3-5 years as a way to cash out without selling my current company. Creating 10 jobs is very easy and can be done within 6 months. Is EB-5 a good option for me? It clearly would be for the person(s) seeking return and immigration. How can I begin seeking EB-5 investors for this project? (2 answers)
• How can I find equity sources for my EB-5 project? Would using an equity source instead of debt be better for EB-5? (2 answers)
• Does a regional center have to own the new commercial entity for EB-5? I was wondering how would I set up a non-profit regional center and channel investment money into the for-profit new commercial entity? Does the regional center have to own the new commercial entity, or can they be separate entities as business affiliations? (2 answers)
• How do I establish relationships with brokers? My company has recently been designated as a Regional Center by USCIS and is seeking to establish relationships with brokers and/or attorneys, as appropriate, in order to facilitate introductions with potential investors. (2 answers)
• Do regional centers make any profit off the investments? If so, do they make profit off a fixed percentage or is there a flat rate for every completed project? (2 answers)
• What are the sources of revenue for regional centers? Assuming the Private Placement Memorandum states that the expected return is say 3 percent. Is it legal for the New Commercial Enterprise (NCE) to loan the investors capital to a Job Creating Entity (JCE) at 5 percent and retain the difference of 2 percent for itself after providing the investor with his return? (2 answers)
• How do I obtain a request for qualifications for a regional center? I am affiliated with a local economic development organization that is interested in becoming an EB-5 Regional Center. We have done a fair amount of research around the program and would now like to put out a request for qualifications. Is there generally a standard format for such a request? What type of information would I need for a request for qualifications? (2 answers)
• How can I sell my regional center? I would like to sell a licensed regional center located in the southeast part of the United States. How would I start the process of selling it? What is the best way to find a broker or perhaps an interested buyer? (2 answers)
• How does USCIS determine if jobs have been preserved? I’m curious how USCIS interprets the preservation of jobs if EB-5 funds save a troubled business. Do they essentially look at an econometric study to see how many jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) the troubled business has and see if those jobs are maintained? What else do they do? Also, how does the investor and the regional center fit into the definition of “successors in interest to the troubled business?” (2 answers)
• What is the general cost of becoming a regional center, including fees related to hiring an attorney, economist, business plan writer and web developer? (3 answers)
• Does USCIS audit contractors at the I-829 stage? At the I-829 stage, does USCIS audit third party general contractors that were hired by the project? What would this audit entail? What objections could USCIS have if a partner in the project also owns the general contracting company, and if the general contracting company made a profit? What should I keep in mind as I document these profits? (2 answers)
• Can the EB-5 project have employees work in a non-TEA? I was wondering if my project would still quality as being in a TEA if my employees do most of their work in a non-TEA. For example, if I had a cleaning company with headquarters in a TEA, but with employees who worked mostly on cleaning buildings in non-TEAs, what problems could that cause? What do I need to know about EB-5 and TEA guidelines? (3 answers)

Tax

• If I am already in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status, what are the tax implications for me if I receive my $500,00 as a gift from my family overseas? (5 answers)
• How much does the IRS tax EB-5 investments? (3 answers)
• When will the applicant need to pay US tax? - once the applicant gets approval for I-526 - once the applicant receives Conditional Green Card - once the applicant gets approval for I-829 - once the applicant receives Permanent Green Card (1 answer)
• What is my tax residency start date? Is it at first physical presence in the U.S. on the EB-5 visa, date of issuance of EB-5 visa following consular processing, or after approval of I-526 from USCIS? (2 answers)

Regional Center Project selection

• What is the definition of a 'troubled business'? (7 answers)
• How should I focus my Regional Center search? Should I only consider Regional Center's that have approved I-829's? (5 answers)
• Can a member of the Communist Party still make a Regional Center investment? (4 answers)
• What are the benefits of investing in Regional Center projects? And what are some financial risks involved with Regional Center investment projects? (4 answers)
• What questions should EB-5 Investors ask in a Due Diligence regarding an EB-5 project? (3 answers)
• What questions should EB-5 Investors ask to do Due Diligence of a Regional Center ? Will a Regional Center company and principals be in business in the future for Removal of Conditions? (2 answers)
• I want to do due diligence on the Regional Centers before making a decision to invest. This would include visits to the facilities and the management staff in the United States. How do I get a visa to enter the USA for these inspections? I live in Vietnam. (3 answers)
• Why does the Regional Center require fees from investors above the required amount of investment? Are they just ripping me off? (4 answers)
• If I invest through a Regional Center, does that mean I only have to invest $500,000? (6 answers)
• Can "Limited Partnership" be considered as a kind of security against possible higher inflation rates in next 5-6 years in the US, if the invested RC project proves to be a commercially healthy entity. In other words, if invested business market value match or exceeds inflation, can investor benefit from his/her investment at the end of investment period by at least getting day's equivalent of initial $500k investment? (2 answers)
• What are some of the newly approved Regional Center projects? And what Regional Centers have 829 approvals? I believe CMB, Vermont & Seattle do, but who else? Any insight would be great! (1 answer)
• How do I know which Regional Center to invest in to get my Green Card? (5 answers)
• I have a school investment project that I would like to make into an EB5 project to attract foreign investors. Who should I contact other than the regional centers? Also, which regional center should I select for this school? The school is located in New York State. But there are quite several regional centers to choose from. Thanks. (2 answers)
• This makes everything so comepltely painless. (1 answer)
• I want to hire an independent financial advisor well versed in EB5 regulations to help do the due diligence for me (investor) and to advise on the selection of appropriate regional center and one of their affiliated projects. I talked to a couple of advisors I found through Google search and also looked up some on this site's list of advisors. My concern is that they get their commision from the regional centers and in some cases also represent regional centers to secure funding from investors. I see that as a conflict of interest and double dipping if they are charging both the investors and the RCs. How can one find a truly independent advisor and how one knows if he/she is not being compensated to give undue favored ranking/recommendation for a RC that pays higher finder fees as opposed to ones that are really competitive in terms of past results and current project potential? (1 answer)
• Do some regional centers charge a lesser fee from investors who approach them directly as opposed to through an agent/advisor? This is because in the first case, they don't have to pay the commissions/finder fee/advisory fee/or marketing fee to the intermediary i.e. less mouths in the transaction. What regional centers do that? (1 answer)
• Also if there a central and reliable source of data for all regional centers and projects with their fees listed and also with their past records of successes with the petitions/investor's capital preservations/ROIs etc? In the absence of such a record, one then must rely on the RC's own posted data that could be inaccurate. How is one to verify their past claims/records ? I would like to avoid going one by one through the hundreds of RCs for that data. (1 answer)
• What is the benefit of investing in an EB-5 Regional Center as opposed to going with a direct investment in an EB-5 project? (1 answer)
• If you invest in a project that purchases and then expands an existing business by more than 40%, can you count the business's existing jobs to meet the job creation requirement? (1 answer)
• The EB-5 project I invested in failed. No jobs will be created and I lost all of the administrative fees. My child is turning 21 soon, will my I-526 petition under the failed project be denied by USCIS? Is it possible that USCIS allows me to maintain my priority date while I transfer my case to another viable EB-5 project without resubmitting the I-526 again? Are there precedent cases governing transferring a case from a failed project to the viable one without re-filing? I do not want to pay another filing fee and legal fee when my source of funds petition is essentially the same. Do I have to withdraw my petition from the failed project and resubmit another I-526 petition under the new EB-5 project? If so, how can I still include my child as derivative under my application? (2 answers)
• Can a Regional Center qualify for $500,000 investors if it is does not meet TEA designation? (2 answers)
• What are the agency fees that Regional Centers charge? Does the minimum 1 million investment change depending on the projects? Which is to say, the minimum requirement might be higher for some projects? Thanks a lot. (1 answer)
• I have a project but I don't want to wait a year or so to get a regional center designation. Can I purchase an existing one? Would I need an immigration lawyer to help me in the transaction if its possible? (1 answer)
• How can a business attracts EB-5 investors? And what would the first step be if a business would like to become a Regional Center? I have a Property Management company which deals with buying of properties and turning them into an income producing product. (1 answer)
• I was told that hospitals are attractive investments for regional centers, because of the stability and numbers of jobs created. We are planning a new Children's hospital and wanted to know if we could use this program to raise capital. (1 answer)
• I would like to develop a parcel of land in Torrance into a shopping center but Torrance is not in TEA. Can I get multiple investor for my development? If yes, does each one of them need to be in their own individual entity to hire the required 10 employees or I can put them all in one company as director? Say if I get $5 million from 5 different investors for EB5, how does that work? (1 answer)
• Are there any companies/organizations that can help me find smart places to invest my capital? How would I go about finding these investment options? (1 answer)
• I want to invest in a troubled business. I know that in a troubled business an investor is supposed to maintain the number of employees that the business had before the investment was made. If I maintain the number of employees but replace them with my own employees (all of whom can legally work in the US), am I in violation of the EB-5 program for troubled businesses? The relevant regulation (8 CFR 204.6(j)(4)(ii)) does not give me clear guidance on this issue. Thank you very much for your help. (1 answer)
• We are currently working to raise funds for a real estate development project and would like to find out more about the project's EB-5 investment possibilities. The project is a $30 million, 30 acre Planned Unit Development with residential units, an Inn and Conference center, two drystack buildings, a marina and single family lots. We are looking to raise up to $22 million. How would we go about attracting EB-5 investors? (1 answer)
• My main goal is the preservation of my capital. What are the chances that the regional center does not return the principal? Do regional centers return the full principal I've invested with them at the end of the 5 or 6 year period? How often do they fail and how can I find the regional center which has no failure record? (1 answer)
• I plan to set up a franchised restaurant in a TEA. Will the amount invested in a purchased property in a strip mall count towards the $500,000 investment requirement? (1 answer)
• I own a franchised California Restaurant chain, 50 years old, and we currently have 5 profitable locations. We're looking to expand with another 100 locations. Are we able to qualify for EB-5 investments since we are an existing company but not a regional center? Can we have more than one restaurant project at a time if we get the funds? (1 answer)
• I am an investor and I recently purchased a restaurant that was established in 1985. The restaurant was closed down before I bought it, and all of its employees were discharged. I have recently re-opened the restaurant under a new corporation, but with the same DBA. I have also re-hired many of the old employees that were previously discharged. This is in a non-regional center area. First, for purposes of EB-5, is this restaurant now considered a new business created after 11/29/1990? Second, since I hired back many of the old employees, will they or will they not count as new hires for job creation purposes? Thanks so much. (1 answer)
• I will buy a company worth 1.500.000 usd. I will pay 500.000 for 51% of the shares but I will complete this payment within 4 years. Still can I be within EB-5 visa program? Thanks (1 answer)
• I am in the process of buying a store which is about $500,000 and i will be putting down half of that as down payment and the rest would be a financed. I would like to know if this investment would qualify for an EB-5 visa? (1 answer)
• I am planning to purchase an existing running business to obtain a visa via the direct EB-5 route. Do I need to maintain employment of 10 workers or do I need to create additional employment for 10 workers? Thank you for your help! (2 answers)
• I have been arranging construction loans in California for 35 years. Because of changes in real estate market I have high demand for constructions loans. Those are private loans secured by real estate and arranged by licensed California broker (also called "Hard Money Loans"). Loan amounts range between $1,000,000- $20,000,000. The loans are typically for 18-60 months. The loans creates new jobs. I estimate that for each $1 million invested, about 20 new job positions are being created, it can be documented. The return on investment is 5%-11% depending on the project and it fairly very secured. Could these investment opportunities qualify as a viable project for an immigrant investor and if so, is it likely that investors would be interested in such a business plan? (3 answers)
• I'm in the process of launching 2 companies and have an existing business. I was wondering what would be required of me as a business owner in order to complete the process with an EB-5 investor? Do I need a business plan? Financials? etc. (3 answers)
• Does the person who invests the $500,000 receive anything if the business makes profit? What does the investor receive other than the visa? Where does the profit go? (2 answers)
• How do investments in franchises usually work for places like: Dunkin Donuts, Panera, McDonalds or a Gas Station such as: Exxon or BP Gas? (3 answers)
• What will happen if the EB-5 project that I invested in fails? (3 answers)
• What do I need to qualify my business for EB-5? (3 answers)
• What qualifies as a new business in EB-5? (3 answers)
• How can I get EB-5 investors to invest in my current ongoing business? (3 answers)
• How do I choose a reliable project? I’m currently interested in EB-5 investments at a regional center, but there are more than 200 projects running at the moment. How should I choose one so I know that the project is reliable and that I won’t lose my investment? (2 answers)
• How do I choose a reliable project? I’m currently interested in EB-5 investments at a regional center, but there are more than 200 projects running at the moment. How should I choose one so I know that the project is reliable and that I won’t lose my investment? (1 answer)
• Can I invest in a home building business and be able to get a green card through the EB-5 program? (2 answers)
• What kind of projects do EB-5 investors most commonly invest in? I am working on getting investments for an EB5 project in Los Angeles, where I would be running a production company, but I am having a lot of people tell me that my risks are too high. (2 answers)
• Does buying a company with my own equity plus financing count for EB-5? (2 answers)
• How can I guarantee a green card for my EB-5 investor? (1 answer)
• What are some suggestions on direct EB-5 businesses that work? I understand the funds must be "spent". What if the business is not capital intensive? ex. janitorial services, call center etc. How can I prove the funds are "at risk"? (2 answers)
• What are the long-term results of an EB-5 investment? If I invest in a project with one company the $500,000 minimum needed for an EB-5 investment visa, what will happen to my money? 1. How long it will keep stay with the company? 2. Does it return to me? 3. Do I invest in the project or do I invest in the company? 4. If the stock of this company goes down and the project which I invest in grows, what will happen to my investment? 5. What is the minimum time for investment? (2 answers)
• What are the conditions of a co-investment and a joint-venture? 1. Can 2 individuals co-invest with 1 million USD each in a project? Will the project need twice the employee hired?? 2. Would a joint-venture with a U.S. corporation be allowed? Many thanks in advance. (2 answers)
• How many active, reputable projects are in Florida? I live in Sao, Brazil and looking to come to the United States with my wife and daughter. I'm looking for a project in Florida because we are moving there for my daughter to study in high school. Can you tell me how many active projects are in Florida? Also, who has a good reputation there? (1 answer)
• Do older franchises count for EB-5? I would like to invest in a Carl's Jr Restaurant, does a new franchise Carl's Jr qualify as a new enterprise even though the original was established in 1941 and franchising began in 1984? (2 answers)
• How do I choose an EB-5 project? I was considering making an investment for the EB-5 visa, but I was not sure if I should just directly invest in a project or go through a regional center. What are the pros and cons of each method and what should I be looking for when trying to choose a project? Also, is a regional center's track record important in choosing a project? (1 answer)
• Can I invest in multiple EB-5 projects? Is there a way to invest the USD $500k to qualify for a EB-5 visa by investing USD $100k in 5 different qualified projects? Is there such kind of diversification of risk possibility? (1 answer)
• What are my options for involvement in my EB-5 project? I am looking to invest in a business through the EB-5 program in order to receive my green card and move to the United States. I currently have a business to run in my home country so I cannot be actively involved in the EB-5 project. (2 answers)
• What type of project should I use when applying for a regional center? When filing an application for a regional center, is it better to use a hypothetical project or an actual project? (2 answers)
• What are the restrictions of the job creation requirement? I am investing in a new direct EB-5 venture. My co-investor, who is a US citizen, and myself are both members of the LLC. If my co-investor is a salaried employee of the LLC, can he also be counted as part of the 10 jobs needed? Since we are planning to start the business before my visa is approved, can the business plan show that the jobs will be created within three years rather than two years, since it will take about a year for my visa to be approved? (2 answers)
• Does buying a company's stock count as an investment? Also, does a lease commitment for a year count as money at risk? How does stock count as at risk? (2 answers)
• Is it easier to invest in a new business or a troubled business? I would imagine that a new business would be riskier, but how difficult is it to prove that an investor has helped save 10 jobs? Which requirements are easier to fulfill? (2 answers)
• How can I buy a closed business and make it a qualifying business? I want to invest $500,000 in United States for the EB-5 visa. I want to know if I buy closed business, with property, and restart it with a new franchise ( i.e buying a closed gas station and turning it into a 7/11 franchise) would it be the best option to obtain the EB-5 visa? Would this qualify as rescuing a troubled business or would this be considered a new business? (2 answers)
• How can I invest into a U.S. LLC then transfer the money into a project? I would like to purchase an existing business in the U.S. For some liability consideration, can I first transfer my investment money into a U.S. LLC wholly owned by me, and then transfer my investment from this LLC to the existing business? How can I do this? How would this affect the processing of the EB-5 visa and filming the I-526? Would it make showing the source of funds more difficult? (1 answer)
• How can I invest into a U.S. LLC then transfer the money into a project? I would like to purchase an existing business in the U.S. For some liability consideration, can I first transfer my investment money into a U.S. LLC wholly owned by me, and then transfer my investment from this LLC to the existing business? How can I do this? How would this affect the processing of the EB-5 visa and filming the I-526? Would it make showing the source of funds more difficult? (1 answer)
• What are the issues with residential real estate EB-5 projects? I am considering an investment in a developer who will purchase land and construct 150 residential homes on the land over a two year period. and I want to know what are the issues that you've seen with such projects. Why aren't there many of these projects as opposed to hotel development? (2 answers)
• What limitations are there on the amount of EB-5 capital allowed for a project? Are there any limitations on the percentage of EB-5 capital used to fund a project? If there are limits, what is the law that states those restrictions? If I successfully create a business with less than 500,000k, do I still have to invest the rest of it into the business? (2 answers)
• Does a company need to have a physical presence to qualify for EB-5? In my country, I have established a company that is purely online and has no office or physical location. My workers work remotely and I save money by not having to pay rent. If I were to apply for an EB-5 visa, would my company need to have a physical presence in the United States? Could I run the company online and hire U.S. workers and have them work remotely from home? What would be the best way to have an online business qualify for EB-5? (2 answers)
• How can I manage my business before my I-526 is approved? Currently, I am in the United States on an F-1 visa, and I would like to make an investment in a TEA. If I make an investment and do not run the business until my application is approved, I will incur prohibitively high expenses. However, since I do not have work authorization, can I hire a manager who will manage the company temporarily? Also, if I have some rental properties in the United States, does it constitute a violation of F-1 requirements (for not having work authorization)? (1 answer)
• Does the entire EB-5 business have to be established at once? I'm planning to do an individual EB-5 investment in 2014. The idea is to set up a group LLC constituted by 2 stores in one or two TEA areas. But in order to lower the risk and meet the requirements for 10 full time employees, I'm considering opening one store first, then opening the other one in 12 months from the first opening. The total investment would be $500,000. Would this plan qualify for the EB-5 program? What are the legal risks or problems associated with a plan like this? (2 answers)
• How can I find active EB-5 projects? (2 answers)
• How do I choose between direct or RC investment? I am on the fence on whether I should continue reviewing these EB5 projects that are extremely one-sided towards the developer or look into maybe acquiring a franchise. (2 answers)
• How can I get multiple opinions on EB-5 projects? I'm worried about signing with 1 lawyer as his/her projects will be limited. Also how do you ensure the lawyer is not financially motivated from providing investors to the project? (2 answers)
• What is the standard for loan repayment? I am looking at EB-5 project information. One project states the EB-5 fund repayment: "with an expectation for loan repayment in 5 years—with a 1 year option." What does this mean? (2 answers)
• Is it easier to invest in a project with multiple investors or by myself? Does the processing time differ for EB-5 projects that have multiple investors versus projects created by one investor only? Is it more simple, legally, if I invest in my own project rather than with other investors? (2 answers)
• How do I submit an investment project proposal to a regional center? I have an idea for an investment project that I would like to use EB-5 funds for. What can I do to increase the chances of it being accepted? (3 answers)
• How does prepayment of debt investment work? I work for a hotel developer considering EB-5 financing as an alternative to other sources of capital. My understanding is that to satisfy at-risk requirements, an EB-5 loan made to a developer through a regional center can't be repaid before investors receive visas typically three to five years from the time of investment. Why is this prepayment prohibition in place? How does it work in practice? Is there a prohibitive prepayment penalty in the loan agreement, or is it something else? (2 answers)
• How can I invest in two businesses? I want to invest in an area of the United States with a minimum $1 million investment requirement, but I want to invest in two business, with a $500,000 investment in each business. How can I invest in both businesses to meet my $1 million minimum investment amount? What problems might I face? (3 answers)
• How can I transfer my business to the United States for EB-5? I am an indie mobile application and game developer from Bangladesh. I have the necessary $500,000. How can I apply for the EB-5 visa in a TEA by shifting my sole proprietorship application and game business to the United States? What would the procedure be, and how long would it take? Would I have to hire 10 new workers, in addition to the ones I will be bringing over with me? What other requirements will I have to fulfill? (3 answers)
• How can I find regional center investment projects? I want to invest in a regional center. What are the steps to finding feasible regional center investment projects that are open now? What are some good sources for finding projects? What else should I know? (3 answers)

Visa Selection Process

• What makes the EB-5 Visa program different from the L-1 (manager transfer) or E-1/E-2 (Treaty /Investor)? (3 answers)
• What are some of the benefits of a Green card? (3 answers)
• Who should consider an EB-5? (7 answers)
• If I purchase a large apartment community and employ 10 people to run the property under direct EB-5 program, would I qualify for the EB-5 Visa. (2 answers)
• What is the difference between Regional Center and a direct investment? What are the pros and cons of each. Can the EB-5 investor be limited in the legal exposure/management of the project, such as is often the case defined by being a limited partner in an indirect EB-5 investment through a Regional Center? (1 answer)
• I currently have the money to invest but I am not in a position to run the company I invest in. Does this make me a good candidate for another program? (1 answer)
• How can I use E-2 visa to expedite EB-5 visa? (2 answers)
• For EB5 investor, Equipment & Machinery are intended to be part of the capital. What could be evidence of the fair value of such 'Equipment & Machinery' USCIS is seeking for? (1 answer)
• Can I transition from an L-1 visa to an EB-5 visa using the newly created business? (1 answer)
• Are any countries excluded from the EB-5 program? (2 answers)
• How does the I-539 application affect an EB-5 application? Would it be easier to change my I-539 application to request a green card or apply for an I-526 by using most of my savings and 401K funds? Which method to stay in the United States would be more cost effective and have a higher likelihood of success? (2 answers)
• Can I use the EB-5 Program to obtain capital for an online company? We are looking to expand and would like to be able to hire additional employees for development and expansion. Most interested in direct investment versus a regional center. (2 answers)
• Can a foreigner obtain an EB-5 visa on venture capital raised in the United States? I am a foreign national and the sole shareholder of a C Corp which has attracted an investment of $5 million from a venture capital group at $20 million valuation. We would be hiring lots of people in Chicago and Cleveland for our venture. Since the investment would be done locally and I would be the reason for such investment, can this investment and resulting employment be used to obtain an EB-5 visa for myself? (2 answers)
• How can I apply for EB-5 while being under asylum in the United States? (2 answers)
• What is the typical success rate for getting a green card through EB-5? (2 answers)

Securities

• One of the US Based running company is going to start New project in Village area where unemployment rate is high.For the same project, they are coming up with public issue. If I will invest $500,000 as equity capital by way of sponsorship from relatives (treat as unsecured Loan) in this company's new project, Do I qualify for EB-5 category? My source of funds is through unsecured loan from relatives. Do USCIS allow this? Group of Investors who want to invest more than $ 100 millon collectively but they don't need GC under EB-5. They are only interested in Profits from these investment. Under this scenerio,Do all these investor's investments allow my EB-5 visa eventhough my investements are though loans taken from these group of investors? pls advise. (1 answer)
• One of the US Based running company is going to start New project in Village area where unemployment rate is high.For the same project, they are coming up with public issue. If I will invest $500,000 as equity capital by way of sponsorship from relatives (treat as unsecured Loan) in this company's new project, Do I qualify for EB-5 category? My source of funds is through unsecured loan from relatives. Do USCIS allow this? Group of Investors who want to invest more than $ 100 millon collectively but they don't need GC under EB-5. They are only interested in Profits from these investment. Under this scenerio,Do all these investor's investments allow my EB-5 visa eventhough my investements are though loans taken from these group of investors? pls advise. (1 answer)
• I am intending on submitting a direct EB-5 project. My attorney informed me that a PPM is required to meet the SEC exemption requirement. However, I am not offering to sell securities to any other foreign investors. I am the business owner and the only investor in my project. Do I still need to submit the private placement memo and claim exemption with the SEC? (2 answers)
• How can I become an accredited investor? (2 answers)
• What are the expected returns for investors? I was wondering what percentage investors are typically expecting as a typical rate of return on their investments? Also, is it straight line interest, expressed as a percentage of equity of the project, or a preferred return? Do most EB-5 projects generally make a profit for their investors? (2 answers)

Other Visas

• Can you convert a B1 Visa to an EB-5 Visa? (1 answer)
• How long will it take to get an EB-5 if I have a B1/B2 visa? (2 answers)
• I'm 19 years old and i want to invest more than 1 million USD in the US in real estate and film finance, but i want to continue my education in the same time. Who are the experts I need to contact because my knowledge about investing is not enough to go with this money, right? Should i get a business education or trust in the management team that I'll get and let them manage my investments, or is managing my investments by myself better? (1 answer)
• How will my OPT expiration affect my adjustment of status after my recently-approved I-526 Petition? (2 answers)
• Can you switch from E-2 visa to EB-5? (3 answers)
• How can I transition from EB2 to EB5? (3 answers)
• How do I find a law firm for an H-1B visa? I am applying for a green card through the EB-5 Visa Program, and my son is about to graduate with an engineering degree from Saudi Arabia. He is over 21 years old, and I would like him to apply for a H1B visa instead of doing a second EB-5 Visa separately from my own. (3 answers)
• How can a EB5 visa applicant apply for F-1 Visa? (2 answers)
• Can EB-5 applicants apply for B1/B2 visa? (2 answers)
• How can I apply for EB-5 if I've been rejected for other visas? (1 answer)
• How can I obtain an EB-5 visa while on another visa? I have a B-1/B-2 visa. (2 answers)
• Will it affect my adjustment of status if I can't find a job? My I-526 petition was approved during my application of OPT (when my OPT application was reviewing by USCIS). Right now my OPT has just been approved and I would like to adjust my status here in the U.S. Since OPT only allows me to be unemployed for a few months, if I really can't get a job during these few months, does it pose any problem to my adjustment of status application? (2 answers)
• How can I re-enter the United States with a valid current F-1 visa while my I-526 is currently pending? (2 answers)
• How can I apply for EB-5 while applying for EB2? (2 answers)
• How can a student in the U.S. on an F-1 visa obtain an EB-5 visa? If the student under 21 years of age is already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, does he have to return to his home country in order to obtain an EB-5 visa? Is there any other option? What is the process like? (2 answers)
• How can I take college courses while applying for EB-5? (2 answers)
• How can you applying for a B1 or B2 visa while filing for an EB-5 visa? (2 answers)
• How do I operate a business as a B1/B2 visa holder? I have recently invested in an EB-5 project and I believe the wait time is 16-24 months. In the meantime, I plan starting a business in U.S. and would like to know if I can own and operate a business myself. (2 answers)
• How can I apply for EB-5 as an H1B visa holder? (2 answers)
• How can I sponsor my child through the H1-B visa after I obtain my EB-5 visa? (2 answers)
• How can I apply for a B visa while my I-526 is pending? What would happen if I do not disclose my pending petition? (3 answers)
• How can I apply for EB-5 while under a J-2 visa? Currently, I live in Portland working under an F-1 (OPT) visa, while my wife is pursuing her medical residency training under a J-1 visa which has a two-year home residency requirement (HRR). (2 answers)
• How do I apply for H-1B and EB-5 simultaneously? I have a quickly growing company and have met all the EB-5 requirements (with documents ready). My student visa will expire in July, and EB-5 can take 12-15 months to be approved, so I need to somehow get legal working status until my EB-5 is approved. I want to use my own company to sponsor my H-1B, but someone told me that this will hurt my EB-5 application. Because I will apply for EB-5 as the CEO of my company, and will apply for H-1B as an engineer in my company, a different position shows up on each application. What problems can I expect if I apply for both at the same time? What can I do to increase my chances of success? (2 answers)
• How can I get I-526 approval before my B-2 visa expires? I submitted my I-526 petition on November 1, 2013, and I have my B-2 visa until May 12, 2014. How can I get initial I-526 approval before my B-2 visa expires? I have seen that the EB-5 processing time can be as long as 12 months. What are my chances of being able to stay in the United States? If I travel now, what are my chances of being denied entry at a U.S. port? (3 answers)

US EB-5 Program v. Canadian Investment Visa Program

• Hi there, Can we give birth to a child during our CPR?what would happen to us if the I829 is denied？Your response will be highly appreciated. (2 answers)
• Can Vietnamese investor invest in US through EB5 Program? (1 answer)

Valuation

• How can I sell my EB-5 business after becoming a citizen? (1 answer)
• How is it possible to finance an EB-5 investment? I am looking to buy a business in the U.S. The owner wants to sell it for $550,000 with real estate and agreed to finance with $150,000 cash down, and the rest within 10 years. (2 answers)

Other

• How does a small, regional, restaurant company tap into EB5 funding for expansion to new markets? (1 answer)
• How does a small, regional, restaurant company tap into EB5 funding for expansion to new markets? (1 answer)
• Can I use EB-5 investors as business partners for my small business? (1 answer)
• Are there safe investment opportunities with Regional Centers? Do any of these have the certainty of a return? (2 answers)
• How do you transfer EB-5 capital out of India? (2 answers)
• Can I operate a Regional Center abroad? (3 answers)
• As per the amendments which will go into effect in September 2013 (removal of general solicitation and advertizing restrictions of RC under rule 506), if an investor puts money into a RC which is advertising about its schemes then they have to show a new worth of $1 millionexcluding residential house (also has some exclusion if you make more than 200k). Does this mean almost all individuals will now need to show to the USICS that their true net worth is $1 million. Does anyone know details will be needed to show the net worth? Will this not become a huge barrier for getting investments? (2 answers)
• What is a typical return on investment of a regional center? I have two questions as follow: 1. One EB-5 agent told me there is a regional center which returns 50% of investment after 2 years. They didn't disclose its name, so I couldn't check if it's true or not. Do you know of such a regional center? 2. Is there an expedited option for EB-5 so it would take less than 6 months to complete? Thank you for answers. (2 answers)
• What are the job creation requirements when creating an EB-5 direct investment business in a regional center? I am thinking about expanding my restaurant business in a EB-5 Regional Center development. My source of funding would also be EB-5 money. Would putting an EB-5 direct investment business (creating 10 direct jobs) into a EB-5 Regional Center cause future issues with USCIS in particular, double-counting the job creation? I read that Regional Center counts direct, indirect, and induced jobs do these job categories already take into account the employees I will be hiring for my business? (2 answers)
• What kind of restrictions are there on repatriating EB5 funds? (2 answers)
• What laws govern EB-5? (2 answers)
• How can I prove a lawful source of funds if I have no revenue? I read on this site that it will be necessary to prove the lawful origin of $1 million dollars and total revenue of at least $200,000 in the last two or three years for me to apply for the EB-5 visa. I’ve had a pharmacy in Brazil for 14 years and I'll sell it. After that, I have to prove the lawful origin of one million dollars or a little more, but I have no way to prove an income of $ 200,000 in the last two or three years because the pharmacy has been stopped and had no revenues for the last four years. Can I get a visa in these conditions? Would I still have to prove the $200,000 revenue even if I receive over $1 million from the sale? (2 answers)
• Do the same workers have to be employed the entire two years? (2 answers)
• What is considered a guaranteed return for an EB-5 investment? (2 answers)
• Would an already existing company establishing a new company count for EB-5? I currently have a company in China. I was thinking about sending one million dollars to the United States so that my company can establish a new company there. (2 answers)
• How will a legislative audit affect EB-5? I have been reading that Congress is planning to audit the EB-5 program. What does this mean and how will this affect future EB-5 investments? Will there be a delay in processing if there is an audit, and would it be wise to invest now before the audit? (2 answers)
• Would an investment in a start-up with existing employees be applicable for EB-5 employees? Basically, if they have 10 employees now and I invest in them and they remain with 10 employees would my investment be considered EB-5 acceptable? Would the retention of jobs be eligible for EB-5? How can I count retained jobs? (2 answers)
• What burden of proof do U.S. citizens have when making an EB-5 investment? I have an existing business founded in 2011 with several founders in the company. Now we are thinking about the direct EB-5 financing. I was told that for pooled investment, even if my co-founders and I will not apply for green cards because we are U.S. citizens, we still need to prove our legal source of funds of the investments made by the founders in this company. Is this true? To what extent should we provide the documents? Do we have the same burden of proof as the foreign investor who needs the green card to prove our own source of funds? (2 answers)
• How are migration agents involved in EB-5? If so, what does a licensed migration agent charge for finding investors? Also, it is my understanding the investor pays the migration agent fee to the regional center and the regional center then pays the migration agent. Is this correct? (2 answers)
• Will the minimum amount for EB-5 ever be increased? (2 answers)
• How can an ex-communist party member apply for EB-5? How can one prove he/she is no longer a member of the CCP party? What can he do at the consulate interview? (1 answer)
• Can an EB-5 investment be in one business with multiple branches? I am planning to use my personal assets as security for the loan and I would like to know if I can invest the 500,000 to buy 3 stores, as one store would not create 10 jobs, but I could have 3 or 4 jobs per store for a total of 10 or more. Would it work if I invested in one business that has multiple branches? (2 answers)