Question:
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?
Answers:
Please note EB-5 attorneys charge fees for attorney services and advise and preparation of a petition and applications. The coats cover government filing fees, copies and postage or delivery services. For representation of an EB-5 investor in an EB-5 Regional Center project in obtaining conditional permanent residency and the removal of the conditions attorney fees may vary between $15,000.00 and $30,000.00. Based upon current government fees the total will be an estimated $6,500.00. While for a direct investment the attorney fees may vary from $35,000 to $45,000.00 plus costs. Please remember every case is different and hence fees will vary.
Attorney’s fees can vary depending on the attorney you speak to and the details of your US Immigration goals. Remember the saying “you get what you pay for,” as experience in this type of representation is essential, but it will affect the fees. Regional center investments will also often have an “administrative fee” associated with their programs ($30,000-$60,000). Direct investments may require you to pay a business planner and economist yourself to prepare the business plan and economic report that would be prepared by the regional center otherwise.