Examples of U.S. Investment Under the EB5 Program

Investors from countries outside the U.S. can obtain EB5 visas by investing a minimum of $500,000 in a U.S. enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full time jobs for U.S. workers. Up to 10,000 of these visas may be granted in a given year, and the program is very popular among both foreign investors and U.S. businesses in areas where unemployment rates are high.

Charter Schools in Florida

In 2012, Chinese investors have invested tens of millions of dollars into the charter school program in Florida and plan to invest even more in future years. Connecting EB5 investors with charter school projects has become a priority with Florida investment advisors. Florida is a popular state for EB-5 investors who want to retire in the United States, due to its mild climate and vibrant international population.

Ski Resorts in Maine

Though Maine has not traditionally had a large Chinese immigrant population, that could be changing as investment groups in the state actively seek out those interested in obtaining EB5 visas. One ski resort is looking to raise up to $25 million in capital for expansion of the facilities. If they're successful, hundreds of new jobs could be created. Maine business owners have visited China to talk to potential EB-5 investors about the opportunities available in the state of Maine.

Hotel Projects in California

The city of Los Angeles has long dealt with hotel room shortages, and a recent ruling by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that "tenant occupancy" job creation counts toward EB-5 job creation goals is expected to increase EB-5 investment in L.A. hotel projects. A new Marriott project in downtown is expected to eventually create over 3,000 new jobs, partly through EB-5 investment.

EB-5 Consultants Ramp Up Efforts

EB-5 consultants in many places in the U.S. are finding themselves very busy assisting investor immigrants with the process of obtaining a conditional Green Card under the program. Though the EB5 process, like any immigration process, is complicated, there is quite a bit of flexibility that appeals to people who want to immigrate to the U.S. while investing in new or existing U.S. Businesses.