EB5 Experts Expect Continuing Appeal for Chinese Investors

For international investors, visas granted under the EB5 immigration program are increasingly linked to types of investments favored by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  USCIS tends to focus on issues of tenant occupancy, visitor spending, and job displacement. EB5 experts are increasingly able to steer investors toward investments that the USCIS is less likely to have questions about.

EB5 Applicants Prioritize Safe Investments

Regional Center officials from the U.S. are showing a trend toward promoting projects where EB5 investment is 50% or less and where the government either funds part of the project, or offers various credits. As for investors themselves, the priority is often on the safety of the investment rather than on a high rate of return on their investment. For many EB5 investors visas are a means for giving children access to U.S. higher education.

Demand by Chinese Investors Shows No Slowdown

Chinese nationals are continuing to show enthusiasm toward the EB5 program. Some immigration programs, specifically those in Canada and Australia, are less available to Chinese nationals. Experts on the EB5 program expect that the limit of 10,000 EB5 visas in a year will be reached for the first time in 2013. History shows that once a Chinese investor's I-526 form is approved, the I-829 form will generally be approved as well.

Korea, India Showing Increased Interest in EB5

The state of Vermont has been a leader in pursuing EB5 investment, specifically in the recreation sector and also in biotech. The city of Newport plans a major redevelopment effort, partly due to an expected influx of EB5 investors. Trips to Korea and India have been very positive for those promoting investment in projects in Vermont.

South and Central American Interest Grows As Well

While Chinese nationals make up the majority of EB5 investors visas are also going to increasing numbers of investors from India and various countries in Central and South America. Mexico is seeing increasing numbers of wealthy investors moving to the U.S. under the EB5 program, and this trend is expected to continue as more people want to bring their children to the U.S. to pursue higher education.