EB5 Regional Center Application Often Specifies Florida and the Southwest

People moving themselves and their families to the United States under the EB5 investor immigration program seem to love the state of Florida and other warm locations. In 2011, six of the ten most popular locations for EB5 immigration were in Florida, with the Lakeland-Winter Haven area most popular. Other su
n belt locations are popular too, including the Phoenix area, Las Vegas, and Honolulu.

Major Urban Areas Also Popular with EB-5 Investors

New York City and Los Angeles also have their share of EB5 immigrants, who have helped fund major redevelopment projects in pockets of cities hard hit by the 2008 recession. But there are also less well-known areas that have targeted EB5 immigrants and actively courted them for reinvestment. For example, the state of Vermont's Regional Center is directly supervised by the state government and has seen great success.

Elements of a Successful EB5 RegionalCenter Application

When U.S. developers and entrepreneurs apply for Regional Center status so as to attract investment capital under the EB5 program, they must demonstrate several things in their application:

• A clear geographic delineation of the area served
• Specific industries EB5 immigrants can invest in
• Economic reports showing how the Regional Center creates or saves at least 10 jobs per investor
• Corporate documents such as operating agreements
• Detailed budget and marketing information

Why Immigrants Love EB-5

Investors from all over the world love the EB5 program because it offers tremendous flexibility. Applicants can choose to live in a region where they have always wanted to live, can send their children and stepchildren to U.S. colleges and universities, and they can choose their level of day-to-day involvement with their investment project.

Why U.S. Businesses Love EB-5

U.S. businesses love the EB5 program because it brings much-needed capital into areas that need it, without costing taxpayers any money. EB-5 Regional Centers must be designed to create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs per investor. Many U.S. projects regularly travel to countries like China, where the largest percentage of EB5 immigrants are from, in order to attract investment under the EB5 investors program.

Consultants Assist Immigrants with the EB5 Visa Process

 EB5 consultants assist immigrants who want to move themselves and their families to the United States under the EB5 immigration program. This type of immigration allows investors from around the world to invest a minimum of $500,000 in a U.S. business that will preserve or create a minimum of 10 full time jobs. Most EB5 immigrants are from China, but people from other countries are increasingly realizing the benefits of this program.

The Regional Center Selection Process

If an EB5 immigrant wants to start his or her own U.S. business, the minimum investment is $1 million. However, by investing in a designated Regional Center in an area hard hit by the 2008 recession, the immigrant can apply for an EB5 visa with only $500,000. There are over 200 Regional Centers in the U.S., and EB-5 consultants help applicants find the best Regional Center investment for their interests.

Will EB5 Caps Be Reached in 2013?

The EB-5 immigration program allows up to 10,000 people per year to move to the U.S. Since the program's inception in 1990, the number of EB5 immigrants has been well below this level. However, with U.S. businesses specifically courting potential EB5 immigrants, and with more foreigners learning about the program, numbers have been increasing. Some experts the 10,000 visa limit to be reached in 2013.

Forms and Deadlines Are Critical

Like any type of immigration, the EB5 program is complex. Forms and documentation must be provided in the right formats and must meet hard deadlines. EB-5 consultants are skilled in knowing exactly what is needed and when it must be submitted so as not to jeopardize immigrant chances of receiving a visa. A consultant isn't required for immigration under EB5, but many people find consultants to be indispensable.

EB5 Visa Popularity Continues to Increase

U.S. business interests have shown increasing enthusiasm for the EB5 program in recent years, in large part due to a shaky economic recovery. EB5 brings in needed capital in areas that need it, and immigrants from all over the world are able to realize their dream of living in America, creating a classic win-win situation.