Immigration to USA Under EB5 Program Increasing in Popularity

Immigration to the USA is a topic that is often prominently covered by the US news media. However, until recently, immigration under the EB5 program, in which foreign nationals can invest a minimum of $500,000 in US enterprises to earn a two-year conditional Green Card, has not had a lot of press coverage. That is likely to change in 2013, however, according to EB5 consultants at Exclusive Visas.

Real Estate Development Popular Among EB5 Applicants

Many EB5 applicants choose to invest in real estate development projects in their pursuit of immigration to the USA. Such projects are available for investment under the EB5 Regional Center program throughout the US. Immigrants under this program are almost always able to find a Regional Center project in the particular US region in which they wish to live.

US Developers Very Positive about EB5 Program

Enthusiasm for real estate development funded in part by EB5 immigrants is high among US developers. As the economy recovers from the downturn that started in 2008, developers are finding this immigration program to be the perfect injection of capital into projects that are required to produce at minimum ten full-time jobs for US residents (exclusive of the immigrants themselves).

What EB5 Consultants Do

EB5 consultants like those with Exclusive Visas assist immigrants under the EB5 program with every aspect of application and immigration. Not only is the application process complex, with critical deadlines, the investment capital must be proven to have been acquired lawfully, and it must be placed in escrow while the applicant is processed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Working with EB5 consultant firms with experienced immigration lawyers is a major advantage to EB5 applicants.

The Future of EB5 Immigration

Immigration to USA under the EB5 program is becoming increasingly popular. Never before have the numbers come close to the annual allotment of 10,000 visas, but experts on the program expect the 10,000 limit to be reached in 2013 or 2014. This program benefits immigrants themselves as well as the US economy, and is expected to continue to draw more applicants with each year.

EB5 Trends Include Hotel Projects and Investors from the Middle East

The EB5 immigration program allows foreign nationals to invest a minimum of $500,000 in U.S. business ventures to receive a two-year conditional Green Card. Today, most of these immigrants come from China, with large numbers also applying from South Korea and Vietnam. However, countries from Central and South America, and from the Middle East are responsible for increasing numbers of EB5 applicants.  The EB5 consultants that work at Exclusive Visas work with investors from around the world, helping them achieve their own "American Dream."

Increasing Numbers Applying from Middle East

Residents of the United Arab Emirates, as well as expatriates from Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon are applying to the EB5 program in increasing numbers. One reason for the increase is the closing of some immigration categories in Canada. It is believed that when Canada opens these categories again, the process will be more expensive. In 2012, the U.S. exempted Iranians who want to immigrate under EB5 from Iranian sanctions, potentially boosting numbers from Iran.

Hotel Projects Particularly Popular Among EB5 Investors

Hotel projects throughout the U.S. are increasingly taking advantage of the EB5 program to raise capital, and the consensus on this mode of financing has so far been very positive. California, Florida, and Vermont have been sites of major tourist and hotel projects with significant financing coming from EB5 investors.

EB5 Regional Centers Offer Wide Range of Projects for Investment

Designated Regional Centers throughout the U.S. offer investment opportunities for EB5 immigrants in almost every business sector, from high-tech to food services, and everything in between. Immigrants under the EB5 program can almost always find a Regional Center that meets their interests or that is located in an area where immigrants want to relocate.

Immigration Lawyers Assist with EB5 Process and Regional Center Due Diligence

The immigration lawyers with Exclusive Visas play a major role in helping EB5 applicants throughout the immigration process. Paperwork under this program is extensive and can be complex, and deadlines must be met, while investment capital must be approved and placed in escrow. Working with an immigration lawyer is highly recommended to those interested in EB5 immigration.