Regional Centers Improve Success Rates For EB5 Investor Visa Applications

The Immigrant Investor Program has proved to be one of the most popular and positively received Visa programs ever been introduced by the United States. The EB5 Investor Visa has been responsible for the creation of thousands of jobs for American citizens since it was introduced as part of the Immigration Act of 1990. It has also brought in over a billion dollars for the United States economy. It is not difficult to see why the program has received such favorable reactions from both the government and the general public. However, despite the popularity, there is still a degree of confusion surrounding the Eb-5 Green Card especially the option to invest in a government certified Regional Center. Regional Centers actually offer a very valuable service for those interested in the Immigrant Investor Program. The chance of success is greatly improved for investors who choose to make use of these Regional Centers as part of their Eb-5 Investor Visa application. The conditions and guidelines set out by the Immigrant Investor Program are fairly complex and can be confusing. Regional Centers can offer expert advice in satisfying these guidelines. The United States government describes these Regional Centers as “any economic unit, either public or private, which is involved with the promotion of economic growth, improved regional productivity, job creation and increased domestic capital investment.” In order to become a certified Regional Center a number of criteria must be satisfied. One of the main conditions of the EB5 Investor Visa is direct or indirect job creation. To be more specific, any immigrant wishing to enter the United States on an EB5 Investor Visa must invest in either a new company or an existing business in order to benefit the United States economy and create at least ten full time jobs. Direct job creation occurs when the employment opportunities are created within the company being started or invested in by the investor. Indirect job creation occurs when the jobs are created with the company. Regional Centers can assist foreign investors in satisfying this job requirement in order to obtain the EB5 green card. In addition, the Regional Centers can also provide thoroughly researched business plans which allow investors to make a much safer investment. While success rates are high for those investing through the Immigrant Investor Visa, like most financial investment opportunities, it does carry some financial risk. The success rate is significantly increased when investment is made through a government certified Regional Center. The minimum investment required in order to apply for an EB5 investor Visa is approximately one million US dollars. Which can be invested anywhere in the United States as long is it also meets the job creation requirements of the immigrant investor program. However, this amount can be reduced to half a million US dollars if the investment is in an area with high unemployment or a rural area. This is best achieved by making the investment with the help of a Regional Center who will have a proven track record in helping foreign investors to make successful EB5 green card applications.