U.S. EB-5 Program

USCIS (@USCIS) • Twitter
 
On July 27th 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) tweeted: " Proposed regulatory changes to the EB-5 program can be found by visiting: http://www.reginfo.gov “!
 
The EB-5 immigrant investor program 1990-2018
 
Congress established The EB-5 immigrant investor program in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy and create jobs. Congress soon after enhanced the EB-5 immigrant investor program with the introduction of the regional center program, which reserve EB-5 visas for participants who invest in commercial enterprises associated with federally approved regional centers organized to encourage economic growth. In 2007, there were 11 regional centers. In 2018, there are 908.
 
The law authorizes approximately 10,000 visas per year for EB-5 investors and their spouses and children.
 
When could the new the EB-5 immigrant investor program reform be announced?
 
According to USCIS Director Lee Francis Cissna testimony before the Senate committee on June 19th, 2018, it would be hard for meaningful changes to occur before September 30th, 2018.
 
The future of the EB-5 immigrant investor program:  Key Changes!
 
There are many things to know about the EB-5 Reform Act. However, in this article we focus on two significant changes for the potential investors:

1. Increases to EB-5 Investment Amounts. The EB-5 Reform Act would raise the investment amount from US $500,000 / US $1,000,000 to US $925,000/ US $1,025,000, depending on the type and location of the immigrant investor’s capital investment project.

2. Job Creation. The EB-5 immigrant investor program is a job creation program with a U.S. immigration benefit.  The EB-5 Reform Act increases the job creation requirement to 12 U.S. employees.  Nevertheless, it reduces the job creation requirement to only 9 U.S. employees for projects located in a BRAC; or rural or priority urban investment areas or a small business investment fund.

Are there any other immigrant investor programs that lead to permanent residency in North America in 2018?

As vagueness surrounds the fate and status of the EB-5 immigrant investor program to the U.S., Quebec is all set to open applications towards its various popular immigration program in September 2018. Let’s dig a bit more into the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program:

1. Passive investment of US $1,200,000 Canadian (CAD).
2. You must also show that you have net assets of at least US $2.0million (CAD).
3. The money is paid to the Quebec government.
4. You must persuade Quebec officials that you intend to live in the province of Quebec.
5. Processing time of 3-5 years.

Final thoughts
 
After multiple extensions, the EB-5 visa program is set to expire on September 30th, 2018. If you can complete preparations for your EB-5 investment in the next 60 days, you have a reasonable chance of getting the I-526 petition filed before any changes take effect. Now is the time to do so under the current rules.
 
Are you interested in learning more?
 
 If you have further questions about EB-5 visa, please contact us or fill our assessment form today.