Last Updated on January 18, 2023 by Linda Lee
LOS ANGELES EB-5 ATTORNEY
EB-5 Regional Center
When seeking conditional permanent residence in the U.S. through an EB-5 visa, investors can participate in an EB-5 investment project, also known as the EB-5 Regional Center Program. There are currently more than 579 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) designated regional centers throughout the country that sponsor capital investment projects. By investing in a regional center project, foreign nationals can indirectly contribute to U.S. job creation, thereby meeting one of the major qualifications for EB-5 visa status.
If you are interested in acquiring an EB-5 visa, contact the Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles, P.C. to learn about your options. Attorney Linda Lee and her knowledgeable legal team have helped guide numerous clients through the complex and often confusing process of obtaining an investor visa. Do not hesitate to call (213) 375-4084 with your questions. We are here to help.
What is an EB-5 Regional Center?
A regional center can be any public or private commercial enterprise or project that creates new jobs, increases domestic capital, improves regional productivity, and increases economic growth in the United States. Regional centers essentially pool funds from EB-5 investors into large-scale projects, such as building retirement living communities, restoring and rehabilitating historic buildings and neighborhoods, and redeveloping commercial areas. Rather than directly creating a new business or saving an existing one, the investors can purchase equity stakes in an investment fund for a particular regional center, thereby indirectly funding the project that creates jobs.
What are the Advantages of Investing in a Regional Center?
The regional center is ideal for foreign investors who are seeking a green card first and foremost and do not necessarily want to start a business. Satisfying the strict requirements for an EB-5 visa generally takes less time and money. Compared to the individual EB-5 option, the investor can provide $500,000. The regional center also provides the following advantages for foreign investors:
- Removes the 10 direct jobs requirement and instead allows for indirect jobs to be counted as well
- Not required to handle the day-to-day management of the business
- He or she may live and work anywhere in the U.S.
- He or she may be a retiree
- His or her children may live and study in the U.S.
- He or she is allowed to travel out of the U.S. as frequently
- Regional center projects are USCIS approved
It is highly recommended, however, that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney when considering applying for a visa to ensure that your application process is as efficient and successful as possible.
Choosing a Regional Center
With more than 579 USCIS approved regional centers throughout the U.S., it is important to choose a regional center and investment project that is credible, well-established and meets your immigration purposes. For example, if the project is not reliable and job creation falls short, it is possible that the foreign investor will lose the money he or she invested in the project, as well as any progress made toward the EB-5 requirements. There are numerous factors to consider when finding and settling on an appropriate regional center. Contact an attorney who is well-versed in the EB-5 application processes.
