As the EB-5 regional centre pilot program has been a relatively underutilized visa option it really warrants closer examination particularly over a five year timeframe. On this basis I thought it would be interesting to look at the experiences of those brave pioneers who were among the first immigrant investor to use the program five years ago and have now been through the complete process. Some of the elements that need careful attention are:

• Choosing a center
• Successfully applying for the visa (I-526)
• Relocating to the USA
• Integration in the community
• Conditions removed from temporary Green Card after two years (I-829)
• Choice to become U.S. Citizen
• Position to have the original investment returned

Many regional center brochures are high on promises but upon further probing have not been operating long enough to give important actual real life examples.

Over the next few days we will look at the experiences of those who pioneered the EB-5 pilot program and see what lessons can be learnt.