January 11th, 2012 |
 Could the EB5 visa investment requirement of $500,000 be increased?
Ongoing uncertainty in many countries throughout the world has resulted in increased interest in immigration to the USA.
All over the globe political concerns including the uncertainty in Korea after the death of Kim Jong II, environmental concerns such as natural disasters in Japan and economic concerns such as the problems in the Euro zone make the USA seem an ideal oasis of calm by comparison.
The fact that recent USA labor figures show unemployment finally starting to decline emphasize that the US is beginning to put its problems behind it. The USA has many advantages including its transparent political system and world leading education system which have made it the preferred choice for so many families seeking to improve their family’s quality of life.
For many, the preferred route to achieve this has been the EB5 visa, it is one of the few readily available options that allows an entire family (applicant, spouse and unmarried children under 21) to get permanent residence in the USA in a relatively quick time.
Currently the EB5 visa requires an investment of $500,000 in what the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) terms a “Regional Center”. However, there has been commentary by certain leading political figures that the $500,000 investment, which has not been altered for over ten years, could be increased in September 2012. If you are considering the EB5 immigrant investor visa as the best method to achieve permanent residency in The USA, you may be interested in a significant point made by Senator Grassley of Iowa, who is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on The Judiciary. In his statement on reauthorizing the EB5 regional center pilot program, Senator Grassley made a number of points including:-
“I think it’s important to consider whether the dollar amounts should be raised. They have remained at $500,000 and $1 million since the early 1990s.”
The increased popularity of the EB5 visa makes such an increase a possibility, and in the event of such an announcement, it is likely there will be a rush of applicants to beat an increase. Such a rush would have consequences in terms of supply and demand of places. In theory there are over 200 regional centers offering programs qualifying for the EB5 visa, however, currently many of them are inactive.
Of those regional centers currently offering projects, a significant number have very limited experience and/or potentially very speculative programs which show only a few previous investors.
Many potential EB5 visa applicants require programs that can point to an unblemished record, including the following:-
1. A good record of applications progressing through USCIS system in a timely manner, (times can vary from under six months to well over a year).
2. A 100% record of I-526 success.
3. A 100% record of I-829 success. At this stage conditions are removed from the green card.
4. The return of the full $500,000 within a reasonable time period. Many feel this needs to be between four to six years.
Despite lavish claims made by a number of regional centers at the beginning of 2012 it seems that only one regional center will have fully met all these criteria. (Further factual information can be obtained from WhichEB5).
It is important to be aware that in 2011 a number of regional centers programs were investigated by USCIS and later closed. In other cases families had I-829’s rejected. It is important to be very careful when choosing a regional center program and look beyond the all too typical sales hype and false promises.
For those looking at the EB5 visa as the best route to settle your family in the USA, but wanting the widest possible choice of regional center programs, there may be regional centers, which although not fulfilling all the four criteria above, may be of interest depending upon your own specific requirements. Arrange a free briefing through WhichEB5 now and you can be updated on the options available and the latest news about the EB5 visa program.
Contact Chase Brodsky on +1-561-771-1330 or via email at chase@whicheb5.com – Request full details of EB5 Visa programs
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Tags: committee on the judiciary, eb5, EB5 visa, green card, I-526, I-829, immigrant investor, Immigration, immigration to the usa, investor visa, japan, kim jong ii, Korea, natural disasters in japan, permanent residence, regional center, regional centers, residency in the usa, senate committee, Senator Grassley, united states citizenship and immigration service, USA, uscis, WhichEB5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
November 18th, 2011 |
 The US is one of the best countries to invest in. It is a highly successful country with a dynamic and deregulated market. The country has always had a reputation for having plenty of opportunity for a smart investor, and that holds true today.
Investors can find a lot of variety and options in the US. Fortunes can be made here, and while some may be wary after the housing market fell through a couple of years ago, the economy is recovering well. However, the US market is very competitive. This is because everyone knows that there is money to be made here. But don’t let this scare you. Just always remember these simple reminders:
1) Double Check Everything
Just because you’re familiar with US culture via the movies and TV shows, it doesn’t mean you know everything about it. One of the biggest difficulties with foreign investors is adjusting to a different economic culture and a different set of rules. An opportunistic financial planner or broker could easily prey on your naïveté and victimize you. So never take anything at face value and check everything anyone says to you about investments.
2) Do your Due Diligence
Make sure you know exactly what you’re investing in. Research on the business or financial product, the location (states can have different laws on foreign investors), and all the important people you will be dealing with.
Even with a financial adviser you still need to know what you’re getting into. If you see some red flags like bad feedback from the other clients, or shady progress on a project, you need to pull the plug.
3) Follow the Rules
Even with a deregulated market, the US still has certain laws on the financial sector. You need to check if what you’re doing is legal, even after your financial adviser has assured you that it is. The rules vary on different financial products, different states, and different foreign investors. Remember, ignorance does not excuse you from breaking the law.
4) Don’t Do Too Much
A lot of people are tempted to go wild when investing in the US. But this can be too much, too soon. Temper your eagerness with research and learning. If you’re a first time investor in the US, you need to learn before you invest all your life savings. Remember that the US market is still very different from others, so you need to be smart about making and managing your investments.
Another thing you need to remember when investing in the US is that there are so many options available out there, some of which can present you with a wonderful opportunity… like the EB5 investor visa program.
With the EB5 program, you can invest in the US and earn visas or green cards for you and your family. Visit the WhichEB5 website to get more help.
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Tags: due diligence, eb5, financial advisor, investing, investor visa, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
September 30th, 2011 |
 If you are trying to learn as much as you can about the EB-5 immigrant investor visa it is important that you identify information that is completely impartial and independent. After all you may end up investing at least $500,000 for several years and trusting the immigration status of your family to your choice of a Regional Center program.
Unfortunately so much of the information you come across has a sales agenda, in other words you are being persuaded to invest in a particular Regional Center or use a particular Attorney. Sometimes the sales effort means too little attention is paid to the safety of your family’s immigration status and the safety of your $500,000 investment.
Before writing the only consumer book on the EB-5 Visa a great deal of research was carried out on the people and companies behind EB-5 Regional Center programs, EB-5 consultants and Attorneys.
This research identified a number of Consultants and Attorneys offering to provide advice on the EB-5 were also being paid by some Regional Centers to promote their programs and obtain clients to invest $500,000 per place.
It is important that the advice you receive on the EB-5 visa is beyond reproach and those giving the advice have not been disciplined by Federal and State Agencies, some currently offering advice have had action taken against them.
For further information on the EB-5 visa at no charge contact Chase Brodsky at Which EB5 for further details.
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Tags: attorney, consultants, EB-5 Visa, immigrant investor, investor visa, regional center
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
September 16th, 2011 |
 It’s been a busy time over the past few weeks, discussing the various regional center programs with many European families planning immigration to the USA on the EB-5 visa. For many the popularity of the program is that it offers permanent residence for the applicant, as well as their spouse and children under 21.
With the EB-5 Regional Center pilot program due to end in a year, and some of the most popular projects likely to be fully subscribed by the end of September, there has been a rush of prospective immigrants keen to apply before time runs out.
It is interesting that many of those I speak to raise similar issues of concern regarding the EB-5 program, such as:
- What is the success rate of the various programs?
- Has anyone got their $500,000 back?
- What have I found hidden away when I have visited various regional centers?
- What is the rate of interest paid by the various programs?
- Which programs have problems?
I understand from my partner Steve Parnell, who carries out similar discussions with families in North and South America, Asia and Africa that he is also asked similar questions, and yet some of the most important questions that are vital to a family making a good choice of program are not often asked. These questions are important to you in that they may affect your ability to maintain permanent residence after 2 years. Other important questions need to be asked that can be an indicator to the timely return of your $500,000 capital too.
For details of these all important questions contact Chase Brodsky at Which EB5 to set-up a free, in-depth personal consultaion for you.
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Tags: eb-5, EB-5 Visa, important questions, investor visa, regional center, USA
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
August 23rd, 2011 |
 According to a recent story in Mexico City’s daily newspaper “Reforma”, The Texas cities of Mission and El Paso are experiencing a population and business boom, as many Mexicans flee violence in the border states of Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and Chihuahua.
The newspaper reports that many of the newcomers arrive with investor visas, which the United States provides to persons who bring job-creating investments with them.
An increasing number of Mexicans are focusing on the EB-5 regional center immigrant investor visa, which, for a $500,000 investment in a regional center program that has been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration service (USCIS), allows permanent residency anywhere in the USA for the applicant, their spouse and their unmarried children under 21.
The boom in El Paso, according to the story, can be seen in the growth of the year-old Network of Mexican Businessmen Living in El Paso, which has seen its membership grow to 235 because of the flight from the neighboring Mexican city of Juarez.
“Juarez is no-man’s land,” the organization’s president told the newspaper. The network’s members include restaurateurs, accountants, and professionals in real estate and finance.
The USA may have its problems but these tend to be political and economic as opposed to the persistent violence that seems to have become more and more prevalent in parts of Mexico.
For many Mexicans applying for permanent residency in the USA, confidentiality is all important. The level of violent crime in Mexico is a major concern and it is critical that their plans are kept secret to avoid any problems before they leave Mexico.
If you would like more information on your EB5 visa options to The USA and a free consultation contact Chase Brodsky at Which EB5 who will be happy to set up a personal consultation with one of our managing partners.
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Tags: eb-5, immigrants, immigrating, investor visa, Juárez, Mexican, regional center, USA, uscis
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
August 5th, 2011 |
If you are searching the internet to try and find out as much information as you can about the EB-5 investor visa program, or just are searching for a straightforward appraisal of the available programs, you have no doubt been faced with lots of often confusing and contrary information.
When writing the detailed consumer guide on the EB-5 visa program, “Green Card via the Red Carpet” we considered much of the information available on this visa program. We have since that time regularly reviewed the many pages of web sites.
One seemingly strange issue we have noticed is that a more attractive website is no guarantee of a well established program and conversely some of the least attractive and even outdated web sites, ironically, can have well established proven programs!
Some of the web sites are obviously written from a sales perspective, information can be misleading and there are a number of important areas which are not always covered. It is important to carry out independent checks on all the claims that are made, after all you are planning to commit $500,000 and your family’s immigration plans may depend upon the performance of the regional center program you chose.
For more details contact Which EB5
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Tags: EB5 visa, Green Card via the Red Carpet, investor visa, regional center, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
February 11th, 2011 |
Concerns about the limited availability and long application times for a number of traditional visa options is contributing towards the increasing popularity of the EB-5 investor visa.
For citizens of China, India and Mexico the EB-3 visa is proving very frustrating, resulting in many immigrants looking for better alternatives.
Many immigrants in the USA who are on H-1B or L1 visas also have concerns about visa renewal. This helps to explain why so many are interested in the EB-5 visa as an attractive option to obtain permanent residency in the USA, typically within a one year time period.
For more information on how you can use the EB5 visa contact Which EB5
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Tags: china, eb-5, H-1B, immigrant, India, investor visa, L1, Mexico, permanent residence, USA, visa, visas
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
January 25th, 2011 |
Investment in an EB-5 regional center pilot program is generally $500,000 (although there are a few centers that require one million dollars), but many potential investors also want to know what additional costs to expect from the EB-5 visa application.
EB-5 visa investors also need to budget for regional center administration costs which vary considerably from center to center; currently the range is $25,000 at the lower end to above $60,000 at the higher end. Additionally some regional centers charge an upfront deposit for a copy of their prospectus.
Attorney fees also vary significantly and some applicants have found themselves billed for unexpected additional costs.
Some of the programs offer interest payments and other payments on the investment – however, there are a number of implications that you need to be aware of.
Then there is the $500,000 question HAS ANYONE HAD THEIR MONEY BACK AND IF SO HOW MUCH? The programs have exit strategies, fine, but in the current economic climate the question of the likely return of their investment is on many peoples’ minds.
Some of the original investors in certain programs have gone through the process and had their investment back, but there are points behind this that you should be aware of before investing in the EB5. We can cover with you – for more information contact Which EB5
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Tags: attorney fees, eb-5, eb5, exit stratergy, investor visa, pilot program, regional center, visa, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
January 24th, 2011 |
We often find we are working with clients on the EB-5 visa process who originally immigrated to the USA on E2, H1B or L1 visas (which do not necessarily provide permanent residence / green card status), lived happily in the States and watched their children go to school and grow up knowing only the American way of life.
We are called in to troubleshoot when they face being deported, their children turn 21, they want to retire or their business is failing and they need options enabling them to stay as permanent residents.
There are now proven options such as the EB5 investor visa which may not have been available when they originally relocated to the USA. In certain circumstances this can provide the best answer, however there are some important issues to be aware of. For more information contact Which EB5
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Tags: E2, eb-5, green card, H-1B, investor visa, L1, permanent residence, USA, visa, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
January 18th, 2011 |
For several years we have been monitoring developments with the EB-5 visa and have noticed with concern an increasing trend on seminars being advertised in the USA to business people highlighting the EB5 program as good way to attract capital for new projects. There appears to be an ever increasing number of businessmen seeking to raise foreign investor capital for their projects which are unable to raise capital from more conventional methods. Many EB-5 investors are concerned about obtaining their EB-5 visa by the safest method, keeping it, and then seeing the return of their $500,000 investment. They do not want to be investing in a high risk, speculative investment that could see them lose their visa as well as some or all of their $500,000 investment.
Not all EB-5 regional center programs are equally safe, some are well proven have had many investors from different countries throughout the world and have a 100% rate of success whereas others are speculative unproven programs where the risk falls totally on the investor if anything goes wrong.
Unfortunately a number of the seminars being promoted are likely to encourage the creation of potentially unsuitable and highly risky EB-5 regional center programs which pose considerable danger for the EB-5 immigrant investor.
If you are considering the EB-5 investor visa and would like more information on which programs have a 100% success record contact us via email at info@whicheb5.com or simply register for all the information you need on the EB-5 visa program.
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Tags: 100% success, eb-5, eb5, high risk, immigrant investor, investor visa, investors, regional center, risky, safe, seminars, speculative, USA, visa
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
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