How do I decide which USA Investment Visa is right for me? Different EB-5 programs

Immigration Procedures under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program

There are growing numbers of regional centers approved by the US Government (USCIS) to offer the EB-5 visa. The marketing information they send out obviously focuses on their positive points. Our Managing Partners visit regional centers to keep abreast of their various programs and to identify concerns which need highlighting. After undertaking research and visiting centers in depth (not just the conducted tour!) we have a number of points of concern that you should be aware of, before committing to a particular regional centre program. We can go through these important points at our briefing / consultation with those of you registered through us. (We do not charge a fee).

To date the vast majority of investors have opted for certain specific programs. However one point you need to understand is, why, in certain circumstances, past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Many investors have been concerned that their chosen option has a proven, measurable track record; we explain how to identify this and issues to be wary of.

A couple of years ago there seemed to be a preference for freehold commercial properties or property secured options and programs which could be financed in a number of ways including applicants' pension funds. However, the economic and property downturns seem to have made more recent visa applicants somewhat more cautious, with a greater focus on track record and a secure exit strategy regarding return of their capital investment.

There are important implications that applicants often fail to realize when considering which program is right for them, we cover these questions with you at your free EB5 consultation / briefing.

Loans to government agencies - Californian ex- military facilities

This program is based on a the conversion of a number of ex military bases in California and directs its efforts at financing projects such as infrastructure developments - bridges, roads etc. The investment period of this program is generally between 5 to 6 years, depending upon timing of entry. The Centre emphasizes the security factor as the invested funds are loaned to various local and regional government agencies. This program appears well established. The present area of focus, an airport investment program, is intended to contribute to the successful regeneration of the area, leading to a more diverse economy. Potential reasons make this program of interest in specific circumstances, however we also have concerns that are rarely pointed out which we cover with you.

Various processing and administration costs add $30,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $530,000, plus legal fees.

Redevelopment Industrial Area North West USA

This program based in a major pacific coast City specializes in investment and management of commercial properties. Much of this property comprises factories and warehouses, hotels and offices.

By buying a warehouse for example, dividing and refurbishing as 'out of town' retail units, investors achieve two things. A significant amount of indirect employment, which should qualify the investor for the visa and increased rental returns due to the property improvements.

The area can be seen to be improving as buildings and the local rail infrastructure are being upgraded. Costco, the giant retailer, has built a store in the old industrial area, and Starbucks has offices there, a major hotel is being built.

Each property designated under this investment program is a limited partnership in which investors own a share proportionate to their investment. The properties undergo a thorough refurbishment prior to letting and rental checks are distributed monthly. The management company looks after the whole process from acquisition through letting and ongoing management.

Investors may receive a return after management charges and under the visa rules are entitled to sell approximately two years after receipt of their green card; however there are other very important and significant factors you need to be aware of regarding this point.

Various legal and processing costs add $35,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $535,000.

There are certain implication regarding this centre and it is important you are made aware of them. It's recent projects have tended to be significantly larger than the earlier projects which have a number of specific implications.

Business Loans Eastern Sea Board City

This program based on a Regional Center in a major City on the eastern seaboard directs its efforts at financing projects and developing enterprises within targeted sectors, including hospitality and tourism, trade, technology, higher education, and transportation. The investment period of this program is generally flagged up as 5 years although a number of recent programs, for reasons we can go into with you, maybe more realistically be approximately six years.

This program appears large and well established. The funds are secured by property lien or corporate guarantee. The area appears to be regenerating successfully leading to a more diverse economy. There are concerns on the number of investors from specific countries and the potential implications of this and the rate of the return - there are reasons for this which we cover at our briefing consultation.

Various legal and processing costs add $30,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $530,000 plus legal fees.

The history of this operation is of particular relevance which we cover with you – the company has expanded to other States with projects coming up in Hawaii as well as the film industry in Los Angeles California.

Vermont Resort Development

This program is focused on a regional center developing an existing ski resort / golf facility in an area in proximity to the Canadian border. The completed resort is intended to extend the season by offering year round facilities including a resort style indoor leisure pool complex.

The program has a number of stages and the present plans are based on the construction of an apartment/lodge style complex at the centre of the complex which on completion will be sold as fractional ownerships.

This program raises some interesting questions relating to the area it is in, competition, and time frame amongst other issues which are really answered when spending time at the existing complex after attending our briefing consultation, when we point out advantages and disadvantages.

Various processing and administration costs add $55,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $555,000 plus legal fees.

Renovation of major City area devastated by hurricane – South

This program is focused on a regional centre program rebuilding, through various funds, a metropolitan area that was devastated by hurricane and flood damage. The program has a number of stages and the present plans are based on a five year funding arrangement with re-payment and any profit distribution at the end. Unusually it sets out to combine humanitarian aid in hurricane devastated area with for profit business opportunities.

In this program, money raised by immigrant investors and pooled as venture capital funds will be used to develop office buildings, hotels, restaurants and medical clinics in the city. So far, the fund has attracted investors from, China, Britain and the Middle East, according to the company. Little has been built as yet, but with a 30-year contract with the city, the regional centre hopes to invest about $100 million in projects that it says could create thousands of jobs.

Capital investment is to be targeted at:-

Motion picture, film and art options.

Lodging, hospitality and restaurants.

Community based healthcare and mobile medical clinics.

Family housing.

Resort communities.

Retail entertainment.

Universities.

This program raises some interesting questions which we will cover in more detail when we go through the options with you.

Various processing and administration costs add $60,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $560,000 plus legal fees. The fund is intended to distribute capital and profits when it is felt market conditions are appropriate, this is an area we feel needs to be identified in depth.

Hotel Development – Washington DC

This program is presently being reviewed by us as there are a number of issues which we feel it important to highlight.

Assisted housing development - Far north west

The project involves the construction of assisted living facilities primarily for Senior Citizens in a variety of accommodations offering various levels of support to the residents. There is a planned exit strategy after five years which may be of interest. The growth in an aging population due to increasing numbers of the post war baby boomers hitting retirement age makes this a particularly interesting Regional Centre.

Following visits to this regional center and following further research there are a number of issues we cover at our briefing consultation.

Various processing and administration costs add $50,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $550,000 plus legal fees.

Agricultural meat processing - mid west

This program has recently been reviewed by us. One of the longer established centers, it has had a particular focus on far-eastern investors. The focus on agricultural production has a number of significant implications which you need to be made aware of.
The regional center has an extensive track record although individual programs it authorizes may have limited experience and there is some important feedback from trade magazines that we have been monitoring.

New York City Regional Center

We have spent time with the principals of this regional center and are gathering additional information at this time. Please contact us for a discussion on this subject.

With over 60 regional centers approved, some have inevitably not been tried and tested. We are currently looking at a number of regional centers and analyzing certain concerns we have; particularly with claims made in advertising material which naturally enough focus on the positives but do not make mention of the negatives.

Among concerns relating to a number centers we can discuss with you are:-

Visa not granted
Conditions not removed
Losing all or part of your money
Programs not completed and the job implications
Centers at risk if insufficient funds are attracted

The EB-5 Investor Green Card Visa regional center program is an excellent alternative to quickly become a permanent resident of the United States. Which EB5 researches all regional centers; you make the same investment plus get all the independent advice of Which EB-5 at no cost to you.

For further information on the various regional centers, a copy of our radio interview, details of our soon to be published book or discussions with one of our partners contact us by clicking the blue button below now.