Important Facts for Investors Pursuing the EB-5 Green Card

The EB-5 program is an immigration program allowing foreign nationals to obtain a conditional green card after investing a specified dollar amount in a new or ongoing US enterprise that is expected to create 10 or more full-time jobs for US residents (exclusive of the investors). As business developers discover this source of investment capital after a difficult economic downturn, the program has increased greatly in popularity. While the limit of 10,000 visas per year under the program has not yet been reached, it is possible that the limit could be reached either in 2013 or in 2014.

China Could Trigger a Cutoff in 2013

China accounts for the largest number of investors seeking a green card through investment. Cutoffs are only triggered if total applications for immigration under the EB5 program exceed 10,000. In 2012, 7,641 EB-5 visas were granted, but if applications in 2013 exceed 10,000, a per-country limit could be placed on China, creating a backlog for the EB5 category. If the limit of 10,000 EB-5 visas is reached in fiscal year 2013, limits are imposed on a per-country basis to prevent oversubscription by one country. Currently, the only country that could be affected by such a limit in 2013 is China.

Investor Immigrants Urged to Work with EB5 Consultants

Working with an EB5 consultant in the US is becoming increasingly important as the possibility of reaching yearly EB-5 visa limits becomes more probable. Like any other type of immigration, the process of applying for a green card through investment is complex. Applicants must specify where they want their capital invested, and they must prove that the funds came from lawful sources. Providing this proof is more difficult for residents of some countries than others, and EB5 consultants, who are often experienced immigration lawyers, know how to advise immigrants on collecting the documentation they need.

EB5 Investors and Their Financial Stakes

People pursuing an EB-5 green card must put personal funds at stake, either $500,000 or $1 million. The lower figure applies if the applicant invests in a designated EB-5 Regional Center, of which there are over 200 in the US. The higher figure applies if a person wants to start a new business, or wants to invest in a non-Regional Center project. The number of Regional Center projects has been growing in recent years as US enterprises have discovered the EB-5 program as a source of capital.

The SEC Investigates Fraudulent EB5 Schemes

Unfortunately, the growth in popularity of the EB5 program has also seen a rise in fraudulent EB5 investment offerings. When this happens, it is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that investigates and pursues legal action if warranted. An investigation of a project involving a convention center in Chicago was begun in early February 2013 by the SEC, alleging that the developer defrauded investors and misused administrative fees. Though these incidents are far from common, they only highlight the importance of EB-5 applicants working with experienced EB5 consultants and lawyers so that they can avoid investing in a fraudulent enterprise.

About the Author

The EB5 program allows foreigners to obtain a green card through investment, which has created tens of thousands of jobs since its inception. But in order to get an eb-5 green card, you will have to maneuver through a very complex process. It's recommended that you use an expert, like the ones you'll find at eb5exlusive.com. Why not go there now?

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Credit Information:

Related Articles

Credit Reporting: How Does It Work?
In order to determine a consumer's credit worthiness, creditors and lending institutions have come to depend on credit reporting agencies. Credit reporting agencies supply individual reports that provide consumer specific information for lending purposes.
Have You Ever Opened a Checking Account?
Maybe some of you are saving it in your trusty piggy bank, under your mattress or way back in a sock drawer. Although I'm glad that you are saving, your money is not doing anything for you locked up in your house.
Bad Debt Recovery
Bad Debt IdentificationIdentifying bad debt is not as easy as it sounds. But the earlier it is done, the better are chances of recovering it.
Give Yourself Credit
The Beginning of the Credit Card EraIn 1951, Diners Club issued the first credit card to 200 customers who could use it at 27 restaurants in New York City. From that modest beginning, credit cards have become an indispensable part of modern life.
Credit Counseling: Is it Really Necessary?
Not everyone has a positive experience with credit counseling. Potential creditors often frown upon consumers who are going through credit counseling, denying them credit or sticking them with elevated interest rates on new lines of credit.
Figuring Out the Ever Nebulous Numbers Called Credit Scores
Credit Score FactorsThe information contained on our credit reports affect every aspect of our lives; including employment, insurance, and even interest rates (mortgage, credit cards, automobiles, etc.).
Choosing the Right Credit Counseling Agency for You - Some Tips Part 2
Credit counseling companies come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking at working with a local credit counseling organization or a national credit counseling organization there are some very important factors to calculate before choosing the right credit counseling option for you.
Credit Verus Debt
Secured and unsecured debt - what's the difference?It's easy to just think that debt is just debt, but in reality, there are different types of loans, and it's important to know what which type you have.You will need to understand the differences in order to be a good money manager, or, if the worse happens and you find yourself turning to credit or debt counseling, you'll need to understand how different types of debt can be handled.
Shoppers Beware - Tis The Season
It's the number one complaint from consumers and it only takes a moment for you to become a victim. While you search for holiday bargains, identity thieves are searching for targets - unsuspecting consumers.
Save Money and Lower your Payments by Improving or Repairing Your Credit
Having a better credit score not only represents easier access to money from lending institutions, but more importantly represents instant money in your pocket.This probably sounds like something obvious for most of people, but it isn't until you start thinking in terms of real examples and real dollars that most of us start to understand the magnitude of the benefits associated with a good credit score.
Preventing Credit Card Mess
Credit card debts problem is extremely common today. It is usually the first sign of longer term financial troubles.
How To Survive In A Plastic World, Qualifying For Credit Card
Let's face it, having credit is no longer a choice. "Don't leave home without it" is more like "can't buy a home without it.
Credit Cards: Pros and Cons
Sure, there are a lot of problems with credit cards, but there are a lot of good things attached to them as well. For instance, if you have a small business, fleet credit cards can keep your books in order when you issue them to drivers of company vehicles for gas and automobile repairs.
Credit Card Companies Are Out for Your Money
You're probably thinking "Tell me something I don't know" but in this time of low interest rates you might be thinking that you've got a great deal since credit card interest rates are low. Wrong.
Credit Card Security Advice
Which of the following is the biggest threat to your credit card security?a) Shopping online with a credit cardb) Shopping in a real store with your credit cardc) Ordering something over the phone with your credit cardThe answer may surprise you. It's b - shopping in a real store with a credit card.
Myths and Truth about Credit Scoring
Credit score is the key factor determining approval of almost any type of credit. It is based on the information contained in your credit report files.
What You Need to Know About Interest Rates
For all people shop around for the best rate, there are few who have taken the time to sit down and add it all up. After all, why would you bother? The answer is that understanding just how interest rates work can help you see how important small differences in rates and payment amounts can be.
4 Steps to Creating Good Credit
As a consumer you've learned the importance ofestablishing a good credit rating with your lenders. Whether you are shopping for a new home or auto, or searching for the best deals on insurance, your credit worthiness will be judged by your credit rating or credit score.
Credit Score - Reporting Your Financial Health
Credit score is one of the most basic, determining factor while loan borrowing. Credit score is the criterion for the creditor to ascertain whether to give you credit or not.
Fixing A Credit Report
Fixing a credit report starts with seeing what's on it. You may get access for free online.