EB-5 Experts Say Now is the Time to Act

The EB-5 visa program has been around since 1990 and allows foreign investors along with their families to obtain conditional, then permanent green cards. Since the economic downturn of 2008, a tight credit market has made EB-5 investors very attractive to businesses and developments in the U.S. The number of EB-5 applicants was more than 3,800 in fiscal year 2011. Most EB-5 investors are from China and Venezuela, though Russian and Indian investors are applying in increasing numbers. Since 2008, more than $1 billion has been raised for EB-5 projects in New York City alone. EB-5 experts believe that now is an excellent time for potential investors to consider EB-5 immigration. Examples of EB-5 Projects EB-5 projects are underway all across the United States. Here are just a few examples of recent and proposed EB-5 projects: *The Victory Court Ballpark project in Oakland, California

*Redevelopment of Oakland's Tribune Tower

*The $750 million, 34-story Gem Tower near Times Square in New York City

*Jay Peak Resort in Vermont

*Lake Buena Vista condominium and hotel development in Orlando, Florida Is the EB-5 Visa Right for You? If you have $500,000 to invest in an EB-5 Regional Center, the EB-5 visa may be a great opportunity for you. Spouses may accompany or follow the EB-5 investor who has attained their Conditional Permanent Residence as long as the investor and their spouse were married at the time the investor came to the U.S. Investors' children and step-children may accompany or follow investors who have their Conditional Permanent Residence. Children and step-children must be under age 21 and unmarried. Should the original investor with Conditional Permanent Resident status die, the spouse and qualifying children with the same status may seek removal of conditions under the conditions the original investor would have used to remove conditions on his or her green card. Proposed Improvements to EB-5 The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed steps to streamline the intake and review process for investors who want to become permanent residents under EB-5. USCIS hopes to soon enable EB-5 applicants investing in fully-developed job creation projects to request Premium Processing. Premium Processing would guarantee processing within 15 days for an additional fee. Another proposal is creation of specialized intake teams to make the process more efficient. The most experienced EB5 consultants keep on top of changes to the EB-5 process so that investor immigrants can take full advantage of their options. Why Now is the Time to Act The United States is emerging from a very difficult economic environment which saw credit virtually dry up in many areas. The EB-5 program lets enterprises that create full-time jobs raise money from foreign investors who want to obtain their permanent green card. The EB-5 program helps match much-needed capital with projects designed to develop or redevelop areas that have experienced economic hardship. USCIS allows up to 10,000 EB-5 visas each year, providing foreign investors an alternative way of becoming permanent residents of the U.S. Most experienced EB5 consultants are standing by ready to shepherd new investors through the process of becoming part of America through EB-5.