The requirements for the program are as follows:

a) Investment of $500,000 (if in Targeted Employment Area) or $1,000,000 into a U.S commercial enterprise.
b) Investment must create 10 full-time U.S. jobs
c) Investor must be able to show a lawful source of funds
d) Investment must be "at risk” meaning actually invested. A specific return cannot be guaranteed under EB-5 regulations.

A regional center is an entity designated by the United States Immigration Services (USCIS) to promote job creation, economic development and regional productivity. Regional Centers simply the EB-5 process for investors by identifying and managing qualifying EB-5 investments. Regional Centers are better able to meet the job creation requirements of the EB-5 program as they can count indirect and induced jobs created by their investment, in addition to the direct job count. The resulting multiplier effect is a significant advantage.

A conditional green card is issued after the investor files the I-526 petition, showing, amongst other things, that the investor has made a $500,000 or $1 million U.S. dollar investment of lawful capital in a new commercial enterprise, and describing how the required jobs will be created. I-526 petitions are usually prepared on behalf of EB-5 applicants by an immigration attorney, but the Regional Center will provide supporting documentation including business plans detailing job creation for the particular investment.

This conditional green card is only valid for two years, but otherwise carries the same rights as a permanent green card. In order to receive a permanent green card, a conditional permanent resident must file the I-829 petition to remove conditions before the 2 year expiration.

Upon approval of I-526 Petition, you must wait for notification from the U.S. Consulate in your home country to prepare documents for the Visa interview. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that the investor and his/her family undergo medical, police, security and immigration history checks before the conditional permanent resident visa are issued. At the interview, the consular officer may address these issues and information contained on the I-526 application.

If the investor and his/her family are already in the U.S., they may apply for adjustment of status by filing form I-485 with the USCIS.

The I-829 petition is the final step of the EB-5 visa process for investors to become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Investors file this petition for removal of conditions about 21 months after the conditional green card has been issued. At that time the investor must demonstrate that they have invested the total amount of required funds, that they have sustained their investment in the new commercial enterprise throughout your two-year period of conditional permanent residence, and that the required jobs were actually created. Furthermore, it must be shown that the capital investment was made in accordance with the regional center’s business plan in order to be credited with indirect jobs.

The Regional Center will provide supporting documentation to aide in the application of Removal of Conditions. While the I-829 application is in the review process the Applicant remains in Conditional Lawful Residence even if the application is still not finalized before the expiration date. Typically the Conditional Permanent Resident status is extended in one-year increments or until the I-829 application is approved by USCIS.

The EB-5 program allots 10,000 visas per year for foreign individuals or families investing in business’s that create at least ten (10) full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Only Accredited Investors are eligible to invest in our Regional Center. To qualify to be an Accredited Investor, a proposed investor must have one of the following:
a) Net worth of at least $1,000,000
b) Income of $200,000 or more for the past two years and expects to make a similar amount this fiscal year (or $300,000 a year if filing jointly with a spouse).

Each proposed EB-5 investor will be required to sign representations indicating whether it meets the foregoing criteria. The general partner will have the right to refuse a Subscription for a limited partnership interest if, in its sole discretion, it believes that the proposed EB-5 investor does not meet the suitability requirements.

Investors investing through EB-5 Visa program do not require any previous business or management experience. Investors investing through a Regional Center rely on the Regional Center to manage day to day business activities. Furthermore, there is no minimum education level. The only requirement for the investor is that he or she has the required net worth or income pursuant to SEC regulations. See "Who can apply?" above.

The EB-5 investor, his/her spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 at the time of filing the I-526 petition will each receive a green card. It is also possible for lawfully adopted children to be included.

Investors looking to invest in the EB-5 program do not have to speak English.

Investors must provide proof showing the funds being invested in the EB-5 program came from legitimate sources. Funds are usually verified by the following ways:
a) Previous tax returns
b) Bank statements
c) Documentation proving original source of funds (inheritance, gift, loan etc)
d) Real estate asset documents
e) Business ownership documents
f) Previous salary statements

Rejection in the past does not disqualify the applicant, unless the reasons related to fraud or criminal history. It is important that all criminal, medical, or U.S. immigration history issues be disclosed to the Regional Center and legal counsel in advance of application.

REIF Regional Center requires a $50,000 administrative fee at the time of subscription.

The funds are placed in an escrow account during the initial I-526 petition. An Escrow Bank Account is a legal account established in a registered bank to hold the initial deposit in trust until the completion of visa processing. When an Escrow Bank Account is established, the funds continue to belong to the investor; however, they are committed to be placed into the investment upon petition approval. Under the agreements entered into with the servicing affiliate, the bank is not authorized to release the funds to the regional center until the I-526 Petition has been approved. In case the petition is denied, the funds are returned directly to the investor from the Escrow Account.

Information on the EB-5 program can be found on the USCIS website. USCIS

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