The EB5 Visa Program is a program that allows foreign investors to receive a US green card in exchange for an investment in a US commercial enterprise.

The program requires investors to invest $1,050,000 or $800,000 if investing in a targeted employment area (TEA), and the investment must create or preserve ten full-time jobs.

Project developers and businesses may be interested in renting an EB5 regional center because of the capital that it offers, and the appealing benefits that regional centers offer to foreign investors may increase investments.

The Role of an EB-5 Regional Center

An EB5 regional center sponsors investment projects for EB5 investors. Regional centers must be designated and approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Renting a regional center allows project developers to utilize foreign investments to develop their own projects. Renting a regional center may also be an attractive option because regional centers make it easier for investors to meet the job creation requirement. Direct, indirect, and induced jobs are counted toward the job creation requirement for regional center investments.

With direct investments, only direct jobs count. This makes it easier for the investor to meet the program requirements and receive their green card. For these reasons, using a regional center may be a more appealing option for both investors and developers.

Options for Gaining Regional Center Sponsorship

To gain regional center sponsorship, project developers can either establish their own regional center or rent an existing regional center. Establishing a regional center requires an application and can be time-consuming.

Many developers decide to rent a regional center because it is less expensive and time-consuming. Renting allows developers to gain capital without having to go through the process of creating their own regional center.

Tasks To Complete Before Renting an EB5 Regional Center

Choosing the right regional center can make the process much simpler. There are a few tasks and responsibilities that project developers should complete before renting a regional center, including:

Complete Due Diligence

Before renting a specific regional center, developers should conduct thorough research on the regional center. They should first make sure that the regional center has the correct geographical scope to complete their project.

They should also evaluate their track record and success rate with EB5 projects, including the number of projects they have completed and their rate of approval for I-526 and I-829 petitions.

If the developer finds any concerning information, they can research a different regional center that may be a better fit. 

Conduct a Cost-benefit Analysis

Conducting a cost-benefit analysis can help developers decide if a regional center’s costs make sense for the EB-5 project. They should also make sure they are aware of what their responsibilities will be. This can help the developer decide whether the cost, financially and otherwise, is too high. 

Seek Legal Expertise

Developers should seek legal expertise before agreeing to rent a regional center. An immigration attorney can help make sure the agreements and documentation comply with USCIS regulations and protect the developer’s interest. They can also make sure the developer isn’t selecting a regional center with impending litigation. 

Renting a Regional Center Can Empower Your Investment Journey

Renting an EB5 regional center provides project developers with a compliant and efficient route to participate in the EB5 program.

Developers can find a promising opportunity by researching various regional centers, conducting due diligence, and seeking legal advice. Renting a regional center can simplify the process and eliminate the developer’s need to create their own regional center.

Renting allows developers to focus on their investments and create successful outcomes for the US economy and EB5 investors.