The EB-5 program offers incredible benefits to investors. Despite being misused and misrepresented by some, this program is excellent for those with money to invest.
EB-5 investors and their qualifying family members can work anywhere in the United States. They also have the freedom to travel and live wherever they choose.
Economic Growth
Investors participating in the EB-5 program must make capital investments that create at least ten permanent full-time jobs for U.S. workers. This job creation has a tremendous impact on the economy. It also provides an opportunity for those investors to obtain permanent green cards for themselves and their spouses, as well as children under the age of 21.
According to a recent analysis by IIUSA and the EB-5 Investment Coalition, the positive benefits of the EB-5 program have generated hundreds of thousands of employees across the country at no cost to taxpayers. Billion-dollar investments, most of which went to regional centers, allowed for completing those projects.
It is important to note that EB-5 investments are “at risk” and must not be guaranteed by any entity other than the New Commercial Enterprise (NCE). As such, those participating in the EB-5 program must clearly understand their investment structure and terms outlined in the operating agreement. Only then can they adequately plan for the return on their investment and have realistic expectations about the timing of that return.
Job Creation
The EB-5 visa program requires that foreign nationals invest at least $800,000 into a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs. The investment must create or preserve at least ten full-time positions for qualified employees in the United States. Qualified employees include those with legal authorization to work in the United States, such as permanent residents and citizens. Indirect and induced jobs may also count toward the job creation requirement.
Many EB-5 investors choose to invest in projects located in targeted employment areas (TEAs). These locations are typically rural or high-unemployment areas. In addition to creating jobs, investing in a TEA can help reduce the investment amount required by USCIS.
Depending on the business plan and methodology used to calculate job creation, it can be challenging for a potential EB-5 investor to meet their job creation requirements. However, our EB-5 immigration attorneys can provide advice and guidance to minimize the challenges of meeting the job creation requirements. We can also advise on the complexities of demonstrating job creation through indirect or induced jobs.
Tax Benefits
In addition to receiving lawful permanent residency, the EB-5 program also offers investors significant tax benefits. Whether you invest in a new commercial enterprise or a regional center, your investment will be tax-deductible. However, a few crucial details need to be taken into account.
Generally, investors make either an equity or debt investment in the new commercial enterprise (JCE). Your return on investment will depend on the operating agreement of the JCE and whether your equity investment is in the form of preferred or common stock.
Foreign nationals must invest $1 million in a business that generates at least ten new jobs to participate in the EB-5 program. If you invest in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), you can reduce the investment amount to $500,000 instead. It is essential because TEAs typically experience high unemployment rates and require more economic growth. Once you satisfy the EB-5 program requirements, you and your family will receive lawful permanent resident status in the United States. It allows you to live and work anywhere in the United States and access quality education at lower tuition rates than U.S. citizens and residents.
Visa Benefits
The EB-5 program allows foreign investors to become lawful permanent residents in the United States. To qualify, they must invest in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full-time jobs for United States workers.
Unlike many other visa programs USCIS manages, the EB-5 is explicitly designed for economic growth and job creation. The program even includes an aspect that targets specific domestic locations and populations, known as Targeted Employment Areas (TEA), to encourage investment in underserved regions of the country.
Investors who pursue the EB-5 program also have a faster and more effective path to citizenship for themselves and their families. Once their two-year conditional permanent residency is complete, they can apply for U.S. citizenship and their family members.
For foreign investors who wish to pursue the EB-5 program, it is vital to work with an experienced immigration attorney. These professionals can provide insights into potential investments and the immigration process, document the source of funds, and help with foreign remittances and local tax compliance.
Relatives
The EB-5 program was created to help the American economy grow through foreign direct investment. The program has also paved the way for permanent residency and green cards for qualifying investors and their families.
To qualify for the EB-5 program, the investor and their family must demonstrate that they invested at least $800,000 in a project that meets specific requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The investment must create at least ten jobs for every EB-5 investor in the job-creating entity and demonstrate sound financial projections.
While USCIS does not guarantee the return-on-investment capital, performing proper due diligence on the regional centre and the project is critical. Prospective investors should review a comprehensive private placement memorandum and consult experienced financial/tax professionals to ensure the project and its structure comply with EB-5 regulations.
The PPM should disclose any conflicts of interest between the regional centre, New Commercial Enterprise (NCE), and the Job Creating Entity. Additionally, the PPM should explain whether the funds are being held in escrow and when the NCE will release the invested capital.