What qualities should you look for in an EB-5 regional center?

Here are the top 5 qualities investors will want to look for in an EB-5 regional center.

1. USCIS designation and good standing.

Before spending your time looking into whether you like a regional center, check USCIS’ website to see if the regional center is USCIS designated. Before a regional center can accept EB-5 investors, it must be designated by USCIS. Additionally, look for exemplar filing status.

2. Professional EB-5 planning.

Find a regional center with  the experience and know-how to prepare and submit all of the necessary EB-5 documents on time. Study or bring in an immigration attorney to review the regional center’s capital structures, offering documents, business plans, economic reports, exit strategies, and loan documents, to ensure their strength.

3. Track record and approvals.

Has the regional center completed similar projects within their projected timeline? Have they had 100% of their project offerings approved by USCIS? What are some of their finished projects? Have they received a significant amount of Form I-526 and Form I-829 approvals? How many of their investors have received permanent residency status?

4. The Team.

In the same way that you want a regional center with a proven track record, you’ll also want a regional center’s team to have a proven track record. Find out how long each of the key team members have been with the regional center and what their expertise is in.

5. Where is the project located and what industry is it in?

It’s important to find a project located in a strong economy. While Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) are supposed to be located in rural areas, parts of major cities can be considered a TEA. Finding projects located in major cities have a stronger chance of success. It’s equally important to find a project in an industry you’re familiar with as well as an industry that does well in the EB-5 Program. Strong EB-5 industries include real estate developments such as condominiums and hotels, and mixed use and commercial projects.

For more information about EB-5 regional center qualities send us a message or consult with an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney.