The use of EB-5 capital has proven to be a low cost alternative in filling out the capital stack for various projects. The EB-5 program allows foreign nationals to apply for U.S. permanent residence on the basis of investing in a new commercial enterprise through an approved regional center. Regional centers must show that these investors create at least 10 direct or indirect full-time jobs as a result of each individual investment. Foreign investors prefer investing EB-5 capital through a regional center because it removes the burden of researching, planning, and setting up a business since the commercial enterprise is already created by an established regional center.

Largely as a result of the financial downturn, developers in the U.S. have lost the ability to rely primarily on domestic investment and funding sources. It is in this context that EB-5 capital has become increasingly needed for development activities across the country.

It is important to note that the purpose of the EB-5 program is to promote economic growth, but how this growth should look is open to interpretation. Developers are able to use EB-5 capital for a variety of projects including, but not limited to, hospitality, residential, mixed-use, retail, manufacturing, and industrial. Regional centers are able to sponsor projects and deploy EB-5 capital for a broad range of activities, which adequately create the necessary economic growth (i.e. which create at least 10 direct or indirect jobs per EB-5 investor).

Developers wishing to have a project sponsored by a regional center should understand the ultimate goal. The goal is not simply to infuse EB-5 capital into a project. Rather, it is to make sure that each foreign investor successfully obtains a green card as a result of his or her capital investment. A developer can help ensure this outcome by understanding all of the EB-5 program requirements and realizing that the use of EB-5 capital, while cheaper than alternative sources of capital, comes with the burden of additional objectives.

Contact us today for more information on using EB-5 capital as well as how to find a regional center willing to sponsor your project.