Millions of people worldwide dream about coming to the United States and obtaining permanent residency. In fact, it is possible for investors who qualify for an EB-5 visa, which is one of the best green card options available today.
Although this visa category went through many updates in a short period, it is still possible to find EB-5 investment opportunities. In this article, you will find out how to search for EB-5 investment opportunities in 2021.
Understanding the EB-5 Visa – An Updated Overview
The EB-5 investor visa is a green card option for investors, in which an investor can get a green card for themselves, their spouse, and their children (under 21), based on making an investment in a US business and creating jobs for US workers.
Historically, for several years the amount of investment required to qualify for an E-B5 visa was $500,000. However, in November 2019, the required investment amount increased to $900,000.
When the investment amount went up, a company by the name of Behring Regional Center filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging multiple improper factors associated with the increase in the required amount.
On June 22, 2021, the federal judge overseeing the case decided that the Department of Homeland Security incurred multiple procedural errors when they enacted the rule back in 2019.
The decision was excellent for thousands of prospective EB-5 investors, as the required investment amount returned to $500,000.
Subsequently, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially updated its website stating that “we are applying the regulations in effect before Nov. 21, 2019, on this website and in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part G, Investors.”
Additionally, the USCIS provides that they will “accept the April 15, 2019, version of Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, because the Nov. 21, 2019, version of the form reflects updates from the now-vacated rule.”
However, the Department of Homeland Security is still able to correct the procedural errors that invalidated the rule enacted in November 2019. Hence, prospective EB-5 investors must seize advantage of the opportunity and apply for a green card as soon as possible.
How to Find EB-5 Investment Opportunities in Florida – 2021
In essence, there are two ways of obtaining an EB-5 visa, either by investing in a regional center project/commercial enterprise or investing in a Target Employment Area (TEA).
Prospective EB-5 applicants must understand that the process of obtaining an EB-5 visa has its share of the financial risk involved. Hence, not all investment opportunities are equal in quality nor viability.
Work with an Expert Immigration Attorney in Florida
The first step to avoid making mistakes and find the best investment opportunities available is to work with an expert immigration attorney. The guidance of a legal advisor is essential to ensure legal compliance throughout the process, as well as to help filter opportunities.
The EB-5 program is complex, especially after the wave of changes that affected the program. An expert attorney will help you to check if regional centers and their teams have full EB-5 compliance.Ā
Always Work to Mitigate Financial Risk
In the world of business investment, it is impossible to eliminate risk. However, investors can mitigate financial risk by applying their knowledge and experience when assessing business opportunities.Ā
Before selecting a regional center to invest in, make sure to check each regional center’s project approval rate. Also, ask your legal advisor in Florida to check their l-526 Petition approval rate, as well as their l-829 Petition approval rate.
Double-Check Each Project’s Details and Reputation
When investing in a regional center, you need to understand the project’s full picture, which includes factors like:
- Business plan
- Financial projections
- Job creation methodologies
- Construction timeline
- Budget
- Escrow management
- Exit strategies
- Contractual terms (in detail)
- Program compliance
Also, it is fundamental to research the regional center’s reputation, especially when assessing the developer and management teams. At this stage, the best approach is to consult with past investors to find out about their experience with these teams.
Always Seek Transparency and Honesty in Communication
When searching for the ideal regional center to invest in, it is essential to find a project that has a team willing to communicate transparently with prospective investors. Accordingly, the project’s manager and developer need to stay updated with the investors at all process’s key stages.
How to Find EB-5 Investment Opportunities – Work with Jurado and Associates, P.A. TodayĀ
If you want to increase your chances of success and mitigate risk when applying for an EB-5 visa, waste no time with uncertainty. Call Attorney Romy B. Jurado today at (305) 921-0976 or send an email at [email protected] to schedule a consultation.
