With the EB-5 Visa Program being extended in its current form to the end of September 2018, it is expected that a ‘Gold Rush’ of applications is coming, with applicants attempting to negate any changes (increases) to the minimum investment level required via EB-5 Direct or the EB-5 Regional Center visa routes.
Currently, investors can apply for an EB-5 visa (whether Direct or RC) with as little as $500,000 investment, if the area in which their business will operate is classified as a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or a Rural Area. Any other location and the minimum investment level is $1M.
However, the US Government has its eyes firmly on the EB-5 program and seemingly is dedicated to its reform, as such, whilst it is likely the visa as a whole will continue, the levels, rather – the minimum levels of investment are more than likely to increase. Some estimates point to any ‘version’ of the visa (Direct or RC) to require a minimum investment of at least $1M, irrespective of whether the business is to be located in a Rural Area, or a TEA and will most likely be closer to $1.35M.
How this affects Indian investment into the US is explored in this article from The Hindu Business Line, which notes that currently, India is not fully utilising its existing quota of EB-5 visas.
Greengate Business Associates have specialised expertise in delivering high-value business plans, market research and financial modelling solutions primarily for immigrant investors, entrepreneurs, overseas corporations and High Net Worth individuals who are seeking residency-led investment options in both the US and UK. Over the past five years we have been involved in over $650M of inward investment to the US and have delivered 400+ premium business plans for our clients.
