Essential changes to US' EB-5 Program: What investors need to know
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program has long served as a gateway to U.S. permanent residency for global investors, offering a unique blend of opportunity and security. In response to evolving economic and regulatory needs, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced significant reforms aimed at modernizing the program.
These updates represent a strategic overhaul designed to enhance transparency, streamline processing, and ensure the program's sustainability. For investors, these changes signal a renewed commitment to efficiency and reliability, reinforcing the EB-5 program's standing as a premier option for securing U.S. residency.
Reauthorization of the Regional Center Program
One of the most pivotal recent changes in the EB-5 landscape is the reauthorization of the Regional Center Program, reinstated under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) of 2022. After lapsing in 2021, this program, which allows investors to pool their resources into large-scale projects managed by designated regional centers, has returned with reinforced measures. The reauthorization underscores the program's critical role in providing structured, potentially lower-risk opportunities in the U.S. real estate and infrastructure sectors.
Increased Filing Fees and Faster Processing Times
As of April 1, 2024, USCIS increased the filing fees for EB-5 petitions by 200% for Form I-526E. This fee hike aims to offset rising administrative costs and improve processing efficiency. Despite these increased costs, the
