What’s Next For EB-5 Visa?

What’s Next For EB-5 Visa?

It is no surprise that the EB-5 Visa industry has been seeing some major changes in the past year.  Increased processing times, and restrictions on the number of Chinese investors are just some of the few hot topics in the space today.  But what does the future hold for EB-5? 

With the sunset of the EB-5 program quickly approaching at in the 4^th quarter of 2015, potential investors should take notice of a few looming changes.  If the visa is extended for another three years or is made permanent by Congress, it is likely that we will see an increase in the investment amount.  There are rumors that the investment will go up to anywhere from $800,000 USD to $1M USD.  However, those who invest prior to the change in policy, will enjoy the limited $500,000. 

It is no surprise that the U.S. may make it more expensive to immigrate to the land of opportunity.  After all, the equities markets prove to be the strongest, there are no bombs falling from the sky, and the employment rate keeps climbing.  Another thing to consider is that, when compared to some of the other developed countries who offer investment immigration programs, the U.S. seems to be the cheapest. 

Another development to be aware of is the number of applicants who are flocking to the EB-5 Visa program.  Rumor has it that the visa will be oversubscribed by middle of the year.  Believe this or not, the closure of the Canadian program and now the closure of the Hong Kong program are driving large numbers of investors towards EB-5. The Chinese dominate the industry and will more than likely be affected by the lack of visas available.

Some leaders in the industry are also on a crusade to bring the EB-5 Visa back to its intended roots. With the mega projects hoarding the majority of the slots, it is becoming difficult for small business owners and innovators to take advantage of the competitive EB-5 marketplace.  Perhaps we may see some proposed changes in the allocation of the visas to smaller and more innovative operators?

With all the changes coming, one thing is for sure: The industry is changing rapidly but still growing at a tremendous pace. 

If you would like to know more, please visit my website http://eb5investgreencard.com/ 

Making the EB-5 Wire Transfer from Russian to the U.S.: What Every Russian EB-5 Investor Needs to Know Бизнес виза в США EB-5 юристы eb5 в москве

One of the main questions on the minds of all Russian EB-5 Investors is how am I going to get my money out of the country?  With the tight grip on currency control and out of the country wire transfers, it is sometimes difficult for the average investor to believe that a signed subscription agreement, in English, is all that is needed to effectuate the transaction. 

Russian banks and central currency control have become familiar with the EB-5 visa and are allowing swift and painless transfers to take place from Russia to the U.S.  Of course, having an invoice issued by the Regional Center with all pertinent wire transfer instructions is also helpful. 

Prior to making the transfer, the Russian EB-5 investor should always notify the Regional Center of the in-coming wire so as to avoid any issues on the U.S. bank recipient side.  At times, the sending bank in Russia may ask the investor to prove that the funds which are being wired for the purposes of making the EB-5 investment are lawful and all appropriate Russian taxes have been paid. My advice is to come to your bank branch with the signed retainer agreement, and invoice from the EB-5 Regional Center, and evidence that the appropriate taxes have been pain on the funds which are being transferred.  Having all three (3) will save you time and money. 

As Russian investors know, the Ruble has become so volatile at times that making the conversion from Rubles to U.S. dollars on day A may be $15,000-$20,000kUSD more expensive, then on day B.  In other words, if the investor’s lawful EB-5 funds are currently in Rubles, converting the funds to US Dollars for the purposes of making the EB-5 investment, should take place when the exchange rate is more favorable. 

In the last month I have first-hand witnessed an investor from Russia who had to postpone his investment due to the rapid volatility of the Ruble.  It is unfortunate that people who have worked so hard for their money are now being prevented from making an EB-5 investment due to economic factors which they cannot control.   

For more information on the lawful source of funds and the wire transfer procedures, please visit my website at http://eb5investgreencard.com/eb-5-for-investors/  and http://eb5investgreencard.com/ru/eb-5-for-investors/