Hong Kong
TaiwanShort answer: Many EB-5 regional-center projects require the $800,000 / $1,050,000 capital to be wired into an escrow account first. Funds are released to the new commercial enterprise or project only after conditions in the subscription documents are met (for example I-526E filed, or approved, or a raise target hit). Escrow does not replace due diligence, but it can reduce the risk of capital being used before key immigration milestones.
Why use escrow?
An independent bank or escrow agent holds funds under the agreement so the project cannot freely use them before agreed triggers. For investors the critical questions are: Are release conditions fixed in writing? If I-526E is denied, is capital returned? Who can authorize release? See US EB-5 Investor Immigration.
What release conditions are common?
They vary by project: I-526E filed with receipt notice, I-526E approved, minimum raise achieved, or a combination. Some structures release on filing (faster project funding); others wait for approval (more conservative for the investor). There is no single statutory template—your escrow and subscription documents control.
Escrow clauses to check before you subscribe
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Release triggers | When money leaves escrow |
| Denial / withdrawal refund | Whether capital returns if I-526E is denied or withdrawn, and what fees are deducted |
| Escrow bank and governing law | Institutional reliability and dispute forum |
| Link to admin fee | Whether the admin fee is also escrowed and its refund rules |
Global Immigrate’s recommendation
Tie escrow review to “source of funds ready + project diligence done”—do not wire first and document later. Ask for a clear summary of release triggers, refund path and timing. Rural set-aside projects still need escrow review; Current status is not a substitute. Counsel should confirm in writing that the terms match your risk tolerance before any wire.
Data current as of October 2026. General information only; not legal advice.