Background to the reform
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act strengthened oversight of regional centres, project sponsors and promoters, to protect overseas investors and reduce misrepresentation and conflicts of interest.
What is I-956K?
Anyone promoting EB-5 investment for a regional centre or its projects must register with USCIS on form I-956K and commit to the rules, including honest disclosure of any commission or fees received.
What investors can do
- Ask intermediaries for their I-956K registration
- Understand what fees the intermediary receives from the project
- Ask for the full investment documents, not just a marketing presentation
Other safeguards
The reform also requires regional centres to fund an integrity fund, undergo regular audits and report in more detail on how project funds are used.
EB-5 application process and timing
- Assessment and project selection (4–8 weeks): We choose the TEA category and a vetted project based on your place of birth, your children’s ages and your family’s goals.
- Source of funds and investment (3–6 months): Prepare the source-of-funds evidence, make the investment and sign the investment documents.
- File I-526E (12–24 months): File the investor petition; eligible applicants in the US can file I-485 at the same time. Once approved, the family receives two-year conditional green cards.
- I-829 removal of conditions (After two years of conditional residence): Show the investment was sustained and the jobs created, and receive ten-year permanent green cards.
Main EB-5 requirements
- A qualifying investment: USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, or USD 1,050,000 in other projects
- Proof of the lawful source of the investment funds and the full transfer path
- The project must create at least 10 full-time jobs per investor
- The investment must remain at risk throughout the conditional green card period
- Admissibility: no serious criminal record and a satisfactory medical examination
- Participation in the business: investing through a regional centre as a limited partner is sufficient
Key benefits of EB-5
- Green cards for the whole family in one application
- Live and work in any US state
- Children attend public schools and universities as residents
- No need to own or run a business
- Apply for citizenship once residence requirements are met
Next step
Every family’s background, funds and timeline are different. Global Immigrate’s professional consultants can assess, free of charge, whether this programme suits you and compare other options. You can also request the full programme brochure on the programme page.
Learn more: US EB-5 Investor Immigration