U.S. business owners seeking alternative, nontraditional ways to fund a new business or expand an existing business may want to consider seeking foreign investment capital through the EB-5 program. Investors from foreign countries seeking entrée to the United States are motivated and often have liquid...
One of the first questions that potential EB-5 applicants ask is: "How much do I need to invest in order to qualify for an EB-5 visa?” While the answer to this question is quite simple, it is often shrouded in confusion. In this article, we...
As a Commonwealth of the United States, Puerto Rico uses the U.S. Dollar as its currency, is defended by the U.S. armed forces, and is subject to the American Federal Court System and Laws. However, one little-known fact that is highly useful to prospective EB-5...
When Congress established the EB-5 Visa Category in 1990, its goal was to to ensure that the funds committed by immigrant investors were obtained lawfully and not as a result of any illegal activity. Therefore, lawmakers passed a “lawful source of funds” requirement for both...
In June, two United States senators—Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont—introduced legislation to reauthorize and reform the EB-5 Regional Center Program, which is set to expire on September 30th. The Leahy-Grassley bill was actually the third bill to...
This post is part of e-Council Inc.’s new “Spotlight” series, in which we feature successful EB-5 projects across different industries and business types; some of the spotlighted businesses may be our clients whereas others are not, but all have one theme in common: SUCCESS using...
Welcome to e-Council Inc.’s new “Spotlight” series, where we feature successful EB-5 projects across different industries and business types. Franchises may be an ideal option for foreign investors looking to participate actively in the EB-5 program. Franchise chains offer an established business model with a proven...
In our previous blog post we introduced Mike Xenick, CEO and President of InvestAmerica Capital Advisors, a broker-dealer affiliated, full-service EB-5 Investment Bank, and strategic partner of e-Council Inc. Mike shared tips on the ways in which investors, business owners, and project developers can vet...
Historically, film studios and producers have used many different types of financing to cover the costs of film production, including government grants, pre-sales, debt financing, and private equity. In recent years, the film industry has sought funding through the EB-5 program. Since 2009, international media conglomerates...
The EB-5 program was designed to reward foreign investors who invest $1 million into a new commercial enterprise that creates ten full-time jobs as a result of their investment. However, most EB-5 petitioners lawfully invest $500,000 for the same benefit. This lower investment threshold is...