The recently announced temporary tariff reductions between the United States and China could significantly impact EB-5 applications from Mainland Chinese investors, particularly their management of application fees and transfer of funds.
The 90-day period of reduced tariffs, which started on May 14, 2025, aims to ease the ongoing trade tensions while both nations work towards a more sustainable resolution.
Securities attorney Robert Cornish says that resolving trade issues between the two countries can diminish the perceived economic tensions. He notes that both nations “have a common interest in global prosperity, and the EB-5 program, and the USA generally may be getting another look from those Chinese nationals who seek to share in that common interest through immigration.”
U.S. immigration attorney Brandon Meyer points out that, so far this year, there have been no noticeable changes in the volume of applications from China, and the upward trend seen in 2024 continues. He suggests, “I suspect that tariffs, if fully enacted, will have a positive impact on China’s EB-5 volume. The decision-making process can be lengthy, so anyone ready to move forward within the next six months has probably been working toward their EB-5 process for some time. If anything, tariffs, just like the ‘Gold Card’ announcement, will have the impact of getting people off the fence and proceeding with EB-5.”
Meanwhile, EB-5 lawyer Darren Silver is skeptical about the potential effects of tariff adjustments. He does not believe such changes will significantly impact Chinese EB-5 investors, who are primarily focused on long-term opportunities in the United States and prospects for their children’s education.
Potential effects of lower U.S.-Chinese tariffs on EB-5 investments
Currently, U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports will decrease from 145% to 30%, while China’s tariffs on U.S. goods will drop from 125% to 10%. This agreement aims to provide Americans with a fairer deal in international trade.
The anticipated stability in the economic landscape during these 90 days could affect how Chinese investors manage their EB-5 application fees, legal costs, and investments, as factors such as exchange rates and transaction fees come into play. The temporary tariff reduction could lead to fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan, thereby influencing potential EB-5 investment decisions.
Chinese investors applying for EB-5 visas must pay various fees throughout the process and invest either $800,000 or $1,050,000, depending on their investment destination within the United States. Variations in exchange rates can impact the total cost associated with EB-5 projects for these applicants.
Additionally, Chinese investors already face restrictions and regulations on transferring large sums of money to the U.S. The temporary reduction in tariffs and the potential improvement in U.S.-China trade relations might affect the existing capital transfer limitations that these investors must navigate.
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