Questions & Answers

Do I submit my project directly to a Regional Center?

Do I submit my project directly to a Regional Center? I am a real estate developer in Indianapolis. I have a project in Chicago which will develop 50 new jobs and the project total cost is $10 million.

Answers

• Roberto Ortiz

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 5, 2013

  You would need to speak with a Regional Center in your area to see if you could join there Regional Center. Also, please keep in mind that for every investor that you get for your project you have to create 10 new jobs. You stated that you will create 50 new jobs, which will mean that you will have 5 investors and receive $2,500,000.00. Will the other $7,500,000.00 be invested by the developer? Please contact me to discuss this further.

• Lei Jiang

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 2, 2013

  You should contact local regional centers to see if they are interested in your project.

• Fredrick W Voigtmann

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 1, 2013

  If you do work with a regional center, it has to be one that has a geographic scope and industry sector that covers your project. Otherwise, the regional center would have to apply to the USCIS to amend its regional center designation. Make sure you work with someone with EB-5 experience who can review the regional centers designation letter and make sure the approval covers what you propose in your project. Then, you can negotiate with the regional center to see if they want to accept your project.

• Reza Rahbaran

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on April 1, 2013

  You may do so, however it would be prudent to consult an EB-5 attorney. For further information please contact Rahbaran & Associates.

• Julia Roussinova

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 28, 2013

  You must either obtain your own Regional Center designation from USCIS and have your project approved by USCIS before you market to EB-5 investors or you may associate with an established Regional Center for a fee if it is approved for your geographic area and industry and you agree to its terms.

• Clem Turner

  Securities Attorney

  Answered on March 28, 2013

  You can submit your project to a Regional Center, there are not many in Chicago and as a result of SEC activity there is one less. You can find approved Illinois Regional Centers on the USCIS website. You can also consider forming your own regional center, which will take much longer and cost more, but in the end it gives you more control over marketing, legal and overall process and allows you to access foreign capital directly, without having to pay a fee to another Regional Center. You can also use your Regional Center to service other developers'' projects in the future, thereby turning your Regional Center into a profit center.

• Mark Ivener

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 28, 2013

  Only if the Regional Center has been approved for real estate projects and will rent you use of their Center for a fee. Otherwise, you have to apply for your own Center which would take about 1.5 years.

• Ed Beshara

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 28, 2013

  First seek the services of an experienced EB-5 Attorney. Our law firm is assisting EB-5 projects in the Chicago area. Your EB-5 project may become associated with a Regional Center. Again your legal counsel will provide guidance on how to make this EB-5 project EB-5 compliant and marketable

• Philip H Teplen

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 28, 2013

  You can either work independently or through a Regional Center. There are many factors to be considered. I suggest you consult with an attorney

• Boyd Campbell

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 27, 2013

  Yes you do!

• Natalia Polukhtin

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 27, 2013

  It is not quite clear from your question what you are trying to accomplish. I believe, you want to certify your project as a Regional Center to attract potential investors. If so, you need to submit your complete application along with the Form I-924 to USCIS.

• Neville M Leslie

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 27, 2013

  No, you need to hire an attorney to form a regional center for you. ein.

• Daniel P Hanlon

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 27, 2013

  No. If you are trying to attract investors to your own project, you must submit an application for classification as a Regional Center with the USCIS.

• Ali Brodie

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 27, 2013

  You may either have your project adopted by an already certified/designated Regional Center (if you agree to their terms and they cover your geographic area and industry), or you may apply to USCIS to establish your own Regional Center, under which you run your projects.

• Marjan Kasra

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on March 27, 2013

  You need to submit your application to USCIS to be approved as a Regional Project. This is a complicated process and you should consult a qualified EB5 Attorney prior to taking action.

• Bernard P Wolfsdorf

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 31, 1969

  You can approach a regional center who may adopt your project, if you want to count indirect jobs. Or you can use pooled investments, if you only want to use direct jobs.