What is the minimum development size for an acceptable EB-5 real estate project?

There is no minimum size and technically it could be for a $900,000 raise. Practically, however, we are seeing a lot more of smaller raises in the region of $10-$20 million.

The minimum development size can be $900,000.

The simple answer to all your three questions is that there is no general standard. Thus, being a new developer is not necessarily a stumbling block, just as well as, the experience is not required either in raising money or managing an EB-5 project. Actually, writing a good business plan that details how you meet the requirements of EB-5 such as how you intend to meet job creation and making sure the business plan complies with the Matter of Ho case will help determine whether your EB-5 will be approved. Finally, consult an EB-5 attorney for further details on the new rules of EB-5 which took effect on November 21, 2019 and how you can meet all necessary requirements.

There is no statutorily required size of the project to meet EB-5 requirements. It would be case-specific. The same requirements apply regardless of the size of the project. Contact an experienced EB-5 attorney who will assist in structuring the project in order to meet EB-5 requirements.

There is no minimum, but the project must show it will create 10 new jobs within the required time period.

The biggest issue is credibility and financing. Whether it is big or small, without a credible plan to explain how the project would be financed if it fails to raise EB-5 money, it will almost certainly get denied.

USCIS is looking for the likelihood that the project will be successful and create jobs. If that can be done with a first-time developer, great. If that requires a higher percentage of EB-5 funds, that can be OK too. The market for EB-5 investors may be a little different though, looking for experience and a limit on the share of EB-5 in the overall capital stack. This is definitely something worth pursuing with an EB-5 attorney.