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Questions and Answers > EB-5 Investments

When must EB-5 regional center fees be paid?

I have read that EB-5 regional center fees are typically $50,000 (which is in addition to the $500,000 already required). Can I pay the regional center fee in installments over 2-3 years, or are they required to be paid up front?

Answers

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    A Olusanjo Omoniyi

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    The regional center fees are largely determined by the agreement between each regional center and the investor. There is no general guideline for the EB-5 industry on this issue. Advisably, ask any regional center you contact prior to signing an agreement.

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    Robert Lee

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    The admin fees can be paid off as you arrange with the regional center. It is strongly advised that the $500,000 be in the investment at the time of filing.

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    Fredrick W Voigtmann

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Most, if not all, regional centers will require that all of the administrative/syndication fees be paid up front, i.e., at the same time as the $500,000 investment.

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    Xiaosheng Huang

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    This fee is required by the regional center. As I know, they are required to pay from the beginning with the investment of $500,000. You can negotiate with the regional center if they allow you to pay in installments.

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    Barbara Suri

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Regional center fees are NOT immigration required fees. Arrangements for paying these fees are by agreement/contract with your chosen regional center.

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    Michael A Harris, Esq

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Most regional centers are likely to require you to pay the fees up front. This is because their subscription agreements require it. Some regional centers may agree to rebate or discount their fees, in certain cases.

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    Salvatore Picataggio

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    The fees can be anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000, in our experience, but some do not charge any administration fee. It depends on the regional center, but most require that amount right before or at the same time as making the full $500,000 investment. Since administration fees are completely separate from the immigration requirements, you may be able to work out a payment plan with the regional center.

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    John J Downey

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    It is up to the regional center. I believe most of them require the full amount up front. You should contact the regional center and see if you can negotiate a payment plan.

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    Jinhee Wilde

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Since most of the subscription agreements specify that there is $50,000 syndication/administrative fee for the regional centers, if you do not pay that up front before filing the I-526, USCIS will note this and find that you have not made the full $500,000 investment and issue either a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny asking you to show that you have fully committed $500,000 in EB-5 investment. If the regional center will issue a waiver stating that they are postponing the collection of their syndication fee to be included in the I-526 petition, it may work, but I do not know of any regional center that will do that.

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    Richard A Gump, Jr

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Thank you for your inquiry. Each regional center sets its own terms for its fees, how the fees are paid, etc.

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    Anthony Korda

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    There is no requirement in the EB-5 regulations to pay any fees. However, these payments are usually a matter of contract and you should discuss this issue with the regional center concerned.

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    BoBi Ahn

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    This is negotiated in the beginning, and in most cases the fee is paid at the beginning of the process.

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    Bernard P Wolfsdorf

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    This is the administration fee and most regional centers require that it be paid prior to filing. However, this can be negotiated and there may be an agreement to change this, or even to waive part of it.

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    Ian E Scott

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    The regional center fees are paid when you transfer the $500,000 before the I-526 is filed.

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    Raymond Lahoud

    Immigration Attorney
    Answered on

    Typically, the investment and escrow for costs are made up front.