Report from China: The Most Visible and Active EB-5 Regional Centers

(Source: EB-5 China Market Council)
There are over 100 USCIS approved EB-5 Regional Centers, over two dozens of centers are active in China market. The following are visible EB-5 regional centers:

The Most Visible and Active Centers:

1. South Dakota International Business Institute (SDIBI)
2. CMB Export (California)
3. Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) Regional Center
4. Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Regional Center
5. American Life (Washington)
6. Whatcom Opportunities Regional Center
7. Gulf Coast Funds Management LLC (Mississippi)
8. American's Center for Foreign Investment (Alabama)
9. Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (RCI-FirstPathway Partners)
10. New York City Regional Center
11. Los Angeles Regional Center (American Dream Fund, LLC)

The Active Centers (new and/or with very limited activities)

1. California Investment Immigration Fund
2. Idaho State Regional Center
3. YK America Regional Center (California)
4. LA Film Regional Center (CanAm)
5. M&D Regional Center (California)
6. Global Century Regional Center (Texas)
7. New Orleans Mayor's Office (Noble OutReach)
8. BirchLEAF Miami 31 Regional Center
9. US Employment Development Lending Center (California)
10. Hawaii Regional Center
11. City of Dallas Regional Center
12. The State of Vermont Regional Center
13. Victorville Regional Center (California)
14. California Energy Investment Center
15. Palm Coast Regional Center (Florida)
16. Northern California Regional Center

For lists of "The Regional Centers with Strong Government Support" and "The Most Popular Regional Centers" - please contact us for details.

A number of newly approved Regional Centers are entering China market in next three months, and a small number of pending Regional Centers are also currently "testing water" in China market.  For more information about active EB-5 regional centers in China market, please contact us.

Report from China: ISRC Project Seminar in Beijing

Chinese migration broker is hosting an introduction seminar on Idaho State Regional Center project at 2:00 pm today in Beijing. Mr. Lincoln Stone is named as the Center's immigration attorney to process I-526s for the investors.  For more information about EB-5 market, contact us today.

Chinese Policy Changes Bring Uncertain Impact to EB-5 Regional Centers Efforts in China

The recent policy changes imposed by Chinese authority have caused a great concern to both US EB-5 Regional Centers and Chinese migration industry. The new requirements for Chinese migration brokers to register before conducting open seminars and authentication of EB-5 Regional Center documentation definitely have a long term impact to EB-5 business in China. The Chinese migration industry's Beijing Immigration Summit on August 7, 2010, will be the first trade association conference after the new changes. Artisan Business Group, Inc., and EB-5 China Business Council are closely watching the mandates and business trends in China market.  Representatives from Artisan Business Group, Inc., and the US based EB-5 China Market Council will be attending the event.  Mr. Brian Su will share the latest information and insights at the Chicago EB-5 Investor Procurement Seminar on August 31, 2010.  

Report from China: Hoche Partners Capital LLC Promotes New York EB-5 Project in Beijing

Mr. Gregg Hayden and Mr. Zachary Woods with Hoche Partners Capital LLC are touring China to promote New York City Regional Center EB-5 project in Beijing. A seminar was hosted by Beijing migration agency in July 26, 2010. For more information about working with migration brokers in China, contact us today.

Beijing Authority Requires US EB-5 Regional Centers to Authenticate Key Documentations

Beijing Exit and Entry Administration requires migration brokers to request authenticated documentations from US EB-5 Regional Centers prior to offering public promotional seminars in Beijing. For more information, contact us today.

EB-5 Investor Conference in Chicago August 31, 2010

Come, meet and talk with Mr. Brian Su to find out how you can better position your Regional Center in the marketplace and effectively secure international partners and investors for your next EB-5 project; share your thoughts and discuss your personal concerns, problems and issues with Mr. Su one-on-one in Chicago.  At this special workshop, you will systematically learn

• China Migration Market Overview
• Asian Markets Overview
• EB-5 and other Immigrant Investment Programs in the Marketplace
• Chinese Government Regulations
• Major EB-5 Regional Center Players in China
• Introduction to Chinese Migration Service Industry
• Introduction to Major Chinese Migration Trade Associations
• Introduction to the EB-5 China Market Council
• Chinese Investors and Profiles
• Chinese Investors Decision Making Process
• Talking with Prospective Investors
• Developing Effective Marketing Strategies 
• Selecting and Partnering with Chinese Migration Agencies
• Insights on Chinese Migration Business and Industry
• How a Chinese Migration Agency Operates in the Marketplace
• Migration Agency Sales Techniques and Service Procedures
• Migration Brokers: "Wholesaler" vs "Retailer"
• Market Perception on "Escrow" and "Insurance"
• How an EB-5 Project is Promoted towards Prospective Investors
• Conducting Negotiations with Chinese Migration Agencies
• Service Fee Structures and Expenses, Broker Fees (Case Study)
• Due diligence and Oversight on Chinese Parnters 
• Dealing with Mispresentation and Misinformation (Case Study)
• Promoting EB-5 projects at Trade Shows
• Verifying Investor Funds and Verification Service Providers
• Structuring an Offering (for new RC applicants)
• What Sells and/or NOT sells in the Marketplace, and
• much more...

Featured Guest:
Peter Joseph, Interim Executive Director of Association to Invest In the USA (IIUSA). Mr. Joseph will introduce IIUSA and its mission.

Guest Speakers: to be announced later.

For more details and online registration, click http://eb5.eventbrite.com/

EB-5 Regional Center Designation Application: Pre-filing and Pre-approval Consulting Services

Are you developing an EB-5 Regional Center by filing EB-5 Regional Center application with USCIS?  We provide pre-filing and pre-approval consultation on drafting EB-5 PPM, Subscription Agreement, Limited Partnership Agreement, and Investor Questionnaires; we assist you in structuring an investment offering that meet the demands of marketplace, especially China and Asian markets.  When you are in the process of preparing an EB-5 regional center application, you shall fully understand the EB-5 market and the needs of EB-5migration brokers and immigrant investors, a better fee structure and attractive investment offering would help attract Chinese or Asian investors.  For more information on how to establish an EB-5 Regional Center with USCIS, please contact us today.

Report from China: Government Issues "Temporary Provisions" to Government Officals

The overheated reaction from Chinese to US EB-5 immigrant investment program has caused a great concern to the Chinese government.  A recent Chinese Internet poll among over 15000 web users indicated that over 75% people responded that they would like to emigrate to the US if they have the money.  This week, the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee staff office and the State Council General Office jointly issued a "Temporary Management Provisions" that request all high ranking government and Party officials to report and register their children and spouses who have migrated to foreign countries. The noticed has issued and directed to all government offices around China.  Due to the recent wave of international migration among the Chinese high net worth population, the measure is considered a necessary step to crack down corruption and restrictions on illegal activities such as transferring monies and assets by corrupt officials and family members. The notice requests all level of government must report its staff members current overseas migration status on prompt basis.  For more information, contact us today.

Report from China: Beijing Exit Entry Service Association Schedules Immigratoin Summit

One of the leading migration broker trade associations Beijing Exit Entry Service Association schedules an Immigration Summit conference in Beijing August 7, 2010.  Officials from the local Exit/Entry Administration,  officials from U.S. Embassy, and migration agencies from around China will be attending the event.  EB-5 Immigrant Investment program will be a hot topic at the conference. For more information, contact us today.

ABG Arranges Migration Broker Meetings for BirchLeaf Miaimi Regional Center Executives

Artisan Business Group, Inc. China Office and its partner Exclusive Visas, Inc., arranged Shanghai meetings for managing principals of BirchLeaf Miami regional center. For more information about working with Chinese migration brokers, contact us today.

Report from China: ISRC Promotional Seminar in Nanjing, Jiansu Province China

A promotional seminar is to be held at 2:00 pm July 21, 2010 on the 9th floor of Jinling Hotel in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province China. The event is to introduce Idaho State Regional Center EB-5 project to prospective Chinese investors in Beijing. The project insurance provider Mr. Gary Tharp is attending to explain the insurance coverage. For more information about the event, contact us today.

Chinese Public Security Authority Issues Warning on EB-5 Program

The Guangdong provincial exit and entry administration recently issued a warning to migration brokers and potential investors about the risks associated with EB-5 regional center program. The Pearl River Delta region has been a major territory for EB-5 project promotions, the market has been overheated and has caused concerns among government officials. For more information, contact us today.

Report from China: ISRC Seminar Takes Place in Beijng

A promotional seminar is to be held 18:30 pm July 21, 2010, to introduce Idaho State Regional Center EB-5 project to prospective Chinese investors in Beijing. For more information about the event, contact us today.

Report from China: Greentech Auto EB-5 Project Seminars in Shanghai

Two promotional seminars on Mississippi Greentech Auto (GTA) EB-5 project will be held at 2 pm July 24 and July 24, 2010 in Shanghai. For more information, please contact us today.

USCIS Appoints New CSC Chief

USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed Rosemary Langley Melville, currently the Acting Regional Director in the Southeast Region, as the new California Service Center (CSC) Director.  Ms. Melville will assume her new responsibilities in late August. The USCIS California Service Center processes all applications for EB-5 Regional Center designation.  To learn more about setting up an EB-5 regional center, contact us today.

Major Chinese Investment Trade Shows Coming up in September

The 2nd China International Fair for Investment in Property and The 14th China International Fair for Investment & Trade are coming up September 8-9, 2010. These events are great opportunities for EB-5 regional centers to show case their immigrant investment projects to Chinese investors.  For more information about investment trade shows in China and Korea, please contact us today.

How to Apply for EB-5 Regional Center Designation with USCIS to Attract Immigrant Investors

"Becoming a Federally-designated EB-5 Regional Center in the U.S." is your instant access to information you need for the establishment of your own EB-5 Regional Center.

The PowerPoint presentation is programmed for public and private entities that are exploring and seeking new and unique solutions to help local business growth and economic development through establishing an EB-5 Regional Center designation with the USCIS. EB-5 program has brought in billions of dollars in direct foreign investment and created tens of thousands of jobs in the U.S. Learn the requirements and application process and find out how your area can benefit from foreign investment. The Questions & Answers session allows you to ask 10 questions via email. When: any time from the convenience of your desk at home or office; click to order your presentation. (updated 2010).

Your PowerPoint order will be delivered via E-mail. For details, log on http://www.midwestUSAChina.com

Artisan Business Group Signs Partnership MOU with WestLink Holdings

Artisan Business Group, Inc., Illinois based EB-5 China advisory firm signed a MOU with Taiwan-based WestLink Holdings, Inc. to form a long term partnership.  WestLink is one of the leading immigration investment marketers in Asia, with offices in Singapore, Vietnam, China, Canada, and the U.S. For more information about promoting your EB-5 projects, contact us today.

FAQs: EB-5 Regional Center Designation Application with USCIS

Many real estate developers are interested in setting up their own EB-5 regional centers to attract immigrant investors and fund their real estate projects.   There are many questions being asked:

1) How much will it cost to prepare an EB-5 regional center application to file with USCIS?
The cost may vary from $90K to $130K.

2) How many months will it takes to get an EB-5 regional center application approved?
It usually takes about 4 to 6 months.

3) Do I need a team to help preparing my application? Can you recommend a good attorney and economist?
Yes, you need to retain a team of professionals and consultants to help you prepare a flawless EB-5 regional center application

4) Does my EB-5 investment project have to be located in TEA?
Your investment project would be qualified at $500K level which makes your investment offering more attractive to immigrant investors

To learn how we can help you establish an EB-5 regional center, contact us today.

EB-5 China Market Council Plans EB-5 Regional Center Forums

EB-5 China Market Council is planning the first comprehensive EB-5 Regional Center Forum program that are scheduled in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in November 2010.  The events will provide an exceptional opportunity to train and educate Chinese migration professionals and consultants about all aspects of the EB-5 Regional Center Pilot Program.  The Forum will cover the topics of EB-5 program history, legislation, regional center updates, job creations, due diligence, risk management, escrow,  immigration procedures, and China market trends. The audiences include migration company employees, consultants, sales staff and the general public that is interested in learning more about EB-5 program.

EB-5 China Market Council, headed by Mr. Brian Su, is a representative entity for China based migration agencies that specialize in promoting EB-5 Regional Center projects.  The Council members include licensed migration companies and professional service providers around China.  For more information about Speaker and Sponsorship opportunities, contact Mr. Brian Su today.

Report from China: Migration Brokers Host Promotional Seminars for ISRC

Chinese migration companies are pushing Idaho State Regional Center's EB-5 investment project in Beijing and Qingdao, Shandong Province.  Beijing event: 2:30 pm July 17, 2010;  Qingdao event: 2:30 pm July 19, 2010.  The ISRC project is heavily marketed around China, there are total 24 seminars to be scheduled this month alone.  For more information about how to work with Chinese migration companies to promote your EB-5 Regional Center projects, contact us today.

RCI FirstPathway Partners Host China Seminars

(Source: RCIFPP) This week RCI FirstPathway Partners, Chief Operating Officer, Dan Wycklendt is scheduled to put on seminars throughout China. These seminars will feature a transparent look into what RCIFPP is adding to its conservative fund portfolio. Please contact info@rcifpp.com for more information.

Working with Chinese Migration Brokers: Rule No. 5

When working with Chinese migration brokers who rely solely on the information your Regional Center provides, it is to your best interests and investors best interests to have accurate and correct project information available to all parties.  Do not misinform or mislead the migration companies that are working for you.  They would hate to learn later that your Center would be the target for USCIS to terminate!  For more information about working with licensed migration brokers in China, contact us today.

Reports from China: South Dakota Regional Center Promotes Wind Power Project

South Dakota Regional Center executives Joop Bollen and Maurice Berez will be attending three investment seminars to promote BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE's wind power plant project.  Seminar dates:  2:00 pm July 10, 2010, Shanghai;  2:30 pm July 15, 2010, Shenzhen;  2:30 pm July 18, 2010, Beijing. The events are hosted by local migration agencies.  For more information about promoting EB-5 projects in China, contact us today.

Chicago Seminar: EB-5 Immigrant Investors Procurement

Meet, Mingle and Make Connections on August 31, 2010, in Chicago! EB-5 Regional Center Seminar sponsored by Artisan Business Group, Inc. Learn how to effectively attract high net worth Chinese investors to US federally designated EB-5 Regional Center investment projects. For the first time, many insights and secrets about Chinese migration industry and its operations are finally to be revealed and shared!  Special Guest: Peter Joseph, Interim Executive Director, the Association to Invest in the USA. 9:00 am – 2:30 p.m. CDT. For information & registration, please see: http://eb5.eventbrite.com

Gold Coast Florida Regional Center™ Launches Program Raising Foreign Capital to Create South Florida Jobs & Boost Economy

(Source: PRNewswire) Primed for a resurgence, South Florida's real estate market is about to get a shot in the arm.  Partners in Gold Coast Florida Regional Center™ (GCFRC), a federally licensed and approved foreign equity investment fund that focuses on key real estate investment and development opportunities, today announced it officially is open for business. The regional center was established and approved May 19, 2010, under the auspices of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) EB-5 program.  Authorized by Congress in the Immigration Act of 1990, the EB-5 program facilitates permanent residency status and Green Cards for immigrants who invest in the U.S. and job growth.   Veteran developer Charles "Chip" Abele, one of four Gold Coast Florida Regional Center founding partners, considers the program a boon to the entire area. "As an officially designated Regional Center, we will solicit international investments for select South Florida projects that fuel jobs and economic growth.  Projects can be funded without bank loans or debt, enhancing potential for profitability," said Abele, whose South Florida development career spans 35 years.   Regional centers are a win-win situation because they create new jobs that, in turn, infuse our economy with much-needed capital while providing those willing to invest in American productivity avenues toward permanent residency." Regional centers promote economic growth through the creation of jobs, improved productivity, increased export sales and added domestic capital investment.  An employment-based program, it focuses on a designated and approved geographic area, project, business or investment category – in this case, select real estate in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties – and encourages investments in the United States from abroad.  Qualified foreign nationals who invest in the American economy are given the opportunity to obtain Green Cards and permanent residency in the U.S. for them and their immediate family.   Gold Coast Florida Regional Center plans to make Hollywood Circle™ its first project.  A fully entitled and approved mixed-use development on Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood, it includes The Circ™, an upscale boutique hotel by Desires Hotels™, 397 residential apartments, Publix supermarket, restaurant, and additional retail space.  Hollywood Circle expected to pump $160 million into the local economy and create approximately 3,000 new jobs.  Construction on Hollywood Circle is scheduled to begin in summer 2011.   "Hollywood Circle will enhance one of Hollywood's most important sites and attract the consumers and residents needed to create a sustainable downtown environment," Abele added.  "Its benefits will include nearly 400 new upper income residential families, millions in annual tax revenues and a $500,000 public improvements contribution to Hollywood's ArtsPark." Hollywood Circle is the first USCIS fully approved Broward County-based EB-5 development and only the second in South Florida.  GCFRC also plans to fund a project in Fort Lauderdale along with a second in the City of Hollywood.   The Hollywood Circle project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) where unemployment is at least 150% of the national average.  Participants will invest $500,000 each with GCFRC, which will create a minimum of 10 jobs at Hollywood Circle on their behalf.  In exchange, the program provides investors the ability to obtain permanent resident visas for the individual, spouse and children under 21 years old.  The required capital investment for projects outside TEAs typically is $1 million.  Abele expects GCFRC will generate more than $850 million and bring more than 18,000 jobs to South Florida during the next five years.
Gold Coast Florida Regional Center's leadership brings years of combined U.S. and international real estate development experience to GCFRC.  Abele is the regional center's Chairman with Muayad Abbas as the organization's Chief Operating Officer.  The company is based in Coral Gables, Fla., and plans to open offices in Hong Kong, Durban, South Africa, London, Moscow and Latin America.

The Christian Science Monitor Schedules EB-5 Interview with Brian Su

The Christian Science Monitor sets an interview schedule with Mr. Brian Su to discuss the latest EB-5 trend in China market which is the hottest marketplace for US EB-5 Regional Center program. Mr. Su has recently been interviewed by China Daily, South China Morning Post, Financial Times, and other Chinese media.  For more information about marketing EB-5 projects in China, contact us today.

Reports from China: Gulf Coast Funds Management Promotes Greentech Auto Project in Beijing

Mr. Reginald Hughes, VP of GCFM (Louisiana and Mississippi) is on his way to promote Greentech Auto EB-5 project at 2:00 pm, July 17, 2010, in Beijing. The promotional seminar is hosted by a local migration agency. For more information about the event, contact us today.

Reports from China: ISRC Promotes Gold Mine Project in Shanghai

A promotional seminar on the Idaho State Regional Center EB-5 gold mine project is scheduled at 2:00 pm July 10, 2010, in Shanghai. The event is hosted by a local migration agency.  For more information about this event, contact us today.

Reports from China: Paul Levinsohn Promotes NYCRC Project in Shanghai

Paul Levinsohn of New York City Regional Center is scheduled to attend a promotional seminar at 2:00 pm July 18, 2010, in Shanghai, China.  The event is sponsored by a local migration agency. For more information about the event, contact us today.

Reports from China: Beijing Migration Association Organizes Staff Training

Beijing migration service trade association and the Entry and Exit Administration of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Public Security jointly hosted a one day staff training for licensed migration companies in Beijing. Over 600 attendees from 60 migration companies attended the program. For more information about this event, contact us today.

Reports from China: America’s Center for Foreign Investment Promotes HK Motors Project

Mr. James DeBates, CEO/President of America’s Center for Foreign Investment (Alabama), is scheduled to attend the HK Motors EB-5 project promotional seminar at 2:00 pm July 10, 2010, in Beijing. The event is hosted by a local migration agency. For more information about this event, contact us today.

Vt. ski resort launches project with foreign money

(Source: By LISA RATHKE, AP)

JAY, Vt. — Vermont's Jay Peak ski resort is continuing its $125 million development that includes a hotel, lodge and indoor water park funded mostly by foreign investors who were given U.S. residency permits in exchange for their money. Resort officials and U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who has promoted the EB-5 investor visa program in Congress, broke ground Wednesday on the second phase of the project. Officials say it includes the largest water park in the Northeast and a new 120-room hotel, a lodge with 57 luxury suites, an indoor ice arena and clubhouse for a golf course which have been completed since December. The project is funded with minimum $500,000 investments from about 250 investors from 43 countries. In exchange for the investment, the investors are granted conditional green cards that can lead to permanent residency if the projects create jobs.
"It's through the program known as the EB-5 foreign investment program that we've been able to accomplish this," said Bill Stenger, president of Jay Peak. "We've been able to welcome over 240 investors, from 43 countries, representing $120 million of equity capital, not a cent of taxpayer money, all private equity, all dedicated to the development of a brand here in Jay Peak."
Investors are from around the world, including European and Asian countries, said James Candido, who represents the EB-5 program in Vermont. He said he didn't know of any investors who had settled in Vermont. "Florida, I know, is a big destination," he said. The foreign financing is supporting two new lodges at Sugarbush ski resort in Warren, construction of a new medical manufacturing facility in Newport and a water filter company in Windsor. Foreign money also will help Jay Peak on the Canadian border become a weatherproof, four-season resort. The development is expected to create 1,000 jobs, Stenger said. Since the EB-5 program was created in 1992, it has generated more than $1 billion in investments and created tens of thousands of jobs around the country, Leahy's office said.

Working with Chinese Immigration Brokers: Rule No. 6

Size does not always matter! Do not ignore or look down upon smaller immigration agencies that may have the capability of delivering more investor clients to your EB-5 projects. Many licensed immigration agencies are "home town" businesses that have extensive connections locally.  Do not underestimate their ability of recruiting investors.  For information about how to work with Chinese immigration brokers, contact us today.

EB-5 program: Treat or trick for Chinese investors

(Source:  By Tan Yingzi China Daily Published:7/1/2010)

WASHINGTON — Brian Dickens, an administrator in Idaho’s Department of Commerce, is busy luring Chinese investors to his state through the EB-5 regional center pilot project in the United States. With US economy still relatively stagnant, local governments are seeking more foreign investment. One way they are doing so is the EB-5 (Employment Based Visa, Category 5) program, which some call the “green card for money” program. “The competition among the US EB-5 regional centers is strong,” Dickens, who is in charge of setting up Idaho’s regional centers, told China Daily. “Two years ago, there were only 19 EB-5 regional centers in the US and now we have more than 90 of them. And the number is increasing fast.” The EB-5 program essentially makes it possible for foreigners to get permanent US residency in exchange for helping establish US businesses and creating jobs. Under the program, foreign investors must finance commercial projects in the US by investing either $500,000 or $1 million and create at least 10 full-time jobs. They can set up a new commercial enterprise, invest in a troubled business or invest directly through the EB-5 regional center pilot program. All investors must undergo a background check, identify the source of their wealth and maintain the 10 full-time jobs they create. The investor, as well as the investor’s spouse and children, can obtain US citizenship after five years. At least 3,000 temporary visas for foreign investors are available through the program. The regional centers offer a wide range of investment opportunities in various industries, including real estate, retail trade, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, technology, clean energy, professional services and the arts. California, which has the largest number of Chinese immigrants of any US state, has 26 EB-5 regional centers so far. Seemingly eager to catch up, landlocked, mountainous Idaho, which is home to only 1.5 million people, is setting up what will be its third regional center in less than half a year. The state’s regional centers mainly offer investment opportunities in mining and resort projects. The Idaho state government regards China as one of its major potential markets for the program and has hired Chinese market specialists to help sell the state as an investment destination. Dickens made his third trip to China, bringing along Idaho governor C.L. “Butch” Otter to promote the regional centers. Idaho launched its first regional center in December last year and the second in January. It has not had any success story yet out of the program. But the centers are still new and hopes are still high. “It will happen soon,” said Dickens.

Immigrating to the US is still a popular move among rich Chinese people, although it’s harder than migrating to Canada or Australia, other favored destinations, EB-5 program marketing expert Brian Su told China Daily.
The program kicked off in the late 1990s, loosely modeled on a successful initiative started more than 20 years ago in Canada to lure Hong Kong investors. Mainland investors became eligible only four or five years ago, Su said. “But China is the fastest growing EB-5 market,” said Su. Last year, China surpassed South Korea to become the largest source of EB-5 participants, with 1,979 Chinese people getting visas through the program. South Koreans got about 900. “The US is still a huge attraction to Chinese people and is always the first pick for the most capable investors,” said Su. “And the EB-5 program can be a fast track to a US green card.” In major Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, wealthy Chinese are often invited to glamorous EB-5 promotions events, where high-level state officials greet them. Most of the invitees to such events are entrepreneurs who start private companies or those who made their fortune from China’s real estate bubble. “They are not sophisticated investors,” said Dickens. “They are extremely conservative with lower risk tolerance than other foreign investors.”Chinese investors often choose to invest in familiar industries, such as real estate and retail trade. Potential investor’s main concern, aside from the security of the investment, is whether or not a project will be able to create the 10 jobs necessary to eventually get a green card, according to Sima Muroff, the managing partner of one of Idaho’s regional centers. He said his center is the first to offer an insurance program designed to repay investors their original investment amount in case the projects do not generate enough profit to cover the original capital costs.

Even so, Su is cautious about promoting EB-5 program in China.“It is a risky investment,” he said. “The number of regional centers is growing too fast and they can barely control the quality of the projects.”Dickens agreed that only 20 percent of all the EB-5 investment projects in the US are compelling. Immigration lawyer Zhang Runan in Washington said she also hesitates to recommend EB-5 projects to her clients, most of whom are not serious business investors but just want a quick green card so their children can go to school in the US. “It (EB-5) is a new thing in the US, so the whole market is not well regulated and contains a mix of good and bad projects,” Zhang told China Daily. “Even on the government administration side, they are still trying to figure out how to coordinate with different departments, which means the processing the paperwork usually takes a really long time.” Zhang said one of her clients was involved in an EB-5 project in New York in which none of the investors received a green card. “So investors need to be warned of the risk,” she said.

(Note: for more information about EB-5 China market, please contact Mr. Brian Su)