Year of the Rabbit Predicts Another Exciting Year for EB-5 Business in China and Korea

China and South Korea were the leading markets for EB-5 regional center pilot program in 2009 and 2010, Chinese and Koreans have favorable attitude to the U.S., especially towards the American education system, environment and lifestyle.  It is expected that interests in US EB-5 program continue to be strong in both countries. As current Chinese RMB exchange rate against US Dollar is definitely put Chinese investors in a more advantaged position, as a result, China will continue to maintain its Top One position for EB-5 visas this year.  Unstable situation between two Koreas will also drive more South Koreans to EB-5 program.  Additionally, we will see tense competitions in the marketplace as more new Regional Centers are entering the Asian market this summer.  For more information on EB-5 promotion in Asia and China, contact us today.

Based on information provided on IIUSA website, a total of 1,885 EB-5 visas were issued in FFY 2010, with the following countries making up the Top 10: 

1. China (772 or 40.9%)
2. South Korea (295 or 15.6%)
3. Great Britain/Northern Ireland (135 or 7.1%)
4. Taiwan (94 or 5.0%)
5. India (62 or 3.3%)
6. Iran (55 or 2.9%)
7. Mexico (50 or 2.6%)
8. Canada (45 or 2.4%)
9. Russia (41 or 2.2%)
10. South Africa (34 or 1.8%)

Combined they make up 1,583 of the 1,885, or about 84.0%, EB-5 visas issued in FFY2009.  For comparison sake, in FY2009 – when 4,218 EB-5 visas were issued – the above countries yielded the following visa issuance statistics:

1. China (1,979 or 46.9%)
2. South Korea (903 or 21.4%)
3. Great Britain/Northern Ireland (324 or 7.7%)
4. Taiwan (170 or 4.0%)
5. India (72 or 1.7%)
6. Iran (12 or 0.2%)
7. Mexico (33 or 0.7%)
8. Canada (85 or 2.0%)
9. Russia (60 or 1.4%)
10. South Africa (31 or 0.7%)