Where to Find Regional Centers
There are several ways to locate EB-5 Regional Centers. Let’s review the main options:
- EB-5 Promoters and Brokers
- EB-5 Promoters: Companies promoting EB-5 projects, typically registered with USCIS. Promoters often operate outside the U.S.
- EB-5 Brokers: Individuals registered with FINRA, an organization that oversees and regulates the U.S. investment industry, and also with USCIS. Brokers are mostly based in the U.S.
Working with brokers or promoters can save time since they are professionals with knowledge of successful Regional Centers. However:
- Brokers: While knowledgeable about investments, they may offer a limited number of projects due to FINRA regulations.
- Promoters: Their recommendations depend heavily on their personal expertise. It’s a good idea to consult multiple promoters to find the right fit for your needs.
- USCIS Website
- The USCIS website lists all active Regional Centers by state. However, since you’re not required to live in the same state as the project, navigating this list and understanding the details of each Regional Center can be daunting. Contacting every Regional Center individually to gather statistics is time-intensive.
- Google Search
- A simple Google search can help you locate Regional Centers, but you’ll need to ask each one for their track record. Be cautious—many will claim they have “outstanding success rates” and “put investors’ interests first.” Verifying these claims is crucial.
- EB-5 Immigration Attorneys
- Attorneys can provide valuable information about Regional Centers. However, their primary role is to prepare immigration applications, not to offer financial advice. Be wary if an immigration attorney strongly pushes an investment project—they may have a conflict of interest.
- EB-5 Conferences
- Numerous EB-5 industry associations host conferences in the U.S. and abroad. Attending these events allows you to collect information about different Regional Centers. However, you’ll likely need to attend multiple conferences to get a complete picture.
How to Identify the Top EB-5 Regional Centers
Experience of a Regional Center
Since there are no official ratings for Regional Centers, identifying the top players requires examining their track records. The key metrics to consider include:
- Capital Raised: The total amount of funds raised for projects.
- Number of Projects Funded: How many EB-5 projects the Regional Center has successfully funded.
- I-526 Approvals: Initial EB-5 petition approvals for investors.
- I-829 Approvals: Final EB-5 petition approvals, indicating successful project completion.
- Repayment of Capital:
- Number of projects that repaid full capital on time.
- Amount of capital repaid to investors.
- Number and status of projects with delayed repayments.
The three most critical factors are:
- Number of I-829 Approvals: Reflects successful project completion.
- Repayment Track Record: Indicates reliability in returning investors’ funds.
- Failed Projects: Helps assess risk and the Regional Center’s ability to manage challenges.
Not all Regional Centers share these details in their marketing materials, so you’ll need to ask directly.
We regularly collect data on Regional Center statistics and can provide you with a list of the most experienced Regional Centers. Set up a consultation.
Determining the Most Successful Regional Centers
Consider this scenario: one Regional Center has five successful projects, while another has 55 projects, of which three failed. Which one is more successful? The answer depends on your judgment and priorities.
Evaluating the Earnings Potential of EB-5 Regional Center Projects
While the primary goal of EB-5 investors is to obtain a Green Card and ideally recover their funds, understanding the potential profitability of an investment is also important.
Expected Returns:
- Experienced Regional Centers: Typically offer very low returns (0.25–0.5% annually). After deducting costs for attorneys, government fees, and administrative expenses, you may incur a net loss.
- Smaller Regional Centers: May offer slightly higher returns (1–2% annually).
- Regional Centers Affiliated with Developers: Often provide higher returns (2–6% annually), but these investments may carry additional risks.
If you’re a sophisticated investor with experience in banking, finance, or real estate, you might consider projects with higher returns. Otherwise, sticking to experienced Regional Centers with proven track records is safer.
When selecting the best EB-5 project, consider factors such as the Regional Center’s experience, the developer’s reputation, the business plan, and other project specifics. While this process can feel overwhelming, taking the time to evaluate these elements is essential.
To simplify your search, download our EB-5 Project Checklist here.
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