The U.S. EB-5 program began in 1990 and provides 10,000 investment immigration visa quotas annually to foreign nationals who invest at least $500,000 in U.S. development projects and create at least 10 full-time jobs within two years. In return, these investors and their family members can typically obtain a U.S. Green Card and become U.S. permanent residents within two years. The program began in 1990 and provides 10,000 visa quotas annually to foreign nationals who invest at least $500,000 in U.S. development projects and create at least 10 full-time jobs within two years. In return, these investors and their family members can typically obtain a U.S. Green Card and become U.S. permanent residents within two years.
According to data from the U.S. Department of State, in 2015, more than 80% of the green cards issued under this program were granted to Chinese investors.
However, this program is now facing the prospect of higher thresholds. The current EB-5 act is set to expire on April 28. Before the expiration, the U.S. Congress will review the program and propose changes, such as adjusting the minimum investment amount, to prevent abuse of the program. Some senators, including Dianne Feinstein, have even called for the abolition of the program. Washington lawmakers have proposed increasing the minimum investment requirement from $500,000 to $1.35 million.
With only one month left until the April 28 deadline for the act's extension, consultants at Worldway Immigration stated recently, "Some clients have already requested that we ensure their applications are submitted before April 28, and we are working overtime to achieve this."