According to statistics released by the U.S. Department of State's Visa Office (DOS), a total of 9,947 EB-5 investment immigration visas were issued in fiscal year 2016, with investors from mainland China receiving the highest number of visas at 7,516, accounting for over 70%. The U.S. EB-5 Investment Immigration Regional Center Program is set to expire on April 28, 2017. As of April 2017, the priority date for U.S. EB-5 investment immigration visas is May 22, 2014.
1. Countries of Origin for U.S. EB-5 Applicants
1. Mainland China, 7,516 visas issued, accounting for 75.6%, a decrease of 640 visas from the previous year, a drop of 8%, but still maintaining the first position;
2. Vietnam, 334 visas issued, accounting for 3.4%, an increase of 54 visas from the previous year, continuing to hold the second position;
3. South Korea, 260 visas issued, accounting for 2.6%, an increase of 144 visas from the previous year, returning to the third position;
4. Taiwan, 203 visas issued, accounting for 2.0%, an increase of 64 visas from the previous year, dropping one position;
5. Brazil, 150 visas issued, accounting for 1.5%, an increase of 116 visas from the previous year, rising nine positions.
2. U.S. EB-5 Regional Centers and Direct Investment Projects
1. Through regional center projects, 9,101 visas were issued, accounting for 91.5%, a decrease from 2015;
2. Through direct investment projects, 846 visas were issued, accounting for 8.5%, a significant increase compared to previous years.
3. Investment Amounts for U.S. EB-5 Visas
1. For investments of $1 million, 286 visas were issued, accounting for 2.8%, also a significant increase;
2. For investments of $500,000 (in targeted employment areas), 9,661 visas were issued, accounting for 97.2%, slightly decreased.
4. Comparison of U.S. EB-5 Direct Investment Project Categories
A total of 846 visas were issued for U.S. EB-5 direct investment projects, a significant increase compared to 156 in 2015 and 316 in 2014, as follows:
1. For investments of $1 million, 273 visas were issued, accounting for nearly 1/3;
2. For investments of $500,000, 573 visas were issued, accounting for nearly 2/3.