During the immigration planning process, the cost of immigration is always an important factor for many investors to consider. However, with the constant changes in global immigration policies, many investors are generally concerned about the cost-effectiveness of applying for immigration today. As a popular global immigration destination, the United States has always attracted significant attention from investors. Is it cost-effective to apply for U.S. investment immigration now? Has the U.S. investment immigration application fee decreased or increased? Is it more expensive or cheaper? We believe that once you understand the true cost of applying for U.S. investment immigration, you will certainly make a wise choice.
U.S. investment immigration, officially known as the "Employment Based Fifth Preference" (EB-5), is a category within U.S. immigration law established by legislation passed by the U.S. Congress in 1990. This category aims to attract overseas investors to invest in U.S. enterprises and promote the development of the U.S. economy. Through the EB-5 program, investors can obtain a U.S. Green Card. Since the establishment of the EB-5 program over 30 years ago, it has undergone multiple reforms and adjustments, with a significant change being the adjustment of investment amounts.
3 Changes in the U.S. EB-5 Immigration Investment Amount
In 1990, the EB-5 investment immigration act stipulated that applicants must invest in creating an enterprise and create 10 full-time jobs. If the created enterprise was located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), the minimum investment amount was 500,000 USD. Based on the international gold price on May 21, 1990, 500,000 USD could purchase approximately 1,351 ounces of gold.
In 2019, the new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reform regulations took effect, increasing the minimum investment amount for projects in TEA areas from 500,000 USD to 900,000 USD, and for projects in non-TEA areas from 1,000,000 USD to 1,800,000 USD. Based on the international gold price on May 21, 2019, 900,000 USD could purchase approximately 705 ounces of gold.
In March 2022, U.S. President Biden officially signed the federal budget bill, and the EB-5 Reform Act was reauthorized for 5 years until September 30, 2027! According to the new act, the minimum investment amount for projects in TEA areas and infrastructure projects is 800,000 USD, and the minimum investment amount for projects in non-TEA areas is 1,050,000 USD. Based on the latest international gold price on April 21, 2024, 800,000 USD can purchase approximately 335 ounces of gold.
U.S. Investment Immigration Costs: "Nominally Increased, Actually Decreased"
Compared to the past, the current EB-5 investment amount is 800,000 USD, which is 100,000 USD less than the 900,000 USD investment amount in 2019. If valued in gold, the current investment amount of 800,000 USD is only about 53% of the cost required in 2019.
Compared to the 500,000 USD investment amount in 1990, the current investment amount has increased by 300,000 USD. However, if valued in gold, 34 years later, the current investment amount of 800,000 USD is only about 25% of the cost required in 1990.
In summary, for U.S. immigration applicants, if valued in gold, the current U.S. EB-5 investment amount has actually "nominally increased but effectively decreased," and the actual investment cost is lowering. Obtaining a high-value status with a lower cost is a very profitable and cost-effective investment for applicants.
U.S. EB-5 Immigration Investment Costs
Are Even Lower Than Canada Quebec Investment Immigration
In addition, after the neighboring Canada Quebec Investment Immigration program announced its restart, the investment threshold is even higher than that of U.S. EB-5 investment immigration. In terms of investment amount, the Quebec Investment Immigration program requires 1.2 million CAD, of which 1 million CAD is a loan that is returned without interest after five years, and the other 200,000 CAD is a donation. In contrast, the U.S. EB-5 investment immigration has a minimum investment amount of 800,000 USD, and investors are allowed to earn returns during the investment period. In other words, the definite loss for the Quebec Investment Immigration program is the interest and the 200,000 CAD, while for the U.S. EB-5 investment immigration, not only can you earn interest, but you can also choose to recover the 800,000 USD investment principal.
Immigration should really be done early. When you see an immigration program that suits you, you must seize the opportunity and never wait until the program tightens to regret it! In many respects, the EB-5 investment immigration route is an excellent choice for immigrating to the United States. For investors with a rigid demand for U.S. immigration, now is the golden opportunity to immigrate to the United States quickly. If you hesitate, what you lose is not just money, but an irreplaceable opportunity. It is better to immigrate early than late; submitting your application as soon as possible gives you the chance to obtain a Green Card with priority!
Currently, the rural project in the EB-5 reserved visa category is still in a no-backlog status and is the preferred choice among the current optimal pathways for quickly obtaining a U.S. Green Card. Seize the opportunity to get on board; now is the best time to grasp the chance for a quick U.S. Green Card without a backlog.
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