EB-5 Questions and Answers
Below are answers to commonly asked questions. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please email us, we would be happy to speak with you to answer all of your questions.
ABOUT THE LCP GROUP
What is the role of The LCP Group, L.P.?
The LCP Group, L.P., through its network of USCIS-approved regional centers, sponsors qualified EB-5 projects and investors on their path towards permanent resident status in the United States.
What is LCP’s EB-5 specialty in the industry?
Our core strength and advantage are our history and vast experience in real estate investing. LCP is not just an EB-5 regional center operation. LCP has been managing and investing in major real estate properties since 1974, and our team has more than a century of combined experience in real estate investment and financing. The projects we offer to the EB-5 marketplace should allow investors to feel comfortable that they have the best chance to get their green card and to have their investment returned to them.
Can I invest directly with The LCP Group?
Yes, a qualified EB-5 investor can invest directly in an LCP EB-5 sponsored project. Our professional team will help you find the best project that meets both your immigration needs and investment objectives.
What are the standard fees if I invest in an LCP EB-5 regional center project?
Apart from the $800,000 capital contribution portion of the investment, an investor can expect the following fees:
- An administrative fee, payable to an affiliate of LCP, the amount of which varies from each EB-5 project but is typically no greater than $80,000.
- Immigration attorney legal fees vary based on which immigration law firm is selected by the investor, but typical fees range from $15-25,000 to cover all aspects of the EB-5 process. Investors can select an immigration attorney of their choice. LCP only works with the most experienced immigration attorneys in the industry, and we would be happy to refer investors to reputable counsel.
- USCIS Filing Fees, which are currently set at $11,160 for an I-526E petition and $9,525 for an I-829 petition, which are paid directly to USCIS.
How many EB-5 Petition approvals does LCP have?
All projects submitted to USCIS by LCP to date have been approved. All qualified investors investing in our approved projects have also been approved.
Where do LCP’s investors come from?
We have served investors originating from 32 countries and regions comprising every continent except Antarctica. We welcome all qualified investors and look forward to the opportunity to assist you.
ABOUT THE EB-5 PROGRAM
What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa program?
EB-5 stands for the employment-based visa category, fifth preference, which is a specialized immigration program that was created by U.S. Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation through foreign investment (by immigrant investors). An EB-5 visa grants the EB-5 investor with an initial “conditional residency period” of two years, and ultimately permanent residency (a green card).
What are the requirements to apply for an EB-5 investor visa through a regional center?
There are two primary requirements to obtain an EB-5 visa: (i) a minimum investment requirement, and (ii) a job creation requirement. Depending on the location of the project, the investment amount can either be $800,000 or $1,050,000. The investment must be in an active, for-profit business and it must result in the creation of 10 full-time jobs per EB-5 investor.
Who is eligible to apply for an EB-5 employment-based visa?
Unlike the other employment-based visas, there are no eligibility requirements for the EB-5 visa. Investors will not require any sponsorship to apply. Further, there are no language, business management, or educational requirements.
In addition to the investor, who else can get an EB-5 visa?
Status and consideration for the EB-5 visa is extended to a primary applicant’s spouse and children under the age of 21 who are unmarried.
Can parents or other relatives “gift” the money for the EB-5 investment?
Yes. It must be demonstrated that the gift is an actual transaction and is not an undocumented loan or that the gifted funds are expected to be given back after permanent resident status is granted.
When should an investor wire the investment amount?
The investor will need to wire the investment amount prior to filing From I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor.
Can you guarantee that I can get my investment back?
USCIS requires an EB-5 investment to be “at-risk” and thus a guaranteed return of capital is prohibited. Therefore, a regional center or a project sponsor that guarantees the return of the investment capital risks disqualification by USCIS and must be avoided. Although EB-5 investments must be at-risk, risks can be mitigated. Our EB-5 team can explain how we have structured our projects to reduce risk.
Do I have to live in the same state or city as the project?
No, an EB-5 visa allows you to have the freedom to live, work, or travel anywhere in the United States.
What benefits does permanent residency provide?
Permanent residence provides employment opportunities anywhere in the United States (excluding specialized jobs that may require citizenship). Further, for schools and colleges, permanent residents are eligible to benefit from “in-state” or “resident” tuition which is typically much lower than that of a foreign student. Permanent residents also have permission to start their own business or create their own corporation.
When can I become a citizen?
You can apply for U.S. citizenship once you have lived in the United States for at least five years.
