SEARCH

In This Section

300th Investor Approval

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Approves 300th NYCRC EB-5 Investor Petition

USCIS issues 300th I-526 Petition approval for EB-5 investors in NYCRC projects

NEW YORK, NY – August 1, 2011 – The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) today issued its 300th I-526 Petition approval notice for EB-5 investors who have invested in New York City Regional Center (“NYCRC”) projects.  To date, 100% of EB-5 investors in NYCRC projects have received I-526 Petition approvals.

The I-526 Petition is the first step in the process for foreign investors seeking lawful permanent residence through the EB-5 Regional Center Program.  The I-526 Petition is filed together with accompanying evidence in support of the program’s requirements.  USCIS adjudication of I-526 Petitions involves a thorough review of the investor’s documentation to determine that the EB-5 investment derives from a lawful source of funds.  In addition, USCIS evaluates the NYCRC project in which the foreign investor is investing their funds to ensure it meets EB-5 regulatory requirements with regard to, among other things, structure, documentation, Targeted Employment Area status, and job creation potential.  USCIS review of the I-526 Petition takes approximately six to eight months per investor.

The EB-5 Regional Center Program was established by Congress to stimulate economic growth through foreign investment and is overseen by the USCIS, a division of the Department of Homeland Security.  The program’s mandate is to use foreign investment to spur American job creation while simultaneously affording eligible foreign investors the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents of the United States.  Through the EB-5 program, a person and their immediate family can obtain permanent residency in the United States by investing $500,000 into a Regional Center project located in a Targeted Employment Area which creates a minimum of 10 jobs for American workers.  NYCRC project locations are reviewed and designated as Targeted Employment Areas by the New York State Department of Economic Development.

In 2008, the NYCRC was approved by USCIS to secure foreign investment for real estate projects within Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx.  The regional center works in conjunction with government agencies, economic development not-for-profits, and private developers to fund a diversified portfolio of real estate projects – such as light industrial, manufacturing, civic, retail, hotels, office buildings, and mixed-use.

The EB-5 Program has become an important contributor to New York City’s economic revitalization by helping to fund a series of public/private real estate projects that create much needed jobs.  NYCRC projects include EB-5 funding to assist with the redevelopment of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York City’s largest industrial park, as well as funding to assist with the expansion of Steiner Studios, the city’s largest film and television production facility.  The expansion will help meet the ongoing demand for entertainment production space in the city and spur job creation in an industry that employs thousands of New Yorkers.  The NYCRC is also providing funding for key components of the Atlantic Yards project, one of the largest job creation developments in Brooklyn.  EB-5 funds will also be used to redevelop New York City’s East River waterfront.

# # #

[Download pdf]

The information contained on this website does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer, invitation or inducement to purchase or subscribe for any securities nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever.  The information on this website does not constitute either advice or a recommendation regarding any securities. No securities have been, or will be, registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”) or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States. No securities may be offered or sold absent registration or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act.  Furthermore, neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory body of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, nor any securities regulatory body of any other country or political subdivision thereof, has passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this website. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.