Are you an international investor seeking a pathway to U.S. permanent residency? The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a unique opportunity to obtain a Green Card through investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise. For those considering a vibrant and growing market, Portland, Oregon, presents compelling EB-5 investment opportunities.

 

What is the EB-5 Visa Program?

The EB-5 visa program, administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), allows foreign investors to obtain a Green Card by making a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. This investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.

Benefits of the EB-5 Visa for Investors

Choosing the EB-5 investment visa offers numerous advantages:

 

Direct Path to Green Card: A clear route to U.S. permanent residency for you, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21.

Flexibility in Residence: Live, work, and retire anywhere in the U.S., not just where your investment is located.

Educational Opportunities:

Access to U.S. public education and in-state tuition rates for your children (once residency is established).

Business Opportunities:

Engage in the dynamic U.S. economy.

No Sponsorship Required:

Unlike many other visa categories, the immigrant investor program does not require an employer sponsor.

EB-5 Visa Requirements

To qualify for the EB-5 visa, investors must meet specific criteria:

Investment Amount:

Standard Investment: $1,050,000
Targeted Employment Area (TEA) Investment: $800,000 (for investments in rural areas or areas with high unemployment). Many EB-5 projects in Oregon and specifically in Portland, Oregon, may qualify as TEAs, allowing for the lower investment threshold.

Job Creation: The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years.

Lawful Source of Funds: All investment funds must be lawfully obtained and verifiable.

At-Risk Investment: The investment must be "at risk," meaning there is a genuine risk of loss and a prospect of gain.

Investors typically choose between two primary investment models:

Direct EB-5 Investment Portland: Involves directly investing in and managing a new commercial enterprise. This option provides more control but also more responsibility in meeting job creation requirements.

EB-5 Regional Center Portland Oregon: Investing through a USCIS-approved regional center. Regional centers manage projects designed to meet EB-5 requirements, offering a more passive investment approach. This is a popular choice for many investors due to the regional center's expertise in navigating the EB-5 job creation requirements and other complexities.

Portland's Appeal for EB-5 Investors:

 

Why Portland, Oregon? This vibrant Pacific Northwest city boasts a diverse and growing economy, particularly in tech, healthcare, manufacturing, and sustainable industries. Its robust job market, high quality of life, excellent educational institutions, and strategic location make it an attractive destination for both living and investing. Many Portland EB-5 opportunities arise from the city's continuous development and infrastructure projects.

Understanding the cost of EB-5 visa is crucial for planning. Here's a breakdown of estimated expenses:

Investment Capital:

$800,000 (for TEA projects, common in Portland)
$1,050,000 (for non-TEA projects)

USCIS Filing Fees:

I-526E Petition (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor): $1,115
I-485 Application (Adjustment of Status, if applicable): $1,225 per applicant
I-829 Petition (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions): $3,750
Biometrics Fee: $85 per applicant

Legal Fees:

EB-5 attorney Portland fees can range from $25,000 to $75,000+, depending on the complexity of the case and the law firm's experience. It is highly recommended to engage an experienced immigration lawyer Portland EB-5 specialist.
Regional Center Administrative Fees (if applicable):

These fees are charged by regional centers for project management, compliance, and administrative overhead. They typically range from $50,000 to $70,000.
Due Diligence & Source of Funds Documentation:

Costs for financial advisors, accountants, and third-party due diligence firms can vary, potentially ranging from $5,000 to $20,000+.
Total Estimated Costs (excluding investment capital): Expect to pay approximately $80,000 to $175,000+ in fees and associated costs, in addition to your investment capital.

 

The EB-5 Process Steps
While the EB-5 visa processing time can vary, the general steps include:

File I-526E Petition:

Submit your immigrant petition with evidence of investment and lawful source of funds.

Conditional Green Card:

Upon approval, you and your family receive a two-year conditional Green Card.

Job Creation & Investment Sustained:

Maintain the investment and ensure job creation requirements are met.

File I-829 Petition:

Within 90 days before your conditional Green Card expires, file to remove the conditions.

Permanent Green Card:

Upon I-829 approval, you receive an unconditional Green Card.