Raising Capital through the EB-5 program - AIIA

While foreign investment through EB-5 can be an attractive source of alternative financing, it can be difficult for EB-5 novices to strike a balance between compliance with the program’s extensive regulations and making compelling offers to prospective EB-5 investors. There are more EB-5 petitions waiting for approval than there are EB-5 visas available for each given year, meaning that competition for investors is tight and EB-5 immigrants are anxious for a safe project which will not lose their investment, and most importantly, secure their immigration process. 

To successfully win over these markets, projects must be structured to garner investor interest and must be promoted using extensive and proven marketing tactics. In many cases, investment issuers or regional centers (RCs) may fulfill this marketing role for developers through affiliations with broker-dealers and foreign immigration agents. 

Businesses raising capital through the Direct EB-5 program are seeking only a single investor, therefore the fundraising effort is not as intensive. However, for larger RC project offerings, the marketing of the offering is extremely important and can make or break a successful capital raise.

The resources on this page explain typical EB-5 capital raise procedures , and which regulations apply when marketing and soliciting investments from investors at home and abroad. When marketing to prospective investors, it would greatly benefit the project by enlisting a robust and knowledgeable EB-5 team, who have demonstrated a successful record of promoting and sustaining EB-5 investment projects.

Navigating EB-5 fundraising requires balancing regulatory compliance with compelling investor offers. Competition is high, as EB-5 investors seek safe, immigration-secure projects. Success relies on strategic marketing, often through regional centers, broker-dealers, or immigration agents. For Direct EB-5 projects, fundraising is simpler, but larger ventures require extensive promotion. Explore this page for guidance on EB-5 marketing, regulations, and assembling a skilled team to ensure success.