EB-5 Investor Visa Program California

About EB 5 Investor Visa Program California 

The EB-5 Investor Visa Program is a gateway for foreign investors to earn permanent residency in the United States by investing in the American economy. California, with its vibrant economy— the largest sub-national economy globally — emerges as a prime destination for this investment. The state's vast industries, from technology and agriculture to tourism, offer diverse opportunities for EB-5 projects. Understanding the nuances of investing in EB-5 projects and regional centers, particularly in California's rural Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), is crucial for maximizing investment benefits and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

California is home to a thriving business community, and numerous EB-5 businesses are available for sale throughout the state. These businesses can be a good option for investors who want a more hands-on investment opportunity.

fig 1. California Golden Bridge. Source: Google

California  Economy at a Glance 

California's State Economy and Demographics

California, often referred to as The Golden State, stands out not only as the most populous U.S. state but also as one with a vast geographical expanse. It boasts the largest sub-national economy globally, with a gross state product of $3 trillion as of 2018, leading the nation in economic output. The state thrives across diverse sectors, including government, agriculture, the film industry, technology, services, and tourism, contributing to its status as an economic powerhouse.

Population Overview

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California's population totals approximately 39.5 million. The demographic breakdown includes over 72% identifying as white, 39.3% as Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% as Asian, and 6.5% as Black or African American. The linguistic landscape is predominantly English, with Spanish following closely. Additionally, significant communities of Korean and Tagalog speakers reflect the state's rich cultural diversity.

Immigration Insights

California remains a prime destination for immigrants, with more than a quarter of its residents born outside the U.S., as per the American Immigration Council. Immigrants play a crucial role in the state’s economy, notably with two out of every five self-employed business owners being immigrants who collectively generate $21.8 billion in annual revenue. Most immigrants hail from Mexico, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, and India, underscoring the state's global appeal and multicultural fabric.

EB-5 Regional Centers in California 

What are EB-5 Regional Centers?

California eb 5 regional centers are designated entities facilitating EB-5 investments by pooling funds from multiple investors into larger-scale projects. These centers play a crucial role in the EB-5 program by managing the complexities of investment projects and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration requirements.

Benefits of Investing through a Regional Center

Investing through a regional center offers several advantages, including:

• Job Creation Allocation: Regional centers can use indirect job creation methodologies, allowing investors to meet job creation requirements more flexibly.
• Expertise and Management: They provide professional management of EB-5 projects, reducing the direct involvement required from individual investors.
• Diversification: Investors can diversify their investment across multiple projects managed by the regional center, spreading risk.

Complete List of Approved EB-5 Regional Centers in California

California, a hub for EB-5 investment, is home to several prominent regional centers. When selecting a regional center, investors should consider its reputation, history of project approvals, and the transparency of its operations. Evaluating a center's success involves reviewing its track record in delivering on investment promises and its ability to meet or exceed the job creation requirements, ensuring compliance with EB-5 program mandates.
Below is the complete and updated list of all the EB-5 regional centers approved by USIC and currently operating in California:

Approved EB 5 Regional Centers in Excel or Google Sheets Format

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EB5 Projects California

eb 5 projects california are highly popular among foreign investors due to its diverse economy and the significant number of approved regional centers. As the largest sub-national economy in the world with a gross state product of $3 trillion, California is a leading destination for foreign investment. Its major industries include government, agriculture, film, technology, services, and tourism.

You can learn more about other EB-5-approved projects by visiting our overview here.

List of Completed EB-5 Projects in California 

The most successful EB-5 projects are those that not only fulfill the program's requirements but also make a significant contribution to economic growth. Here is the complete list of completed EB-5 projects in California as outlined on the EB5Investors.com website:

1. Waldorf Astoria, Beverly Hills: Opened in June 2017 with a $150 million EB-5 investment.
2. Ritz Carlton & JW Marriott, Los Angeles: Benefited $100 million from EB-5 investors.
3. Century Plaza, Los Angeles: Mixed-use development that included $450 million of foreign investment.
4. Goleta Hilton Garden Inn: Attracted $5.5 million from EB-5 investors and created 185 jobs; opened in 2016.
5. San Jose Marriott Hotels: Received $35 million in EB-5 funding, created 1,237 jobs, and was completed in 2015.
6. Temecula Hilton Home2 Suites: Funded by $8.5 million from EB-5 investors, created 185 jobs, and opened in 2019.
7. Kensington Place of Redwood City: Received $6.5 million in funding from 13 EB-5 investors, created 294 jobs, and was completed in 2015.
8. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley: Benefitted from $5.5 million in EB-5 funds; opened in 2019.
9. K&R Car Wash, Indio: Involved $1.5 million in EB-5 funds and opened in 2014.
10. Hyatt Place, Santa Cruz: Included a $5.5 million EB-5 investment and opened in 2018.
11. The Smile Studio, Inglewood: Received $500,000 in EB-5 funds and was completed in 2014.
12. Summerset Assisted Living, Rancho Cordova: Gained $10 million in EB-5 funds and opened in 2014.
13. Totally Kids, Loma Linda: Attracted $20.5 million in EB-5 funds for a new one-story hospital that opened in 2013.
14. American Reproductive Health Center, Hacienda Heights: Funded with $1 million in EB-5 capital and completed in 2013.
15. ADC Downey, LLC: Received $200 million in EB-5 funds, created 625 jobs, and was completed in 2016.

Rural TEA EB-5 Projects in California

In the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program, Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) are regions that need significant economic development and are specifically targeted for EB-5 capital investments. A region can qualify as a TEA based on its high unemployment rates or designation as a rural area.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines whether an area qualifies as a TEA. However, it is the responsibility of the foreign investor to provide evidence to USCIS that the project they are investing in is located within a rural TEA. When submitting Form I-526E, investors must include relevant demographic data to substantiate that the project is in a qualifying rural TEA.

For an EB-5 project's location to be considered a rural TEA, it must meet specific criteria:

• It does not border a municipality with a population of 20,000 or more.
• It is not within a metropolitan statistical area.
• It has a population of less than 20,000.

Rural TEA Counties in California

Alpine County Amador County Calaveras County Colusa County Del Norte County (excluding Eureka City) Glenn County Humboldt County (excluding Eureka City) Inyo County Lake County Lassen County Mariposa County Mendocino County

Modoc County Mono County Nevada County Plumas County Sierra County Siskiyou County Tehama County Trinity County Tuolumne County

The following counties are designated as Rural Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) in California. These areas offer unique opportunities for EB-5 investors seeking to capitalize on rural investments, with potential benefits such as expedited visa processing.

Example of California EB5 Project - Copper Valley Project: Paperfree's Vetted EB 5 Project in California

The Copper Valley project, a prime example of a vetted EB-5 investment, is an $80.5 million mixed-use development in Copperopolis, California. Situated within a Rural Targeted Employment Area (TEA), Copper Valley offers EB-5 investors a unique opportunity to expedite their visa process while contributing to a project backed by substantial financial security. With $32 million in EB-5 capital and a collateral value of approximately $200 million, this development promises luxury living and commercial spaces, meeting the stringent job creation requirements. As a result, it is an attractive option for investors seeking both financial returns and immigration benefits.

Copper Valley at a Glance

• Location: 3,000-acre master-planned community nestled in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Northern California.
• Development Features: Multiple revenue streams, including townhouses for sale, a hotel, retail spaces, and entertainment venues.
• Accessibility: The Prime location is just a 2-hour drive from a population of 12 million.
• Rural TEA Designation: Benefit from reduced visa backlog and priority processing.
• Job Creation: 13 jobs created per EB-5 investor, exceeding program requirements.
• Investment Security: $29,600,000 EB-5 investment, backed by a developer guarantee with assets valued at $121,500,000.
• Exit Strategy: A Clear and structured exit strategy is planned within 5 years.

Get complete details about investing in the Copper Valley project from Paperfree's expert EB-5 Visa Consultant. Book a free 15-minute consultation today to explore your opportunities.

FAQ: EB-5 Investor Visa in California

1) How much do I need to invest?

The minimum is $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the project is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) (rural or high-unemployment) or qualifies as an infrastructure project.

2) What counts as a rural TEA in California—and why does it matter?

A rural TEA is outside any metropolitan statistical area and outside a city/town of 20,000+ people. Rural TEA projects qualify for the $800,000 minimum and benefit from visa set-asides and priority processing, which can shorten timelines.

3) How do I choose a reputable California EB-5 regional center?

Look for: a strong approval track record, transparent project disclosures (offering docs, I-956F receipt), third-party fund administration or audits, clear job-creation methodology, realistic exit strategy, and responsive investor reporting.

4) What’s the difference between direct EB-5 and regional center investments?

Direct EB-5 must create 10 direct, full-time jobs on the enterprise’s payroll and usually requires hands-on involvement. Regional center EB-5 can count indirect and induced jobs via economic models, reducing day-to-day involvement for investors.

5) Can I buy an existing business in California and still qualify for EB-5?

Yes—if it’s a new commercial enterprise or you restructure/expand an older business so that a new enterprise results or it grows substantially (e.g., workforce or net worth). A simple change of ownership is not enough; you must still meet the 10-job requirement.

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