Copper Valley E-B5 Rural Project

Copper Valley is an $80.5 million mixed-use development located in Copperopolis, CA, within a Rural Targeted Employment Area (TEA). Offering a picturesque setting with townhomes, commercial spaces, and recreational amenities, this project is conveniently situated just a two-hour drive from the Bay Area. Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, golfing, boating, and hiking. With $32 million in EB-5 capital and supported by strong collateral, the project has achieved significant milestones: its Form I-956F was approved in July 2024, and construction is currently underway, having commenced in the third quarter of 2025.

Key Project Updates (January 2026)

• Construction Status: Construction is active and in progress. While originally projected for Q4 2024, site work officially commenced in Q3 2025.
• Regulatory Status: The project has received I-956F Application Approval from USCIS as of July 2024, confirming its compliance with EB-5 program regulations.
• TEA Designation: The project retains its Rural TEA status, qualifying investors for priority processing and set-aside visas.

Location

Situated in Calaveras County, the project’s rural setting in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains provides a serene escape. It is conveniently located near Gold Country, Yosemite National Park, and local wineries, maintaining its appeal as a prime destination for both residents and tourists.

Size and Scope

Encompassing 3,000 acres, Copper Valley acts as a Master Planned Community that includes a historic town center, residential areas, and recreational facilities.

• Current Development: The active phase includes the Quail Creek residential community, where construction officially commenced in Q3 2025 (a shift from the originally projected Q4 2024).
• Components: The development features single-story estate homes, an 18-hole championship golf course (Verona18), and a Sports Club with a Junior Olympic pool.

Community Impact

The development is delivering substantial economic benefits to the local community, including job creation and improved local amenities.

• Strategic Planning: In February 2025, the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Copperopolis Community Plan. This long-awaited plan formalizes the county's support for beautifying the community, improving traffic circulation, and preserving open spaces, directly aligning with the Copper Valley development's goals.
• Economic Growth: As a Rural Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, it continues to drive local employment and capital investment, with the "Quail Creek" phase actively contributing to the region's housing stock and infrastructure improvements.

EB-5 Investment Benefits

• Rural TEA Designation:
  The project retains its status as a Rural Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, granting investors access to the 20% visa set-aside category to avoid backlogs. Investors benefit from priority processing, with recent Rural I-526E petitions averaging approvals in approximately 5 to 9 months.
• Investment Security:
  EB-5 capital is secured by a first position mortgage on the property. The investment structure includes substantial developer equity, with owner Richard Nathan committing up to $20 million in equity capital to the project.
• Clear Exit Strategy:
  The project offers a defined exit timeline structured as a 3-year loan term with two possible 1-year extensions, aligning with the "within five years" exit strategy.
• Job Creation:
  The project is projected to create a significant job surplus, estimated at 12.4 jobs per investor, providing a strong buffer above the USCIS requirement of 10 jobs.

Why Invest in Copper Valley

• Luxury & Lifestyle:
  The development features luxurious townhomes and commercial spaces, anchored by the Verona18 championship golf course and a Sports Club with a Junior Olympic pool, offering a high-quality living experience.
• Recreational Access:
  Residents enjoy immediate access to premier outdoor activities, including skiing, boating, and hiking, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
• Financial Strength:
  The project is supported by a robust capital stack, including $32 million in EB-5 capital and strong collateral coverage, with the developer having a successful track record of completed EB-5 raises and investor repayments.
• Strategic Location:
  Located in a picturesque rural setting, Copper Valley remains highly accessible, situated within a two-hour drive of the Bay Area and its 12 million residents.
• Tangible Progress:
  Unlike earlier projections, construction is now active and underway, having officially commenced in Q3 2025, significantly reducing execution risk for new investors.