Can I finance part of the investment and put in only US$400 mil of my own funds?

Possibly, but under strict rules. In EB-5, invested capital must be ‘at risk’ (subject to real gains and losses) and under the investor’s control. Using financing for part of the contribution is not prohibited, but the debt structure is scrutinized closely.

Contributing only US$400 mil of personal funds and financing the rest may not satisfy the requirement that the full amount be genuinely at risk. Amounts borrowed from third parties typically come with repayment agreements and guarantees that can undermine the investor’s full commitment of capital.

In general, what sustains a loan within EB-5 is the investor’s own guarantees and control, not simply completing the required amount. Any structure involving third-party funds therefore requires careful analysis to confirm it meets the program’s requirements.

• Financing is possible, but the debt undergoes rigorous review.
• All capital must be ‘at risk’ and under the investor’s control.
• Poorly structured arrangements can draw scrutiny from authorities.

Before setting up the financing, consult a professional who specializes in EB-5 project structuring and confirm the current requirements with USCIS.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.