Can I use the old US$500 thousand rules if I started the process before November 2019?

The EB-5 program is a path that requires special attention from the definition of investment amounts to the analysis of documents and processes with USCIS. Recently, there have been updates to the rules, and it is therefore quite understandable that many investors have doubts about the possibility of using previous conditions, especially regarding the minimum investment of US$500 thousand for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs).

If your EB-5 process was started before November 2019 – the date from which the changes took effect -, there is a good chance that you may benefit from the previous rules, including the minimum investment amount of US$500 thousand. This approach is common in cases where the initial documents have already been properly filed and are under review.

However, it is essential to remember that each case has particularities, and the exact conditions may depend on how and when the documentation was submitted to USCIS. Given the complexity of EB-5 and potential regulatory changes that may affect your process, it is extremely important to remain compliant with United States immigration laws.

For this reason, always seek information from official sources and specialized professionals in the area to ensure that all stages of the process meet legal requirements and to avoid risks arising from inaccurate information, scams, or marketing campaigns that promise immediate results.

In summary, if your process was started before the deadline established for the changes, you may be entitled to the previous rules – but this must be evaluated carefully. Investing time in a thorough analysis, considering all documentation and filing dates, is an essential step to ensure your case is compliant with current legislation.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.