What is a Letter of Intent (LOI) in EB-5 projects?

A Letter of Intent (LOI) in EB-5 projects is a preliminary document in which the investor expresses interest in participating in a job-creating project. The term comes from the English expression Letter of Intent and serves as the first formal record of the negotiation, before any binding agreements are signed.

This document typically outlines the basic terms of the arrangement, such as the amount intended to be invested, the expected timeline, and the conditions under which the contribution would be made. In most cases, however, the LOI is not legally binding: it demonstrates seriousness and organizes the discussions, but does not replace the formal steps of the process.

• Signals the intent to invest and aligns expectations between the parties.
• Gathers preliminary conditions without closing the deal definitively.
• Typically precedes the contracts and documentation required in the EB-5 process.

The LOI is only the beginning: EB-5 approval depends on demonstrating the lawful source of funds and meeting all other program requirements. Given the complexity involved, it is important to review each clause carefully, be cautious of any guaranteed-outcome promises, and seek specialized guidance to navigate the next steps.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.