The EB-5 program is a federal investment program run by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The goal of the program is to incent investment and create American jobs by setting aside a pool of green cards for qualified foreign investors that invest capital into approved EB-5 projects. U.S. companies are able to use this investment for projects that meet the programs eligibility criteria, such as business expansions, development, or adding capacity.  

 

 

As the only state-run, state-wide EB-5 regional center, Vermont offers businesses unique advantages. The Vermont Regional Center provides the oversight and infrastructure required by USCIS allowing businesses located in Vermont to access the EB-5 program without added cost or administrative burden. Operated by Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development, businesses also benefit from the added credibility that a state run center provides.   Investors are ensured that projects are managed by an independent and qualified authority. 

 

In addition, nearly the entire state qualifies for the EB-5 pilot program, which grants investors the same green card benefit as the standard EB-5 program, but requires only half the minimum investment and has lesser job creation requirements. 

 

Pilot Program Project Criteria:

 

·         Minimum investment per investor is $500,000 (opposed to $1 million for standard EB-5 projects)

·         The project must create 10 indirect jobs per investor (opposed to 10 direct jobs for standard EB-5 projects)

 

Together, these advantages differentiate Vermont Regional Center EB-5 projects from other projects across the U.S. making them attractive options for foreign investors. 

 

 

The Vermont Regional Center currently has two approved projects with over 100 investors. Vermont is well positioned to take advantage of this program to support growing businesses. 

 

The first step is determining if your project is eligible for the EB-5 Pilot Program. You may be eligible if:

 

·         You are a for-profit enterprise

·         The project is an at-risk investment

·         The project is located outside of the Burlington/South Burlington MSA*

 

Troubled business status - Additional incentives may be available if your business has had a net loss of at least 20% of net worth during the 12 or 24 months before the project.

 

To learn more about how your business can use the EB-5 pilot program for investment capital, contact James Candido at (802) 828- 3637 or at James@thinkvermont.com