Tax Planning Essentials
Reducing your tax liability starts with understanding which deductions, credits and accounts apply to your situation. While we aren’t tax professionals, we can help you ask the right questions of your CPA and identify strategies such as maximising retirement contributions, utilising Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and keeping detailed records of business expenses if you’re self‑employed. We also discuss the tax implications of insurance payouts, investment earnings and cross‑border income for immigrants.
Understanding the EB‑5 Programme
The EB‑5 Immigrant Investor Program was created in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. To qualify, you must invest in a new commercial enterprise established after 29 November 1990 and create at least 10 full‑time jobs for U.S. workers.
In March 2022, Congress passed the EB‑5 Reform and Integrity Act, raising the minimum investment to $1,050,000—or $800,000 in a targeted employment or infrastructure project—and indexing future increases to inflation. Investments can be made directly into a business you manage or through a USCIS‑approved regional center, which pools capital and handles job creation.
EB‑5 Process Overview
- Consultation – We assess your financial capacity and discuss whether EB‑5 aligns with your immigration goals. All consultations are free and confidential.
- Select a Project – Choose between direct investment or a regional center project. We partner with Shoora EB5, who conduct thorough due diligence on each opportunity.
- Capital Investment – Invest the required funds ($1,050,000 or $800,000 in a TEA/infrastructure project) into the chosen enterprise.
- File Form I‑526E – With the help of an immigration attorney, submit your petition documenting the source of funds and job creation plan.
- Conditional Green Card – Upon approval, investors and qualifying family members receive a two‑year conditional green card.
- Remove Conditions – After proving that at least 10 jobs were created and sustained, file Form I‑829 to obtain permanent residency.
Investment Thresholds
The table below summarises the major differences between the EB‑5 programme before and after the 2022 reform:
| Period | Standard Investment | Targeted Employment/Infrastructures | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prior to 15 March 2022 | $1,000,000 | $500,000 in a TEA | No automatic inflation adjustments |
| After 15 March 2022 | $1,050,000 | $800,000 in TEA or infrastructure project | Amounts subject to future inflation adjustments |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a targeted employment area (TEA)?
A TEA is a geographic area that has high unemployment (150 % of the national average) or is a rural area. Investments in TEAs qualify for the lower $800,000 threshold. TEA designations must be certified by the state agency or USCIS.
How long does the EB‑5 process take?
Processing times vary based on demand and the investor’s country of origin. It typically takes 18 – 24 months for initial approval and another two years to remove conditions, though timelines can fluctuate.
What happens if the project fails to create 10 jobs?
Failure to meet job creation requirements can jeopardise your conditional green card. Working with a reputable regional center like Shoora EB5 and performing due diligence helps mitigate this risk.
Can my family immigrate with me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can obtain conditional green cards alongside you as derivative beneficiaries.
Get Personalised Guidance
Navigating tax rules and immigration law can be complex. We collaborate with licensed tax preparers and the team at Shoora EB5 to ensure you receive accurate information. Contact us for a free assessment and explore whether the EB‑5 programme and prudent tax planning are right for your family.