EB-5 capital is a much lower cost alternative to mezzanine or equity financing for U.S. real estate, energy and other projects. The EB-5 program was established by Congress in 1990 and continues to enjoy broad bi-partisan Congressional support. The program supports U.S. industry and economic growth and creates jobs – each EB-5 investor must demonstrate creation of at least 10 jobs as a condition to receipt of a permanent visa. This previously little known, and still underutilized, investment program can provide capital to suitable sponsors at a cost significantly less than other sources of capital in like risk tiers. Low-cost capital is powered by the willingness of foreign nationals to invest at a much lower rate of return in exchange for the benefits of a permanent visa for themselves and their families. Sheppard Mullin understands that for developers, EB-5 capital is a means to an end – minimizing overall cost of capital – and not the end in and of itself.

Faced with high-stakes legal issues, the world’s most sophisticated clients count on the Sheppard Mullin team to understand their business, listen to their goals, and deliver innovative and sound solutions. Developers, private equity funds, lenders, regional center operators and EB-5 intermediaries require sophisticated but practical guidance to navigate through the project finance, program compliance, securities, tax and industry-related issues in an EB-5 program.