1. Job-creation cushion
Projected jobs should be well above the requirement (10 per investor). Be cautious below a 1.2x cushion.
2. Capital stack and EB-5 share
The smaller EB-5’s share of total capital, the less completion depends on EB-5 fundraising. Check whether senior bank financing is already closed.
3. Developer and repayment source
Look at the developer’s prior projects, any guarantees, and whether repayment comes from operating cash flow or refinancing.
4. Exit terms
Loan term, extension options, and whether exit is allowed before I-829. Post-RIA, capital must only be sustained for two years, but actual exit depends on the project documents.
5. Regional center record
Check USCIS’s approved and terminated regional center lists, whether I-956G annual reports were filed, and any sanctions.
6. Third-party fund administration
The RIA requires a fund administrator or annual audits. Confirm who administers the funds and under what conditions they are released.
7. I-956F approval status
An approved I-956F means USCIS has accepted the business plan and job model, which materially speeds up each investor’s I-526E.