Immigration Investment Program

Congress established the Immigrant Investor Program under the U.S. Immigration Act of 1990.  It allows the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) - to issue up to 10,000 immigrant visas (officially known as EB-5 visas) annually to qualified investors and members of their immediate family.

On October 13, 2006, Whatcom Opportunities Regional Center, Inc. (WORC) was designated by USCIS to attract immigrant investor capital for investment in senior living projects in Whatcom County.

Visit their website at www.worc.biz/

Job Creation

In rural areas such as Whatcom County, EB-5 applicants are required to invest at least $500,000 in a new business that will create at least 10 full-time jobs for employees other than members of the investor's family.  Immigrant investors may pool their money as long as each supplies at least $500,000.  Applicants must prove their investments come from a lawful source of funds.

Dr. Hart Hodges of the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University predicts that an investment of $500,000 in assisted living facilities in Whatcom County will generate 11 jobs - along with another 5 indirect jobs.

This economic forecast meets the special regulatory requirements and was accepted by USCIS as sufficient evidence of job creation.

WORC is currently preparing proposals to target investment capital in other industry sectors in Whatcom County.

Investor Benefits

Qualified investors and their families (spouse and any unmarried children under age 21) are eligible for green cards after approval of their application.  Although the investment must occur within a regional center's territory, the investor and his/her family may live and work anywhere in the United States.  There are no minimum requirements as to age, business training and experience or language skills.