China once again positions itself as the country with the most EB-5 visas issued during 2023
The EB-5 Program has long been a fundamental pillar in investment and immigration to the US, attracting investors from around the world seeking business opportunities and permanent residence on US soil. But above all to Chinese investors, who led the issuance of Green Cards through investment. We tell you details.
The latest visa report released by the US State Department revealed that China reaffirmed its position as the world leader in obtaining EB-5 visas during 2023, maintaining its influence in the immigration program.
The 2023 Visa Report also showed a notable increase in the issuance of EB-5 visas compared to previous years, reaching 8,354 EB-5 visas issued.
This increase reflects both the continued attraction of foreign investors to the United States and the growing geographic diversification in the distribution of these investment visas. Despite this, the quota of 10,000 visas for this category was not completed.
Asia: Epicenter of EB-5 Visas
The Asian continent remained the undisputed epicenter of the investments that fuel the EB-5 Program. In addition to China, other Asian countries such as Vietnam, South Korea and Japan are gaining prominence in the EB-5 Program, with an increase in the number of investors seeking opportunities in the United States.
India, for its part, remained in second place among the countries with the most issuance of EB-5 visas, with 631 documents approved in 2023.
These trends indicate a gradual growth in Asian investors’ intention to move to the US, which could have significant implications on the future of the program and the US economy in general.
Challenges in South America and Europe
South America, despite its position as the second region with the highest number of EB-5 visas issued outside of Asia, experienced a slight decrease compared to the previous year.
However, South American investors continue to show interest in the EB-5 Program as a way to diversify their portfolios and access business opportunities in the United States. In Europe, political and economic uncertainty may be hindering potential growth in EB-5 visa issuance.
Nevertheless, some European countries, such as the United Kingdom and Turkey, continue to show interest in the EB-5 Program, suggesting that the continent still has a role to play in the flow of investment to the United States.
The role of North America, Europe, and Oceania in EB-5 visas
North America, while making a modest contribution to the EB-5 visa landscape, remains an attractive destination for investors from certain European and Asian countries.
The economic and political stability of countries like Canada and Mexico may influence foreign investors’ decisions to seek opportunities in the region. In Europe, while growth in EB-5 visa issuance may be limited, countries like Germany and France could play an important role in the future of the EB-5 program, especially with the ongoing uncertainty in the United Kingdom due to Brexit.
On the other hand, Oceania, although having modest figures in terms of EB-5 visas issued, remains an attractive destination for certain Asian investors, especially in countries like Australia and New Zealand.
Impact of external factors on EB-5 visa issuance
Fluctuations in EB-5 visa issuance worldwide are influenced not only by internal factors in each country but also by external events and challenges.
For example, the decrease in the number of EB-5 visas issued in Russia can largely be attributed to the challenges and restrictions faced by Russian citizens in their applications, especially after the war with Ukraine.
This situation highlights how geopolitical events can have a direct impact on the participation of certain countries in the EB-5 program.
