Working With An Economist

Guide to Working with an Economist for EB-5 Projects

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) looks for commercial viability and benefit to the U.S. economy in considering EB-5 investor status. An economist can be a vital member of the project team. Economic & Policy Resources has the knowledge and experience to guide a project through the EB-5 maze.

Here is what an experienced regional economist can do for you

Project Development-Assessment of Economic/Jobs Impacts:

Engaging an experienced economist early on in the project development process can help with important project development decisions, including:

  • Technical assistance with deciding which amenities or activities should be included in a development project to meet the program's economic and job impact requirements.
  • Technical assistance with issues such as phasing to help meet program job impact requirements including Pilot Program impacts.
  • "Another set of eyes" to lend objectivity and to assure that the business plan and financial model is "grounded" in viability.


Follow-Up Estimates of Required Job Impacts:

An experienced regional economist can also help when it comes to demonstrating to the USCIS that your project created the required number of jobs that initial studies indicated it would. We do not leave you alone to complete this critical job creation test as required under USCIS regulations. We understand what is needed under either: (1) 8 CFR 204.6 (j)(4)(i) in general, (2) 8 CFR 2004.6(j)(4)(ii) for Troubled Business, or (3) 8 CFR 204.6(j)(4)(iii) for Regional Centers under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program).

Assistance with a Regional Center Designation under the Pilot Program:

An experienced regional economist can help assemble key information and help build the local-regional consensus of support that is critical to those seeking designation as a Regional Center under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program.

  • An experienced economist can help you assemble information on the regional economy and provide insight into likely job impacts in key sectors.
  • They also can provide information and assistance in contacting stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, and governmental officials to help build critical local support for the application.