ATLANTA (April 28, 2024) – Peachtree Group("Peachtree") has received its I-956F approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the government agency that oversees the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, for the currently under construction SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bryce Canyon, Utah.

The I-956F approval, granted by USCIS, marks a crucial step in Peachtree’s ongoing efforts to facilitate investment opportunities through the EB-5 program, which is designed to promote economic growth and job creation in the U.S.

“Securing USCIS approval for this project marks an important milestone,” said Adam Greene, executive vice president of EB-5 at Peachtree. “It highlights our continued focus on structuring and originating capital for high-quality developments that generate economic impact and long-term value for investors and communities.”

Peachtree originated $16.95 million in floating-rate construction financing over a three-year term for the development of a 127-room SpringHill Suites in Bryce Canyon, Utah. The hotel will be located about 10 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the most iconic natural attractions in the United States. Known for its dramatic geological formations, the park draws more than 2 million visitors annually. The hotel is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

This is the third hotel development for which Peachtree has received I-956F approval, having previously secured it for its Home2 Suites by Hilton development in Boone, N.C.,and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Palmdale, Calif.

“With strong travel demand, limited new supply and favorable market tail winds, well-located, newly developed assets are positioned to out perform their competitive set,” said Greene. “Construction is already underway, reducing project risk, and the firm has retained an equity stake aligned with our EB-5 investors — reinforcing our commitment and directly tying our success to theirs.”

Peachtree launched its EB-5 program in 2023 as a key financing tool to support job-creating projects nationwide. The firm remains committed to delivering high-quality investment and development opportunities through its expanding portfolio of EB-5 projects.

The EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain a green card in exchange for making a significant investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the U.S. Under the program, foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $800,000 in a U.S.-based project that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers are eligible to apply for permanent residency.

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If you're working in the United States on an H-1B visa and seeking permanent residency, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a promising path forward. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of transitioning from an H-1B to an EB-5 visa, helping you understand your options to make an informed decision about your immigration journey.

H-1B vs. EB-5: Understanding the Key Differences

The H-1B visa is a temporary, employer-sponsored visa that ties you to a specific company. You need to win a lottery to get one, and you'll face regular renewal requirements. Plus, your stay in the U.S. is always dependent on your employment status.

The EB-5 visa, on the other hand, offers a direct path to permanent residency. No employer sponsorship needed! With an EB-5 visa, you can:

• Live and work anywhere in the United States
• Include your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 in your application
• Avoid the stress of visa renewals and employer dependencies

Can You Convert from H-1B to EB-5?

Yes, while it's not exactly a "conversion," you can apply for an EB-5 visa while maintaining your H-1B status. Here are the key requirements for an EB-5 visa:

• Make an $800,000 investment in a qualifying Regional Center project
• Create jobs for U.S. workers through your investment
• Demonstrate a legitimate source of investment funds

Acceptable funding sources for H-1B holders include:

• Accumulated earnings verified by wage statements and tax returns
• Personal savings and investments
• Retirement plan funds
• Secured loans or documented gifts

The Timeline and Process for EB-5 Approval

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The transition from H-1B to EB-5 status typically requires between 4 to 18 months, depending on USCIS processing times. Your immigration journey begins with selecting and investing in a qualified EB-5 project. Once you've made your investment, you'll submit your petition to USCIS. During this waiting period, maintaining your current H-1B status provides important immigration security.

Understanding Concurrent Filing Benefits and Risks

The concurrent filing option presents an interesting opportunity for H-1B holders pursuing EB-5 visas. This process allows you to receive an Employment Authorization Document and advance parole privileges (travel authorization) immediately after filing your EB-5 petition. These benefits enable work authorization independent of your H-1B employer and facilitate international travel. However, immigration attorneys often advise maintainingH-1B status throughout the EB-5 process, as switching to concurrent filing status may prevent you from returning to H-1B status if needed.

Making an Informed Decision

The journey from H-1B to permanent residency through the EB-5 program represents a significant opportunity for foreign workers in the United States. While the $800,000 investment requirement is substantial, the benefits of permanent residency and workplace freedom make it an attractive option form any H-1B professionals. Consulting with qualified immigration attorneys helps ensure you understand all aspects of the process and make the visa choice aligned with your long-term immigration goals.

Taking the Next Step

Converting from an H-1B to an EB-5 visa offers a clear path to permanent residency in the United States. By understanding the requirements, timeline, and potential challenges, you can make informed decisions about your immigration future. Remember that professional legal guidance proves invaluable throughout this complex but rewarding process.

Peachtree Group has more than 40 years’ experience in EB-5 investing. Have questions about EB-5, visit our website or fill out our contact form.

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For international investors dreaming of permanent U.S. residency, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a promising pathway—but navigating its complex landscape, which includes EB-5 visa annual limits, requires more than just capital.

Imagine investing substantial funds in a U.S. project, only to discover that your country's immigration quota could dramatically impact your timeline for obtaining a green card. Each year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implements intricate EB-5 annual limits and country-specific caps that can significantly affect your immigration journey.

These regulations aren't just bureaucratic footnotes; they're critical strategic considerations that can mean the difference between immediate progress and years of unexpected waiting. Read on to learn what you need to know about navigating these restrictions.

The Evolution of EB-5 Country Limits: A Paradigm Shift

Conventional wisdom states that the EB5 visa country cap is calculated within each preference category, not across all preference categories.  

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‍Conventional EB-5 wisdom on country caps is wrong.

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A US Federal Register announcement dated March 28, 2023, dramatically transformed how EB-5 visa annual limits are calculated. This update represents a significant change in understanding EB-5 country limits, offering new perspectives for investors navigating the complex immigration landscape.

Key Changes in EB-5 Visa Allocation

Since April 2023, the latest news on EB-5 visa calculations reveals a comprehensive approach to annual limits:

• Visas are now calculated across ALL preference categories
• Family-based and employment-based visas are considered together
• A new method for tracking country-specific visa usage has been implemented

This approach means immigrants from a particular country are not subject to EB-5 country limits until applications across ALL preference categories reach 7% of the total available visas.

Understanding the EB-5 Annual Limit and 7% Rule

The USCIS annual limits are governed by a nuanced 7% country cap mechanism designed to prevent any single country from dominating immigration allocations. Here are the three basic things you need to know to understand how the limits are governed:

1. Total Visa Pool: Annual allocation of visas across various categories
2. Proportional Allocation: No country can receive more than 7% of total visas
3. Backlog Mechanism: Priority date-based restrictions when 7% threshold is reached

Current Landscape of EB-5 Country Limits

Four countries have reached the critical 7% cap across family-based and employment-based visas, they are China, India, Mexico and the Philippines.

For China and India, this means significant waiting periods and strategic investment planning. Mexico and the Philippines experience minimal practical impact due to lower EB-5 application volumes.

Strategic Implications for EB-5 Investors

Investors from countries outside of China and India enjoy significant advantages in navigating EB-5 annual limits. These investors face fewer restrictions, with greater flexibility in project selection and potentially faster processing times under current USCIS regulations.

Conversely, investors from China and India encounter more complex EB-5 country limits. These nations experience heightened scrutiny and longer waiting periods, requiring more sophisticated immigration and investment strategies to navigate the annual visa constraints.

Further, the EB-5 country limits are treated separately for the unreserved EB-5 category and each of the reserved categories (rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure). To understand current backlogs for the reserved categories, and any recent changes, pay close attention to the monthly visa bulletin put out by the Department of State.

Investment Strategies to Manage EB-5 Annual Limits

Understanding the EB-5 annual limit is crucial for successful immigration planning. Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs, both rural and high unemployment areas) offer a strategic approach to managing visa allocations, providing:

• Reduced minimum investment ($800,000 vs. $1,050,000)
• Potential acceleration through high-unemployment or rural project designations

Proactive planning becomes essential in managing USCIS annual limits. Investors should consult EB-5 immigration experts to help develop comprehensive long-term strategies and understand intricate priority date implications.

Key Takeaway on EB-5 Annual Limits

While USCIS annual limits and country caps are critical, they should not be the sole focus of your EB-5 investment strategy. Be sure to consider project quality, job creation potential, long-term investment objectives and your own personal and family immigration goals.

Mastering EB-5 Visa Annual Limits

The EB-5 visa landscape continues to evolve, with recent USCIS updates providing new opportunities and challenges. By understanding the nuanced approach to annual limits and country caps, investors can make informed decisions that align with their immigration and investment aspirations.

Ready to navigate the complexities of EB-5 visa annual limits? Contact Peachtree Group today for a personalized consultation.

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About Peachtree Group

Peachtree Group is an investment firm driving growth with a diverse portfolio of commercial real estate assets and other ventures, with a specialty in hospitality. We’ve executed hundreds of investments since inception with a focus on real estate acquisition, development, and lending. Today, we manage billions in equity, augmented by services designed to protect, support, and grow your investment.

Peachtree Group has an EB-5 visa by investment program which allows foreign nationals the opportunity to attain permanent residency in the United States. The EB-5 visa program allows you to invest in job creating projects in the U.S. creating a path to a green card for you and your family. The minimum investment is $1,050,000. However, investment in Targeted Employment Areas reduces the minimum cost to $800,000. Learn more about the EB-5 visa by investment program.

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