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The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa is a federal program administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Eligible West African investors who satisfy all the requirements are granted green cards, along with their spouse and unmarried kids, — and a path to citizenship as they invest in job-creating real estate projects. In fact, capital from the EB-5 program has been quite an important source of funding for the United States when it comes to alternative financing for real estate projects. The program gained popularity back when banks were reluctant to make construction loans available during the last recession. However, it has evolved over the last decade and expanded into a scheme that many individuals around the world have taken advantage of to fund real estate developments and create win-win results.

Interested? Here‘s what you should know before getting started:

Regional Centers


The Regional Center Pilot Program was created to promote immigration and encourage foreign investment in the United States through the EB-5 program. This means that every year, a portion of EB-5 Visas is set aside for foreign investors who send their applications through an approved Regional Center. As such, this process is well suited for investors who prefer a more hands-off approach.

Job Creation Requirements

As an EB-5 investor, you are required to invest at least $500,000 in a commercial enterprise that will create a minimum of 10 full-time positions for qualifying employees. This commercial enterprise can be in the form of a new business (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc), or by buying out a troubled business. The USCIS defines a troubled business as one that has existed for at least two years with a net loss that is at least 20% of the troubled business’ net worth prior to the loss.

Capital Investment Requirements

You are personally and primarily liable for all cash, cash equivalents, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, and the indebtedness secured by your assets. You also have to be able to provide legal proof of ownership of all the capital invested. Generally, the minimum qualifying investment in the United States is $1 million, however, if your new commercial enterprise is set up within a high-unemployment area or rural area, you could start with a minimum qualifying investment of $500,000.

Applying for the EB-5 Program from West Africa

This program is a great way for you to expand your investments and enjoy a relatively hitch-free foray into the United States economy. It also provides an elegant solution for providing your family with green cards in a relatively short period of time. But to be successful using this program, you need to be able to stay up to date with recent changes, as well as the multiple variables that need to be considered. That’s why it is important to surround yourself with qualified EB-5 consultants to make the right decisions.

Lexington International Agency is the designated authority across West Africa when it comes to EB-5 investments. Based in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, this migration agency specializes in researching, analyzing, and performing due diligence to make sure a project qualifies as a potential investment to qualify for the EB-5 program. Lexington International acts as a conduit between you and a suitable regional center that can provide the best chance of receiving an approved EB-5 investment visa. This way, your invested capital is also optimized for quick returns.

What to Expect with Lexington International

Independent third party -- The agency poses no conflict of interest with your investment as their sole focus is on ensuring that your investment is matched with the right projects and that your visa application is successful.

Zero management fees -- Lexington International Agency doesn't charge management fees to its clients. Their charges are already paid for by their developer partners in the US.

Experience, confidence, and trust – Uche Akpa, the Managing Director of Lexington International Agency, has been in the real estate business for nearly a decade. He is very knowledgeable and understands the kinds of projects that qualify for the EB-5 visa. When you’re working with Lexington International Agency, you’re also working with an honest real estate professional who strives to bring you great value.

To know more about how to be a part of the EB-5 Investor Visa Program, check out Lexington International Agency’s FAQ page.


Uche Akpa (in picture) is Managing Director at Lexington International Agency