What Is the EB-5 Program and How Is It Connected to Real Estate Investment in Florida?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to secure U.S. residency by investing in job-creating projects. In Florida, real estate developments like Archer Place have become top-tier vehicles for these strategic investments.

Imagine being able to invest in a high-impact real estate project in the United States, generate solid returns, and at the same time secure a legal path to permanent residency (Green Card) for you and your family.

That’s exactly what the EB-5 Visa Program offers — a government-backed initiative that has become a powerful tool for both international investors and large-scale infrastructure development in strategic cities like Gainesville, Florida.

Since its creation in 1990, the EB-5 Program has funneled billions of dollars in foreign capital into valuable projects in sectors like real estate, hospitality, technology, and healthcare.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what the EB-5 Program is, how it works, and why Florida — and projects like Archer Place in particular — have become prime destinations for qualified EB-5 investments.

1. What is the EB-5 Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by the U.S. Congress to stimulate the economy by attracting foreign investment and creating jobs. Through this program, a foreign national can apply for a Green Card (permanent residence) by investing at least:

• $1,050,000 USD anywhere in the U.S., or
  
• $800,000 USD if the project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or an underserved economic zone.
  

In return, the project must demonstrate the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs per investor within two years.

Key benefits:

• Green Card for the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21.
  
• Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.
  
• Path to U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residence.
  
• Potential return on investment depending on the chosen project.
  

2. Why Florida is a magnet for EB-5 investors

According to a 2024 CBRE report, Florida currently leads the nation in foreign direct investment in commercial real estate, accounting for an impressive 28% of total U.S. FDI in the sector. This is no coincidence — the state combines business-friendly policies, no state income tax, year-round sunshine, and a booming economy.

Key drivers:

• Population growth: Florida welcomed over 400,000 new residents in 2023.
  
• Education & healthcare: Top institutions like the University of Florida (UF) boost economic activity in cities like Gainesville.
  
• Tourism & infrastructure: These sectors increase demand for housing, hospitality, and retail spaces.
  

Projects like Archer Place, located near UF, perfectly illustrate how EB-5 investments integrate with Florida’s urban expansion while offering legal immigration and financial benefits for international investors.

3. Real estate + EB-5: a winning combination

The synergy between real estate development and the EB-5 Program has proven to be among the most successful use cases of the program. Developers gain a new source of financing, while EB-5 investors gain access to asset-backed, job-creating opportunities.

Why is real estate so attractive for EB-5?

• Tangible asset backing and legal protection.
  
• Consistent demand (residential, commercial, student housing, etc.).
  
• Measurable job creation through construction and operations.
  

Archer Place checks all the boxes: it’s a mixed-use real estate project led by the experienced BAI Capital team, with a projected annual return and full EB-5 compliance.

4. Real-life example: Archer Place as an EB-5 vehicle

Located in Gainesville, Florida, Archer Place is a high-value development featuring student residences, commercial spaces, and condos for international buyers. It is spearheaded by BAI Capital, a firm with over a decade of experience managing EB-5 projects.

Key details about Archer Place:

• Location: Just steps from the University of Florida (UF), one of the largest campuses in the U.S.
  
• Minimum investment: From $800,000 USD under the TEA designation.
  
• Verified job creation: Backed by independent economic studies.
  
• Concurrent Filing available: Allows adjustment of status from within the U.S.
  

Additionally, Archer Place offers condo units for non-EB5 buyers, adding extra value and accelerating project cash flow.

5. How does an EB-5 investment work?

Investors place capital into a New Commercial Enterprise (NCE), which in turn funds a Job Creating Entity (JCE) — the project developer. Job creation is tracked by certified economists to ensure compliance with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) regulations.

Typical process:

1. Project selection and due diligence (e.g. Archer Place).
   
2. Investment of at least $800K in a TEA-compliant project.
   
3. Filing of Form I-526E.
   
4. Optional work and travel permit via Concurrent Filing.
   
5. Approval of conditional Green Card, followed by permanent status.
   

Partnering with an experienced firm like BAI Capital ensures every step of the process is handled with transparency and professionalism.

6. EB-5 Concurrent Filing: live and work in the U.S. while you wait

Thanks to recent regulatory changes, EB-5 investors who are already in the U.S. under visas like B1/B2, F-1, or H-1B can now adjust their immigration status immediately upon filing the EB-5 petition — without leaving the country.

This is known as Concurrent Filing, and it’s particularly attractive for families or entrepreneurs already residing in the U.S.

Advantages:

• Work and travel permits in 90–180 days.
  
• Legal presence in the U.S. while the EB-5 petition is processed.
  
• Ideal for families with student-age children or business owners.
  

At Archer Place, many investors have benefited from this option to settle in Florida while securing their Green Card.

7. What are the risks and how can they be mitigated?

Like any investment, EB-5 carries certain risks — from immigration approval to capital recovery. However, those risks are substantially mitigated by choosing projects that offer:

• Proven track record from the developer.
  
• Strong economic fundamentals.
  
• Job creation models verified by experts.
  
• Fixed annual returns or exit strategies.
  

BAI Capital has a 100% approval rate on prior EB-5 projects. At Archer Place, EB-5 investors benefit from a 4.9% annual return and a potential additional distribution upon project completion.

Smart real estate investment + secure immigration = Archer Place

The EB-5 Program has become one of the most effective paths to U.S. permanent residency. When combined with a secure and strategic real estate project like Archer Place, it offers a unique two-in-one benefit: investment growth and immigration for the entire family.

Florida is not just the present but the future of global real estate investment. With Archer Place, you’re not only securing a place in one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., you’re also taking part in a project designed to meet EB-5 standards while delivering long-term value.

Learn more about the EB-5 Program and how to invest in Archer Place through BAI Capital.