It is up to each visa applicant to select a programme. To date the vast majority of investors have opted for certain tried and tested programmes. There appears to be a preference for freehold commercial properties or property secured options and schemes which can be financed in a number of ways including utilising applicants’ pension funds.

However there are some key implications that are all too often not flagged up in the various programme prospectuses, which often paint a somewhat rose tinted picture combined with ominous disclosures! It is advisable to take all implications fully into account before opting for a particular programme.

We have discovered some Companies and Attorneys focus on a single regional centre where they may have a contact or interest rather than providing an overview of the pros and cons for the widest range of proven projects. It is also important to bear in mind that although a regional centre may have offered a particularly attractive programme the next one it offers can be very different.

Warehouse conversions North West USA

This programme based in a major pacific coast City specializes in buying and managing commercial properties. Much of this property comprises factories and warehouses.

By buying a warehouse, for example, dividing and refurbishing as 'out of town' retail units, investors achieve two things. Increased indirect employment, which should qualify the investor for the visa, and higher rents to produce a return claimed to be between six and seven per cent after refurbishment. The company claims an average occupancy level of 96 per cent across its portfolio.

The area can be seen to be improving as buildings and the local rail infrastructure are being upgraded. Costco, the giant retailer, has built a store in the old industrial area, and Starbucks has offices there, a major hotel is being built.

Each property designated under this investment programme is a limited partnership in which investors own a share proportionate to their investment. The properties undergo refurbishment prior to letting and rental cheques are distributed monthly. The management company looks after the whole process from acquisition through letting and ongoing management

Investors can receive about $25,000 (5% per annum) after management charges and under the visa rules are entitled to sell approximately two years after receipt of their green card; however there are other very important and significant factors you need to be aware of regarding this programme which are not evident from its prospectus.

Various processing and administration costs add $45,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $545,000 plus legal fees.

This investment project has attracted both immigrants and non immigrants (local Americans, which is an interesting factor that has both positive and negative implications) for around ten years, and emigrants that have opted for this programme are able to recount their experiences, which we feel is an important factor.

 There are certain important implications regarding this scheme that you should also be aware of.

Business Loans - Eastern sea board City

This programme based on a  Regional Center in a major City on the eastern seaboard  directs its efforts at financing projects and developing enterprises within targeted sectors, including hospitality and tourism, trade, technology, higher education, and transportation. The investment period of this program is 5 years which has a number of specific implications when compared to other regional centres.

This regional center directs its efforts at financing projects and developing enterprises within targeted sectors, including hospitality and tourism, trade, technology, higher education, and transportation.

This Center appears large, well established and well managed. The funds are secured by property lien or corporate guarantee. The area appears to be regenerating successfully leading to a more diverse economy and the center enjoys strong political support an important point which is less evident in some of the other options.

The Center does however have a 150 waiting list new schemes are first come first served so you need to get your act together and then wait for a scheme to be announced. There are also potential down sides and reasons which make this programme of interest in specific circumstances which we cover with you.

Various processing and administration costs for this Center add $40,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $540,000, plus legal fees.

Loans to government agencies - Californian ex military facilities

This programme is based on a the conversion of a number of ex military bases (army and air force) in California and directs its efforts at financing projects such as infrastructure developments such as bridges, roads etc.

The investment period of this program is 6 years and in certain cases the loans are unsecured although the Centre emphasises the security that they are made to various government agencies.

This programme appears reasonably well established, and the present area of focus an airport investment programme is intended to contribute to the successful regeneration of the area, leading to a more diverse economy.

There are also potential down sides and reasons which make this programme of interest in specific circumstances which we cover with you.

Various processing and administration costs add $45,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $545,000, plus legal fees.

Ski Resort Development - Far north east

This programme is focused on a regional center developing an existing ski resort/ golf facility in an area in proximity to the Canadian border. The completed resort is intended to extend the season by offering year round facilities including a resort style indoor leisure pool complex.

The programme has a number of stages and the present plans are based on the construction of an apartment/lodge style complex at the centre of the complex which on completion will be sold as fractional ownerships.

This programme raises some interesting questions relating to the area it is in, competition, and time frame amongst other issues which are only really answered when spending time at the existing complex after attending our briefing consultation.

Various processing and administration costs add $55,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $555,000 plus legal fees.

Renovation of major City area devastated by hurricane – South

This programme is focused on a regional center programme rebuilding through various funds a metropolitan area that was devastated by hurricane and flood damage. The programme has a number of stages and the present plans are based on a five year funding arrangement with re payment and any profit distribution at the end. Unusually it sets out to combine humanitarian aid in hurricane devastated area with for profit business opportunities.

In this programme, which began last spring, money raised by immigrant investors and pooled as venture capital funds will be used to develop office buildings, hotels, restaurants and medical clinics in the city. So far, the fund has attracted about 50 investors from South Korea, China, Britain and the Middle East, according to the company. Nothing has been built as yet, but with a 30-year contract with the city, the regional centre hopes to invest about $100 million in projects that it says could create thousands of jobs

Capital investment is to be targeted at:-

• Motion picture, film and art options.
• Lodging, hospitality and restaurants.
• Community based healthcare and mobile medical clinics.
• Family housing.
• Resort communities.
• Retail entertainment.
• Universities.

This programme raises some interesting questions which we will cover in more detail when we go through the options with you.

Various processing and administration costs add $60,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $560,000 plus legal fees. The fund is intended to distribute capital and profits when it is felt market conditions are appropriate.

Assisted housing development - Far north west

This programme is presently being reviewed by us.

 
Various processing and administration costs add $30,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $530,000 plus legal fees.

Agricultural meat processing - mid west

This programme is presently being reviewed by us.

Various processing and administration costs add $35,000 bringing the final investment to approximately $535,000, plus legal fees.