Every day we hear more and more about the changing landscape of American–Iranian politics, and, if you read the newspapers, it looks like some U.S. businesses are beginning to benefit. It’s a good potential market. There are approximately 80 million consumers, a young population and an interest in U.S. goods and investment in the United States. But, what is really allowed and what does that mean for Iranian EB-5 investors? Is unencumbered Iranian investment in the U.S. the new reality?
The short answer is, no. It’s not that simple. But there are opportunities, and EB-5 investment is possible if you do your homework and stay compliant with the rules.
EB-5 Investment Procedures
An Iranian investor looking to obtain a U.S. EB-5 Visa through investment in a regional center must go through a variety of procedures in order to utilize the EB-5 program. First, potential investors need to determine whether their EB-5 funds transfer falls within the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (“OFAC”) General License. They may need an opinion letter from legal counsel providing financial institutions evidence that the transfer does not violate the sanctions program. Restricted party screenings must also be completed to ensure the individuals and entities involved in the investment are not U.S. government prohibited parties. Such parties are restricted from doing business in the United States or with a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. businesses).
