search

The Real Deal Logo

Trending

HGTV’s “Mr. Flip It” gets four years in jail for $10M fraudHGTV’s “Mr. Flip It” gets four years in jail for $10M fraudBank of Southern California puts Neil Shekhter portfolio up for saleBank of Southern California puts Neil Shekhter portfolio up for saleLawmakers reach sweeping housing deal with “good cause eviction,” new 421aLawmakers reach sweeping housing deal with “good cause eviction,” new 421aRent board’s 4% hike will “plunge” buildings into distress: landlordsRent board’s 4% hike will “plunge” buildings into distress: landlords
South Florida

EB-5 visa program funds South Florida development

alternate text
Jeff Berkowitz and Gables Station

The federal EB-5 visa program, which gives foreign investors who spend at least $500,000 in a commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 jobs a green card, is gaining popularity and providing a needed boost to South Florida real estate, Miami Today reported. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2011 there were 2,608 nationwide applicants compared to 1,955 in the same period a year ago.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

A number of South Florida developers are depending on the flood of new applicants, largely from Latin America, to finance their projects. One in particular, Berkowitz Development President Jeff Berkowirtz, is seeking $50 million from the program to finance his 330,00-square-foot Gables Station project along US 1 in Coral Gables. He must first seek approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and can then begin recruiting investors.

Approximately 82 percent of EB-5 visa immigrant investor petitions are approved, according to the immigration agency, which is also working to speed processing times. [Miami Today]

Tags
DevelopmentEB-5Gables StationJeff Berkowitz