Can an EB-5 investor bring valuables into the U.S.?

If an EB-5 investor can bring valuables into the U.S. then is there a limit on the type or amount?

Petition I-526 approval gives EB-5 investors conditional permanent residency in the U.S., meaning that they, their spouses, and their unmarried children under the age of 21 are all allowed to live in the U.S. Once they're given conditional permanent residency there are no restrictions on what or how much they can bring over to the U.S.; however, there are several factors to keep in mind.

1. Any EB-5 investor bringing valuables into the U.S. from overseas will need to declare the amount with Customs if it's greater than $10,000. These valuables can be in the form of personal property or cash. It's important to accurately declare the items and value to Customs and Border Protection as they may follow up with additional inspections.
2. Your country of origin may limit what can be taken out of the country. Conduct your own due diligence.
3. Is the cash or personal property from lawful sources of funds? You don't want any U.S. law enforcement agencies presuming money laundering is occurring.

What are some examples of valuables that EB-5 investors could bring into the U.S. that may need to be declared with Customs?

• Cash
• Gold coins
• Securities or stocks
• Jewelry
• Electronics
• Precious stones
• Gifts
• Items inherited

To find out if you can bring particular valuables over to the U.S., contact an experienced immigration attorney.