How Behring’s CIVIC Meets the USCIS Criteria for an Expedited EB-5 Project

Behring’s CIVIC project exemplifies how a well-structured EB-5 investment can meet the stringent criteria for USCIS expedited processing. The CIVIC project is currently pending approval and, upon approval, will leverage its partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deliver urgent public benefits, advance national interests, and address critical gaps in veteran healthcare. Below, we break down the expedited processing criteria and show how CIVIC fulfills each requirement.

 

Administrative Framework

USCIS allows regional centers to request expedited processing for projects filing Form I-956F, the Application for Approval of an Investment in a Commercial Enterprise. Behring is a USCIS-accredited regional center with a history of successful EB-5 project sponsorship and innovation in the industry. When certain criteria are met-such as urgent government interest-USCIS may adjudicate these requests ahead of others, even those filed earlier. For more on the expedite process, see USCIS guidance on expedite requests.

 

Expedite Criteria and Government Interests

USCIS considers several factors for expedited processing, including:

• Severe financial loss to a company or person
• Emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations
• Projects by nonprofits furthering U.S. cultural or social interests
• Government interests-cases identified as urgent due to public interest, safety, national interest, or national security
• Clear USCIS error

The USCIS Policy Manual explains that government interests can be demonstrated when a federal agency, such as the VA, identifies a project as urgent and in the public interest. In these cases, USCIS generally defers to the agency’s assessment of urgency and importance.

 

CIVIC’s I-956F Filing and Government Partnership

The CIVIC project is a direct partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA has awarded Behring an agreement to develop a modern medical outpatient clinic and office hub for veterans in Oakland, California. The facility will provide over 57,000 square feet of dedicated space for the VA, including medical offices, event spaces, training rooms, and secure parking, all connected to public transit for easy access.

This project is not only a response to urgent healthcare needs for veterans-serving over 400,000 veterans in the Bay Area-but also a government-backed development that meets the rare infrastructure set-aside category for EB-5 visas. Letters of support from the VA and the lease’s emergency award basis underscore the project’s alignment with expedited processing requirements and its critical role in public health and national interest.

 

Improving Public Health and Fulfilling an Urgent Need

The CIVIC clinic will deliver comprehensive medical care, including mental health services, to a population with historically limited access. Its location adjacent to the 19th Street Metro Station and ample parking ensures accessibility for veterans across Northern California. The project’s impact extends beyond healthcare, stimulating local economic growth and job creation in the community.

 

Risk Evaluation and Investor Protections

EB-5 investors prioritize both expedited processing and the security of their investment. Behring’s CIVIC project stands out for several reasons:

• Federal Government Guaranty: The VA lease is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, offering unparalleled security for investors. The project involves renovating an existing, already-constructed building, minimizing development risk. Learn more about Behring’s government-backed projects.
• EB-5 Job Creation: Tenant improvements and renovations create jobs that qualify for EB-5 eligibility, with work already underway.
• I-956F Project Compliance: The filing certifies job creation in a set-aside category, enabling $800,000 investments with concurrent filing. Behring also re-certifies its compliance with the Reform and Integrity Act, ensuring robust management and oversight.

 

Why Choose Behring?

Behring offers EB-5 investors customized investment options, industry-leading protections, and a 100% approval history. The CIVIC project is a rare opportunity to invest in a government-backed development that delivers both social impact and financial security. For more information on Behring’s track record, financial tools, and green card approvals, visit Behring’s EB-5 project page or schedule a consultation with their team.

 

Ready to learn more?

Explore how Behring’s CIVIC project can help you achieve your immigration and investment goals with the security of a government partnership and the benefits of expedited processing.