EB-5 Unplugged | Podcast in RSS.com

EB-5 Unplugged

di Shai Zamanian

Educazione Notizie

Stagione 1

Why Are Most EB-5 Projects Real Estate-Based?

In this episode, Shai Zamanian explores why most EB-5 Regional Center projects are tied to real estate. From construction and job creation to financing and repayment, he breaks down the economics behind real estate's dominance in the EB-5 market. He also explains why real estate does not automatically mean a lower-risk investment and the key factors investors should look at when evaluating a project.

EB-5 Adjustment of Status: Key Update

In this episode, Shai Zamanian explores the growing debate surrounding the Adjustment of Status for EB-5 investors already living in the United States. As questions emerge about potential changes to green card processing, he breaks down what the Adjustment of Status is, why it has become a key advantage of the EB-5 program, and what recent developments could mean for current and prospective investors.

EB-5 Benefits for Families

In this episode, Shai shares his personal story and his experience advising families in Dubai to answer one question: why do 85% of EB-5 clients invest for their children's education? He breaks down the financial advantages a US green card unlocks, from reduced university tuition and government grants to zero-percent subsidized loans and work opportunities. This episode makes one thing clear: the question isn't whether you can afford it, it's whether you can afford to wait.

2026-2027 EB-5 Deadlines Explained

In this episode, Shai is joined by Silu, a U.S.-licensed lawyer at, to break down the background of the Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) introduced in March 2022, the significance of the September 30, 2026 grandfathering deadline, the expected announcement of the EB-5 investment amount increase in January 2027, and the current program authorization ending on September 30, 2027. Together, they unpack what these milestones mean for investors and why waiting too long could impact future opportunities.

The Most Common EB-5 Misconceptions in the Age of AI

In this episode, Shai is joined by Silu, a U.S.-licensed lawyer at the American Legal Center, to discuss the growing role of AI in client decision-making. They explore how clients are increasingly relying on AI for information that is often conflicting, inaccurate, or misleading, and how this is impacting complex legal processes like EB-5. From real client interactions to common misconceptions, they break down why AI-generated answers aren’t always reliable, and why human expertise still matters more than ever.

From Application to Approval: Jay's EB-5 Story

In this episode, Shai sits down with Jay, a real EB-5 investor and client of the American Legal Center, for an honest look at what the process actually feels like from the inside. Jay walks us through his personal journey — the strategies that worked, including why naming his wife as the primary applicant was one of his smartest moves, what no one tells you about the visa interview until you're sitting in that chair, and why having the right team in your corner makes all the difference when it matters most.

EB-5 Regional Centers: How to Pick the Right One

In this episode, Shai sits down with Brian Oster, President of EB-5 Capital, and Haya for an inside look at one of the most established regional centers in the EB-5 space. Brian brings 15 years of real estate and EB-5 experience to the conversation. Episode breaks down what separates the best regional centers from the rest, and what red flags to watch for. Brian takes us back to the wild early days of EB-5, when over 80% of all applications came from a single country - China, and what that history means for GCC investors navigating the program today. If you're evaluating regional centers, this episode is your shortcut.

The Real Estate Roots of EB-5: Angelique Brunner’s Story

In this episode, Shai Zamanian sits down with Angelique Brunner, Founder and CEO of EB-5 Capital, to discuss her journey from real estate finance into becoming one of the most recognized leaders in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. With more than three decades of experience in capital markets and development, Angelique shares how her early work in real estate and project financing led her to the EB-5 industry in the late 2000s. They explore how investor capital supports large-scale development, and how the EB-5 program has evolved over the years.

EB-5 & Russian Nationals: What Investors Need to Know

In this episode, Kate Kalmykov joins Shai to discuss the unique considerations for Russian nationals applying under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. From source of funds challenges to geopolitical sensitivities and compliance risks, they explore how nationality can impact the process. Kate also shares insights shaped by her own Russian heritage, offering context on cultural, legal, and practical factors investors should understand when navigating the EB-5 category.

Let’s Keep It Real: Why EB-5 Petitions Get Rejected

In this episode, Kate Kalmykov from GT and Shai join the conversation for an honest look at why EB-5 petitions get denied. From source of funds issues to project compliance problems and documentation mistakes, they break down the most common reasons cases fall apart under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. No sugarcoating, just real insights into where investors and advisors go wrong and how to avoid the same pitfalls.

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