As for whether it's a good time to apply for an EB-5, it is worth being mindful of the fact that the visa rules are changing all the time and that this particular programme is scheduled to expire in September 2009 unless extended.

The other problem is the limited supply of suitable programmes to meet the heavy demand, particularly from Japanese, Chinese and Korean investors.

If you have currency considerations and school timetables to consider amongst other things it is worthwhile considering the option within your time scale, there is presently a waiting list for some programmes.

A number of British investors perceive that UK house prices may be reaching a peak just as US house prices are at or near a low point - this combined with the Pound looking to be at or near a high point against the Dollar makes the next few months seem to be as good a time as any particularly in light of the programmes end in September 2008.

Comments from Consular Office

'I would also like to point out that a non immigrant (E2) visa is not a good option for someone who intends to reside permanently in the United States. If the investor retires or sells their investment, his or her visa status lapses and he or she must leave the US. Only single dependent children under 21 are eligible for visas to accompany their investor parent, and when these children turn 21 they lose their status as a dependent and their visa. The more secure option for those that have the necessary capital is the permanent resident (green card EB5) investor visa. In this case the required investment is one million dollars, or under certain circumstances $500,000.' John Caulfield, Consul General, US Embassy London.