CMB Secures I-956F Approval for $40M Student Housing EB-5 Project in Eugene
Event summary
- CMB Group 96 – The Ellis received I-956F approval from USCIS on June 3, 2026, clearing the way for EB-5 investor petitions.
- The project, a collaboration with Fields Holdings, targets $40M in EB-5 loans for a $128.2M student housing development in Eugene, Oregon.
- Located in a Targeted Unemployment Area (TEA), the project qualifies investors for the reduced EB-5 investment threshold.
- CMB’s previous student housing collaboration with Fields Holdings, CMB Group 71 in Seattle, was completed in 2020 with full EB-5 loan repayment in under four years.
The big picture
CMB’s approval underscores the continued appeal of student housing as an EB-5 asset class, particularly in university markets with strong demand. The project’s TEA designation and CMB’s track record of repayment may attract investors seeking lower-risk immigration pathways. With over $1.5B in repayments to date, CMB solidifies its position as a dominant player in the EB-5 space, though competition for high-quality projects remains intense.
What we're watching
- Execution Risk
- Whether CMB can replicate the success of its prior student housing project with Fields Holdings in a new market.
- Market Demand
- The pace at which the University of Oregon student housing market absorbs new supply.
- Regulatory Dynamics
- How USCIS adjudication timelines for I-526E petitions may impact investor returns.
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