EB-5 Projects by Regional Centers
Making Informed Investment Choices

Choosing the right EB-5 project is one of the most important steps in the EB-5 immigration process. With significant capital at stake and immigration goals on the line, thorough due diligence is essential. Evaluating EB-5 regional center projects involves understanding several key factors that can impact both your investment outcome and your immigration success.

1. Geographical Location

EB-5 projects are classified based on location: non-TEA (not in a Targeted Employment Area), TEA (located in a designated high-unemployment or rural area), or TEA set-aside (projects that qualify under the new reserved visa categories). Project location can affect USCIS processing times and visa availability. It’s also important to consider broader factors such as local economic health and population trends when selecting a region.

2. Job Creation Potential

The foundation of the EB-5 program is job creation. Investors must ensure that the project will generate at least 10 full-time jobs per investor, as required by USCIS. A strong job cushion—typically 30% to 40% above the minimum requirement—offers added security. Projects with higher projected jobs per investor are generally considered lower-risk from an immigration standpoint.

3. Industry Sector

EB-5 projects span a wide range of industries, including real estate, hospitality, infrastructure, and technology. Each industry presents unique advantages and challenges. Assessing the project's strength within its sector and its adaptability to current economic conditions is a key part of sound due diligence.

4. Project Documentation

Comprehensive and USCIS-compliant documentation is critical. A Matter of Ho-compliant business plan must clearly outline the project’s business model, market strategy, revenue forecasts, and job creation methodology. Investors should also carefully review the private placement memorandum (PPM) and related offering documents provided by the regional center to understand the terms of the investment.

5. Capital Stack

Understanding your position in the capital stack helps assess the project’s financial risk. EB-5 capital is often structured as mezzanine debt, positioned behind senior bank loans and other secured financing. Projects offering EB-5 investors a senior or first-position loan structure are generally considered safer. Evaluating the full capital stack—including developer equity, government support, and third-party financing—is essential.

6. Exit Strategy

A clearly defined exit strategy outlines when and how EB-5 investors may expect repayment. Understanding the project’s repayment timeline, expected cash flow, and contractual terms will help you gauge the likelihood of a successful and timely exit. Make sure the exit strategy aligns with your financial goals and immigration timeline.