Regional centre projects
A regional centre is an organisation approved by USCIS to promote and manage EB-5 projects. Investors invest as limited partners, and jobs can be counted using an economic model — direct, indirect and induced — with no need to run the business yourself. The petition is filed on form I-526E.
Direct investment
The investor starts or buys a US business, must directly employ at least 10 full-time workers, and must be actively involved in management. The petition is filed on form I-526.
Comparison
- Job counting: regional centres can count indirect jobs; direct investment counts only direct hires
- Involvement: regional centres need no management role; direct investment requires hands-on management
- Who it suits: regional centres suit investors focused on relocating their family; direct investment suits entrepreneurs planning to run a US business
What to look for
Either way, the investment must be at risk and cannot guarantee the return of capital. When choosing a regional centre project, review its repayment record and capital structure.
EB-5 application process and timing
- Assessment and project selection (4–8 weeks): We choose the TEA category and a vetted project based on your place of birth, your children’s ages and your family’s goals.
- Source of funds and investment (3–6 months): Prepare the source-of-funds evidence, make the investment and sign the investment documents.
- File I-526E (12–24 months): File the investor petition; eligible applicants in the US can file I-485 at the same time. Once approved, the family receives two-year conditional green cards.
- I-829 removal of conditions (After two years of conditional residence): Show the investment was sustained and the jobs created, and receive ten-year permanent green cards.
Main EB-5 requirements
- A qualifying investment: USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project, or USD 1,050,000 in other projects
- Proof of the lawful source of the investment funds and the full transfer path
- The project must create at least 10 full-time jobs per investor
- The investment must remain at risk throughout the conditional green card period
- Admissibility: no serious criminal record and a satisfactory medical examination
- Participation in the business: investing through a regional centre as a limited partner is sufficient
Key benefits of EB-5
- Green cards for the whole family in one application
- Live and work in any US state
- Children attend public schools and universities as residents
- No need to own or run a business
- Apply for citizenship once residence requirements are met
Need help?
To find out whether this programme suits your family, book a free consultation with Global Immigrate, or contact us on WhatsApp, LINE or WeChat.
Learn more: US EB-5 Investor Immigration