EB-5 Regional Centers: Green Cards Through Investment Projects

EB-5 Regional Centers: Green Cards Through Investment Projects

The EB-5 Regional Center Program allows eligible foreign investors to pursue a green card through a qualifying investment associated with a USCIS-designated regional center. The investor’s spouse and eligible unmarried children under 21 may also qualify.

Regional center projects generally pool investor capital to finance business activities. This approach may appeal to investors who prefer a limited management role rather than operating a business themselves.

How Does a Regional Center Investment Qualify?

An investor generally must invest at least $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a qualifying targeted employment area or infrastructure project. Investing through a regional center does not automatically qualify a project for the lower threshold.

The minimum investment amounts will automatically adjust for inflation beginning January 1, 2027, and every five years thereafter. Adjusted amounts apply to petitions filed on or after each adjustment’s effective date. Investors should confirm the applicable minimum before filing. See the statutory investment adjustment requirements.

The investor must document the lawful source and transfer of the funds, place the required capital at risk, and satisfy the applicable investment and management requirements. Qualifying partnership or membership rights may satisfy the management requirement without daily operational involvement.

Government filing fees, professional fees, and project administrative charges are additional costs. See the USCIS Regional Center Program information.

How Are Jobs Counted?

Each investor must be credited with at least 10 qualifying full-time jobs. Unlike standalone direct investments, regional center projects may count qualifying indirect employment using accepted economic methodologies, subject to statutory limits.

The project’s business plan, economic analysis, and supporting records must demonstrate sufficient job creation for its investors. See the USCIS EB-5 eligibility guidance.

What Should You Review Before Investing?

Review the regional center’s designation, project documents, job creation assumptions, financing, fees, and investment repayment terms.

USCIS designation is not a government endorsement of an investment or a guarantee of financial success or immigration approval. Confirm the regional center’s status using the USCIS approved regional centers list, and obtain appropriate financial and securities advice before committing funds.

What Is the Application Process?

The regional center must file Form I-956F for the investment offering before the investor files Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor. The investor’s petition includes evidence of personal eligibility and the lawful source and transfer of investment funds. Review the USCIS Form I-526E guidance.

An eligible investor may pursue adjustment of status in the United States or immigrant visa processing abroad when a visa is available. Concurrent filing may be possible for applicants who qualify. Availability depends on the applicable category, country of chargeability, and priority date; check the Visa Bulletin.

Permanent residence is initially conditional for two years. The investor must file Form I-829 during the 90-day period immediately before the second anniversary of conditional residence to request removal of conditions.

Regional Center Program Authorization

The program is currently authorized through September 30, 2027. Federal law provides protections against a later lapse in authorization for qualifying petitions filed on or before September 30, 2026. These protections do not waive other eligibility requirements or guarantee approval. See 8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(5)(E) and (S).

Discuss Your Regional Center Investment With Immigration Attorney Osas Iyamu

The Law Offices of Osas Iyamu, LLC, in Ocala, Florida, can help assess the immigration requirements, review source-of-funds documentation, and explain the steps toward permanent residence.

Schedule a consultation with Immigration Attorney Osas Iyamu before proceeding with an EB-5 regional center investment.

This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Legal information last reviewed September 2026.