EB-5 Investment Projects: How They Work, Types & How to Choose
Picking the right EB-5 investment project is one of the first and most important steps in the process.
Knowing your options is crucial. The project you choose will impact your Green Card eligibility, the level of risk, and your ability to meet job creation requirements.
This guide covers what EB-5 investment projects are, how they work, the types available, and what to think about before you invest.
What are EB-5 investment projects?
EB-5 investment projects are business ventures in the United States that allow foreign investors to apply for a Green Card through the EB-5 visa programme. These projects must meet certain EB-5 requirements, including creating jobs, meeting minimum investment amounts, and demonstrating a lawful source of funds.
| Project type | Common Industries | Typical Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Regional centre projects | Real estate, hospitality, infrastructure | Passive investment |
| Direct investment projects | New and existing businesses, franchises | Active investment |
| Rural projects | Manufacturing, infrastructure | Often TEA-qualified |
| Urban projects | Real estate, mixed-use developments | Higher demand areas |
How do EB-5 investment projects work?
As an investor, you make a capital investment to fund a qualifying US business or other project. In return, investors can qualify for a Green Card if the investment creates the required number of jobs and meets all EB-5 programme rules.
Choosing an EB-5 project is the first step. The usual process includes:
- Choosing an EB-5 approved project
- Investing the required capital
- Filing an EB-5 petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Receiving a conditional Green Card
- Applying for permanent residency
For more details, see our guide to the EB-5 visa process.
Ways to invest in EB-5 projects
As an investor, there are two main options to consider.
Regional centre projects
EB-5 regional centre projects are the most common route. Around 95% of foreign investors choose to invest in an EB-5 project through a regional centre.
Regional centre projects are run by government-approved organisations that pool investor capital into larger developments.
Common sectors include:
- Hotels and resorts
- Local infrastructure projects
- Real estate developments
Benefits of EB-5 regional centre projects include:
- Passive investment structure
- Flexible job creation
- Less daily responsibility for investors
Learn more: What is an EB-5 regional centre?
EB-5 direct investments
A direct investment means putting money into a business and usually requires you to be more involved in its operations.
Direct investments are usually:
- A new commercial enterprise
- The expansion of an existing business
The key benefits are:
- Greater control over the business
- No regional centre fees
Direct investment challenges include:
- Creating jobs is more difficult
- Often requires experience or knowledge in running a business
- More management responsibilities
Common EB-5 investment sectors
EB-5 projects are available in many different sectors and industries.
Real estate projects
Real estate is one of the most popular sectors for EB-5 investors because it can create many jobs, especially when investing through a regional centre.
Some examples of real estate projects include:
- Housing
- Office buildings
- Hotels and resorts
- Shopping centres
Hospitality projects
Hotels and resorts are a popular choice for investors because the hospitality industry creates many jobs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 17 million people work in leisure and hospitality. This makes EB-5 projects in this sector a good option for meeting the programme's job creation requirement.
Infrastructure projects
Infrastructure projects can be at the federal, state, or local level and may qualify for rural or priority processing incentives.
Projects can include:
- Transportation
- Energy projects
- Water and sanitation systems
- Telecommunications
Each year, 2% of the 10,000 EB-5 visas available are set aside for people who invest in infrastructure projects.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing projects are often found in rural or targeted employment areas. Examples of EB-5 approved projects include:
- Factories
- Production facilities
- Industrial parks
Technology and innovation
EB-5 projects focused on technology and innovation often develop new products and services.
Projects can include:
- Tech startups
- Research and development companies
- Innovation centres
The United States is home to tech giants like Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), Apple, and Nvidia. As of mid-2026, the US tech sector is worth over $20 trillion.
TEA vs non-TEA projects
Targeted employment areas (TEAs) are places in the United States where the EB-5 investment amount is significantly reduced.
| Category | Investment required | Location type |
|---|---|---|
| TEA project | $800,000 | Rural or high unemployment areas |
| Non-TEA project | $1,050,000 | All areas |
TEAs include:
- Rural areas
- High unemployment regions
These areas are important to the EB-5 visa programme because they help develop communities and reduce the investment amount for investors.
To learn more, read our guide on targeted employment areas.
Risks of EB-5 investment projects
All EB-5 investments come with financial and immigration risks.
Potential risks include:
- Project delays or failure
- Job creation shortfall
- Delayed return of capital
- Market downturns
- Immigration petition denial
The EB-5 programme requires all investments to remain "at risk," meaning returns are not guaranteed.
Investors should view the EB-5 as an immigration strategy rather than a guaranteed financial investment.
How to choose the right EB-5 project
One of the first and most important steps in the EB-5 process is choosing an investment project.
Choosing the right project requires careful due diligence. Here are some key factors to consider.
Regional centre track record
Look for regional centres with a proven history of:
- Approved petitions
- Capital repayment
- Successful project completions
- Job creation
The project should clearly show how it will create the 10 jobs needed to qualify for the EB-5 visa.
Financial stability
When you review a project, consider:
- The project's funding structure
- Developer credibility
- If the investment is higher or lower risk
TEA status
To qualify for the lower investment amount of $800,000, you need to make sure the EB-5 project's location qualifies as a TEA.
Why due diligence matters
One of the most important steps before investing in a project is to do thorough due diligence.
Experienced investors and financial professionals typically review:
- Financial projections
- Legal documentation
- Immigration compliance
- Market risks
The EB-5 process is complex, and you must meet strict legal and financial requirements. It's strongly recommended to work with an immigration attorney and get expert financial advice before investing.
Regional centre vs direct investment: which is better?
There is no single best option between a regional centre and direct investment.
| Feature | Regional centre | Direct investment |
|---|---|---|
| Investor involvement | Passive | Active |
| Job creation rules | More flexible | Stricter |
| Popularity | Most common | Less common |
| Management responsibilities | Lower | Higher |
Regional centres may suit investors who:
- Prefer a passive investment
- Want more flexibility in meeting the job creation criteria
Direct investments may suit investors who:
- Want more control over the business
- Have experience running a company
How EB-5 projects affect costs
The type of project you choose can greatly affect:
- Minimum investment amount
- Administrative fees
- Legal complexity
- Financial risk
For a detailed breakdown of investment and fees, read our guide to EB-5 visa costs.
Find the right EB-5 project
EB-5 investment projects are the foundation of the EB-5 visa process. Understanding how projects work and how to evaluate them is key to making informed decisions.
At Holborn Pass, we specialise in US immigrant visas and provide expert advice and support throughout the application process.
We help you find suitable projects, understand the risks, and navigate the EB-5 process with confidence.
Talk to an expert to explore your EB-5 investment options.