What qualifies as a targeted employment area for the EB-5 visa?

Usually, a TEA is an area with an unemployment rate at least 150% of the national average, or a rural area as defined by the US Office of Management and Budget.

Is it better to invest in a targeted employment area?

Many investors choose TEA investments because they require less capital, lowering the minimum investment from $1,050,000 to $800,000. Still, the right choice depends on your own finances and goals.

Can TEA designation change?

Yes, TEA status can change as economic conditions change. A location might lose its TEA status if population increases or unemployment rates drop. Investors should always check TEA status before investing.

How can I check if a project qualifies for TEA status?

You will need to check whether the location qualifies as a rural or high-unemployment area. Our team can help EB-5 investors check if a project qualifies for TEA status. You can also contact a regional centre for information about EB-5 projects that qualify.

Explained: What Is an EB-5 Targeted Employment Area?

Q: What is a targeted employment area?

A targeted employment area (TEA) is a geographic area with an unemployment rate 150% of the national average or a rural area. Projects in a TEA qualify for a lower investment amount under the EB-5 visa programme.

A targeted employment area (TEA) is an important part of the EB-5 visa programme because it lets investors qualify for a lower investment amount.

If you are thinking about applying for the EB-5 visa, it is important to know what a TEA is and how it affects your investment.

This guide explains what a targeted employment area is, how it works, and why it is important to EB-5 investors.

What is a targeted employment area?

A targeted employment area (TEA) is a region in the United States where the EB-5 visa investment amount is lowered to $800,000. TEAs include rural areas and places with a high average unemployment rate, as defined by US authorities.

TEA vs non-TEA investments

Investing in TEA projects allows foreign investors to qualify for the EB-5 visa at a lower cost.

Category	Investment required	Location type
TEA project	$800,000	Rural or high unemployment areas
Non-TEA project	$1,050,000	All areas

Why is an EB-5 TEA important for investors?

Targeted employment areas are a key part of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. They lower the minimum investment needed to qualify, making the EB-5 visa more accessible.

Key benefits of TEA investments

Lower investment amount ($800,000 vs $1,050,000)
Some projects qualify for priority processing
20% of the annual EB-5 visa quota is set aside for TEA projects
Help stimulate local economies and create jobs

How is an EB-5 TEA determined?

TEA designation is determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is based on official US government data, census data and unemployment statistics.

Authorities assess whether a location meets the criteria for:

Rural classification
High unemployment thresholds

We cover each of these in more detail in the following section.

Types of targeted employment areas

There are two main types of targeted employment areas under the EB-5 programme.

Rural TEA

A rural TEA is an area outside a metropolitan statistical area and not within a town or city with a population of 20,000 or more residents.

These areas are often prioritised to encourage economic growth in less populated regions.

High-unemployment TEA

A high-unemployment TEA is an area with an unemployment rate at least 150% of the national average. TEA status is determined using census tract data and recognised unemployment data sources, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

These areas are chosen to help create jobs in regions facing economic challenges.

How targeted employment areas affect EB-5 investment costs

The main impact of projects with TEA status is that they reduce the required investment amount.

TEA investment

$800,000

Non-TEA investment

$1,050,000

The $250,000 difference makes TEA projects a popular choice for many EB-5 investors.

For a detailed breakdown, see our EB-5 visa costs guide.

Targeted employment areas and the EB-5 process

TEA investments lower costs and also have a direct impact on the EB-5 process.

For example, job-creation requirements for TEA projects are often more flexible and easier to meet. Projects in rural TEAs may also qualify for priority processing.

If you want to invest in a targeted employment area, here are some important things to keep in mind:

Most regional centres are located in TEAs
TEA designation must be valid at the time you file your petition
Choosing the right project is essential for meeting EB-5 requirements

Read our step-by-step guide to the EB-5 process to learn more.

TEA vs non-TEA: which should you choose?

Investing in a targeted employment area is the most popular choice for EB-5 investors, but it may not be the right option for everyone.

Choose a TEA investment if you:

Want to minimise the investment amount
Want faster processing
Want your investment to make a positive impact on community development

Consider a non-TEA investment if you:

Want access to projects located in urban areas
Are not concerned about the higher investment threshold
Want the possibility of higher returns on your investment

Choosing the right EB-5 investment

Targeted employment areas (TEAs) are an important part of the EB-5 visa programme. They help lower costs for investors and provide funding to key areas across the United States.

For investors, it is important to understand how TEAs work and to choose the right investment project. You should carefully consider the costs, risks, and project eligibility before making your investment.

Holborn Pass works closely with clients to help you:

Identify suitable TEA-qualified projects
Understand investment requirements
Navigate the EB-5 process with confidence

Talk to one of our experts today to explore your EB-5 options.