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For the right investor, EB-5 direct investment offers something many other visa options do not: a direct path to permanent residency through ownership of a real U.S. business.
Let’s walk through how it works, what a TEA zone means, and why timing matters right now.
What is EB-5 Direct Investment?
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to apply for a U.S. green card by investing in a U.S. business and creating jobs for U.S. workers.
With an EB-5 direct investment, you invest directly in a U.S. business, either a new venture or an existing company, and you do not need to actively manage it.
This is different from regional center EB-5 investments, where funds are pooled into large projects.
In a direct EB-5 case, the business itself is central to the immigration strategy.
How much do you need to invest?
The required investment amount depends on where the business is located.
If the business is located in a Targeted Employment Area, known as a TEA, the minimum investment is $800,000.
If the business is not in a TEA, the minimum investment increases to $1,050,000.
Because of this difference, location planning is a critical part of an EB-5 direct investment strategy.
What is a TEA zone?
A TEA, or Targeted Employment Area, is a location that meets specific economic criteria set by the government. There are two main categories.
Rural areas, which are outside major metropolitan areas and have lower population density.
High unemployment areas, where the unemployment rate is at least 150 percent of the national average.
Many EB-5 direct investors intentionally structure their business to operate in a TEA to qualify for the lower $800,000 investment threshold.
But the benefits of a TEA go beyond the investment amount.
No quota backlog for TEA-based EB-5 cases
One of the most important factors in EB-5 today is visa availability.
There is presently no quota backlog for any country for EB-5 applications based on an investment in a rural area or a high unemployment area.
This is significant.
For investors from countries that historically faced long wait times, TEA-based EB-5 direct investments may allow applications to move forward without years of delay. For many, this has shifted EB-5 from a long-term plan into a more time-sensitive opportunity.
Timing and structure matter more than ever.
Why EB-5 direct investment requires careful planning
EB-5 direct investment offers control, but it also comes with responsibility.
The business must create at least 10 full-time, permanent U.S. jobs.
The investment must be at risk and fully deployed.
The business plan must be detailed, realistic, and grounded in real operations.
Hiring timelines and financial projections must align with how the business will actually function.
This is where many EB-5 cases succeed or struggle.
A credible EB-5 direct investment case depends heavily on a strong immigration business plan that clearly explains how the capital will be used, how jobs will be created, and how the business will grow over time.
Is EB-5 Direct Investment right for you?
If you have $800,000 to invest and are seeking a direct path to a green card, EB-5 direct investment may be an option worth exploring.
That said, EB-5 is complex, and every case is different. Business model, location, job creation strategy, and timing all matter.
If you are considering EB-5 direct investment, having the right team matters. We can connect EB-5 prospects with qualified immigration attorneys who specialize specifically in EB-5 direct investment and can help assess whether this path is viable for your profile. Once the legal strategy is defined, we focus on what we do best: creating solid, thorough, and realistic immigration business plans tailored to direct EB-5 investments.
A well-built EB-5 direct investment business plan is not just a formality. It is a strategic document that explains how the investment supports job creation and long-term business viability, and it plays a meaningful role in strengthening an EB-5 direct investment case.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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