EB-5 investors can invest through a regional center or make a direct investment. This page compares EB-5 regional center vs. direct investment to help investors choose a path. Shihab Burke LLC Immigration Lawyers represents EB-5 investors worldwide from our offices in Columbus and Dublin, Ohio.
For an overview of the EB-5 program, see our page for EB-5 investor visa lawyers.
What Is the Difference Between a Regional Center and a Direct EB-5 Investment?
The main difference is how jobs are counted and how involved the investor is. A regional center investment can count indirect jobs, and the investor usually has a limited role. A direct investment counts only the business’s own employees, and the investor often helps run the business.
| Regional Center Investment | Direct Investment | |
|---|---|---|
| Petition form | Form I-526E | Form I-526 |
| Who organizes the project | A regional center and a project company | Usually the investor |
| Jobs that count | Direct and indirect jobs | Direct jobs only |
| Pooling money with other EB-5 investors | Allowed | Not allowed (petitions filed on or after March 15, 2022) |
| Investor’s usual role | A role in policy decisions, such as a limited partner | Often helps manage the business |
| $800,000 amount available through | Targeted employment area or infrastructure project | Targeted employment area only |
| Integrity Fund fee | Paid with the petition | Not required |
| Program authorization | Through September 30, 2027, unless Congress extends it | Permanent part of the law |
+1 (866) 665-0001Schedule Consultation
What Is an EB-5 Regional Center?
An EB-5 regional center is a public or private organization approved by USCIS to sponsor EB-5 projects. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) is the government agency that decides EB-5 cases.
In a regional center investment, many investors usually combine, or pool, their money in one company. That company then funds a job-creating project, such as a building project or a business expansion.
The regional center must file a project application with USCIS before investors file their petitions. Investors do not have to wait for the project application to be approved before filing. However, the project application must be approved before an investor’s petition can be approved.
How Are Jobs Counted in a Regional Center Investment?
A regional center investment can count both direct and indirect jobs. Indirect jobs are jobs created outside the project, such as jobs at suppliers and some construction jobs. Indirect jobs must be shown with an accepted economic study, and limits apply. Each investor needs at least 10 qualifying full-time jobs.
How Does a Direct EB-5 Investment Work?
In a direct EB-5 investment, the investor puts money into a business outside the regional center program, often a business the investor helps run. The business itself must employ at least 10 full-time qualifying workers for each investor. Jobs at suppliers or other businesses do not count. In limited cases, an investment in a troubled business can qualify by keeping existing jobs instead of creating new ones.
The direct investor is responsible for the business plan, the jobs, and the evidence. Buying part of an existing business does not by itself make the investment qualify.
For petitions filed on or after March 15, 2022, multiple EB-5 investors cannot pool their money in a direct investment. Pooling is allowed only through a regional center.
Which EB-5 Investments Qualify for the $800,000 Amount?
As of October 2026, an EB-5 investment qualifies for the lower $800,000 amount if it is in a targeted employment area or is a qualifying infrastructure project. The standard amount is $1,050,000. Both amounts increase with inflation on January 1, 2027.
A targeted employment area is a rural area or an area with high unemployment. A direct investment can qualify for $800,000 only through a targeted employment area, because the infrastructure category is available only through regional centers. In either case, the project must document that it qualifies.
Does an EB-5 Investor Have to Manage the Business?
Not always. With either type of EB-5 investment, the investor must take part in the business through management or policy decisions. Daily management is not always required.
A regional center investor is usually a limited partner, which is an owner who votes on major decisions but does not run daily operations. A direct investor often helps manage the business.
What Should You Ask Before Making an EB-5 Investment?
Before making an EB-5 investment, investors should ask their advisors these questions:
- Has the project application been filed with USCIS, or approved?
- How will the project create the required jobs, and how many extra jobs does it expect?
- How will EB-5 money be used, and what other money supports the project?
- Will the money be held in escrow (a protected account) until a set event?
- What are the repayment terms and fees?
- Has the sponsor completed EB-5 projects before?
- Is the targeted employment area status documented?
Our lawyers review the immigration requirements of an EB-5 investment. Investors should also get independent financial and securities advice. USCIS approval of a regional center or project does not guarantee that the investor’s petition will be approved or that the money will be returned.
+1 (866) 665-0001Schedule Consultation
EB-5 Regional Center vs. Direct Investment: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a regional center EB-5 investment safer than a direct investment?
Not necessarily. USCIS approval of a regional center does not mean an EB-5 investment is safe. The risk depends on the project, its financing, and its documents.
Can several EB-5 investors pool their money in one direct investment?
No. For petitions filed on or after March 15, 2022, multiple EB-5 investors may pool their money only through a regional center. A direct EB-5 investment may still have other owners who are not EB-5 investors.
Can an EB-5 investor switch from a regional center to a direct investment after filing?
Usually, switching EB-5 paths requires a new petition. Speak with a lawyer before moving any money.
Which EB-5 path is faster?
EB-5 timing depends on USCIS processing, the visa category, and the investor’s country of birth. As of October 2026, investments in the reserved rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure categories have no visa waiting list. Infrastructure is available only through regional centers.
Does an EB-5 investor have to manage the business every day?
No. An EB-5 investor must take part in the business through management or policy decisions, but daily management is not always required.
Talk with an EB-5 Lawyer
Choosing between a regional center and a direct EB-5 investment is an important decision. Contact our Columbus or Dublin, Ohio office, or call 866-665-0001, to schedule a consultation in person, by phone, or by video conference.
