SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

The EB-5 Regional Center Program offers wealthy investors and their families a pathway to permanent residency through investment in job-creating projects. With strategic guidance and proper planning, the EB-5 visa can provide your family with green cards while contributing to the American economy.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Beverly Hills, known worldwide for its affluence and business opportunities, attracts investors from around the globe seeking the EB-5 visa pathway to permanent residency. Our experienced immigration attorneys understand the sophisticated needs of high-net-worth clients and provide comprehensive guidance through every step of the investment immigration process.

Understanding the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 program was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. In exchange for making a qualifying investment that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, investors and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States.

EB-5 Investment Requirements

The EB-5 program offers two investment pathways, each with specific requirements that must be met to qualify for permanent residency.

Investment Type	Minimum Investment	Job Creation	Key Features
Regional Center	$800,000 (TEA)	10 indirect jobs	Passive investment, job counting flexibility
Regional Center (Non-TEA)	$1,050,000	10 indirect jobs	Passive investment approach
Direct Investment (TEA)	$800,000	10 direct jobs	Active management required
Direct Investment (Non-TEA)	$1,050,000	10 direct jobs	Full operational control

Benefits of Regional Center Investment

Regional Center investments offer significant advantages over direct investments, making them the preferred choice for most EB-5 investors.

•Passive Investment: No requirement for day-to-day management of the business
•Indirect Job Counting: Jobs created through economic modeling count toward the 10-job requirement
•Diversified Risk: Investment pooled with other investors in larger projects
•Professional Management: Experienced developers and operators manage the project
•Geographic Flexibility: Investors can live anywhere in the U.S., not just near the project
•Simplified Compliance: Regional centers handle most reporting requirements

The EB-5 Process Timeline

Understanding the EB-5 visa process helps investors plan their immigration journey and set realistic expectations for obtaining permanent residency.

Stage	Description	Typical Duration
Due Diligence	Research regional centers and projects	1-3 months
Investment	Transfer funds and subscribe to project	1-2 months
I-526E Petition	File immigrant petition with USCIS	12-24 months (pending backlog)
Visa/Adjustment	Consular processing or I-485	6-12 months
Conditional Residence	2-year conditional green card	2 years
I-829 Petition	Remove conditions on residence	12-24 months
Permanent Residence	10-year green card issued	Ongoing

Targeted Employment Areas (TEA)

Investments in Targeted Employment Areas qualify for the reduced $800,000 investment threshold. A TEA is either a rural area or an area with unemployment at least 150% of the national average. Most Regional Center projects are structured in TEAs to offer investors the lower investment amount. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 changed how TEAs are designated, with USCIS now making these determinations rather than states.

Source of Funds Requirements

One of the most critical aspects of the EB-5 petition is demonstrating the lawful source of investment funds. USCIS requires detailed documentation tracing the path of funds from their origin to the investment.

•Business Ownership: Profits, sale of business, or distributions
•Employment Income: Salary, bonuses, and accumulated savings
•Real Estate: Sale of property or rental income
•Investments: Stock sales, dividends, or investment returns
•Inheritance: Documented gifts or inheritance
•Loans: Properly secured against personal assets

Due Diligence: Selecting a Regional Center

Choosing the right Regional Center and project is crucial for both immigration success and financial security. Our attorneys guide investors through comprehensive due diligence.

•Track Record: Review the Regional Center's history of approved I-526 and I-829 petitions
•Project Viability: Assess the business plan and likelihood of job creation
•Financial Strength: Evaluate developer experience and project capitalization
•Exit Strategy: Understand how and when your investment will be returned
•Legal Structure: Review offering documents and investment terms
•SEC Compliance: Confirm securities law compliance and disclosures

EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022

The RIA brought significant changes to the EB-5 program, including new investor protections, Regional Center oversight requirements, and updated investment amounts. The legislation also created new set-aside visa categories for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure projects, potentially reducing wait times for investors in these categories.

Visa Availability and Country Backlogs

EB-5 visas are subject to annual numerical limits, and investors from certain countries face significant backlogs. The new set-aside categories created by the RIA offer opportunities for faster processing. Rural projects, in particular, currently offer immediate visa availability for investors from all countries, making them attractive options despite being newer to the market.

Family Benefits Under EB-5

The EB-5 visa benefits the entire family unit. The principal investor's spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included as derivative beneficiaries. Each family member receives their own conditional green card and eventually their own permanent green card. Family members can live, work, and study anywhere in the United States without restriction.

From Conditional to Permanent Residence

EB-5 investors initially receive conditional permanent residence valid for two years. Before the two-year anniversary of receiving conditional status, investors must file Form I-829 to remove conditions. This petition demonstrates that the investment was sustained throughout the conditional period and that the required jobs were created. Upon approval, the investor and family receive 10-year permanent resident cards.

Why Choose Our EB-5 Immigration Services

Our Beverly Hills immigration attorneys bring extensive experience in investment immigration, combining legal expertise with understanding of our clients' sophisticated financial circumstances. We coordinate with financial advisors, tax professionals, and regional center representatives to ensure seamless execution of your investment immigration strategy. Our Arabic-speaking attorneys provide culturally sensitive service to clients from the Middle East and North Africa.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the minimum investment for EB-5?

A: The minimum investment is $800,000 for projects in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) or $1,050,000 for non-TEA investments. Most Regional Center projects are structured in TEAs to qualify for the lower amount.

Q:How long does the EB-5 process take?

A: The total timeline from investment to permanent green card typically ranges from 3-5 years, though this varies based on USCIS processing times and visa availability for your country of birth.

Q:Can I get my investment back?

A: EB-5 investments are at risk, meaning there's no guarantee of return. However, well-structured Regional Center projects typically have exit strategies for returning investor capital after the required investment period (usually 5-7 years).

Q:Do I need to manage the business?

A: Regional Center investments are passive—you don't need to manage the business. Direct investments require more involvement in day-to-day operations or policy-making.

Q:Can my family get green cards too?

A: Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included in your EB-5 petition as derivative beneficiaries and will receive their own green cards.

Q:What happens if the project fails?

A: If a project fails to create the required jobs, your I-829 petition to remove conditions may be denied. This is why thorough due diligence and selecting experienced Regional Centers with strong track records is crucial.

Q:Can I work anywhere in the U.S. with an EB-5 visa?

A: Yes, EB-5 green card holders can live and work anywhere in the United States. There's no geographic restriction, even if your investment is in a different state.

Q:What is a Targeted Employment Area?

A: A TEA is either a rural area or an urban area with unemployment at least 150% of the national average. Investments in TEAs qualify for the reduced $800,000 minimum investment.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Beverly Hills and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 10, 2026Last Updated: January 10, 2026

Schedule Your EB-5 Consultation

Ready to explore investment immigration? Our Beverly Hills attorneys provide confidential consultations for qualified investors. We offer sophisticated guidance on Regional Center selection, source of funds documentation, and comprehensive case strategy.

Serving Beverly Hills and all of Southern California

Request Investor Consultation (714) 421-8872

Employment Immigration

EB-5 Regional Center Investment Visa: Your Path to a Green Card Through Investment in Beverly Hills