Intro. Before you file, two decisions shape your entire EB-5 case: how much you invest (which depends on where you invest), and which route you take — direct or Regional Center. Each choice affects your minimum capital, how jobs are counted, your petition form, and even how fast your visa may become available. This article lays out the landscape so you can plan your filing. Dr. EB-5 then helps you document whichever path you choose.
Investment amounts and Targeted Employment Areas
Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), the minimum investment depends on whether your project sits in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
Where you invest | Minimum investment |
Standard project (not in a TEA) | $1,050,000 |
TEA — rural or high-unemployment area — or an infrastructure project | $800,000 |
A TEA is either a rural area or an area of high unemployment (generally at least 150% of the national average). Investing in a qualifying TEA lowers your minimum to $800,000 and can unlock reserved visas. Note: these thresholds are subject to inflation adjustments starting in 2027 — always confirm the current figure before filing.
Set-aside (reserved) visa categories
The RIA reserves a share of annual EB-5 visas for certain project types. These set-asides can mean shorter waits, which matters greatly for investors from backlogged countries:
Set-aside category | Share of annual EB-5 visas reserved |
Rural | 20% |
High-unemployment | 10% |
Infrastructure | 2% |
Rural projects additionally receive priority adjudication of the petition — often the fastest track available.
Regional Center vs. Direct
Factor | Direct investment | Regional Center |
Petition form | I-526 | I-526E |
Job counting | Direct (W-2) jobs only | Direct + indirect jobs via economic models |
Your involvement | Typically hands-on management | Usually passive investor |
Business plan | You provide a Matter of Ho–compliant plan | Project supplies offering + economic materials |
Control | High — it's your enterprise | Lower — pooled project run by the center |
Pros and cons
Direct — pros: full control of your business; direct connection between your capital and outcomes.
Direct — cons: you must generate 10 direct qualifying jobs and build a compliant business plan yourself; more operational responsibility.
Regional Center — pros: indirect job creation makes the 10-job requirement easier to meet; largely passive; access to the I-526E set-aside categories.
Regional Center — cons: less control; you must diligence the project and center; returns and outcomes depend on the sponsor.
How Dr. EB-5 fits
Whichever route you choose, Dr. EB-5 builds your package around the correct form (I-526 or I-526E), assembles your source-of-funds evidence, and helps you polish before download — all for a flat $999, free until you download. USCIS filing fees are separate. For project diligence and investment decisions, work with qualified professionals; Dr. EB-5 does not select or recommend investments.
FAQ
Is $800,000 guaranteed to stay? No — RIA thresholds are subject to inflation adjustments beginning 2027. Verify before filing.
Can I switch routes later? The route determines your form and evidence, so decide before you build your petition. If your plans change, you may need to re-file.
Do set-asides really speed things up? They can, because reserved categories have separately allocated visas — recently these have been more available than the unreserved category for backlogged countries. Availability changes; check the current Visa Bulletin.
Dr. EB-5 and QuickFiling are not a law firm and do not provide legal or investment advice. We help you document and organize your petition; we do not recommend investments, select projects, or evaluate Regional Centers. Verify all current amounts, set-asides, and visa availability with USCIS before filing.
Related: Dr. EB-5 FAQ · EB-5 Evidence: Source of Funds & Business Plan
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