Can I invest in franchises?

Yes, it is possible to invest in franchises through EB-5. The program does not restrict investment to a specific sector, so a franchise can be a valid path as long as it fully meets all program requirements.

What the program requires is that the capital be deployed in accordance with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) rules, with particular emphasis on two points: demonstrating the lawful source of funds and creating (or preserving) the required number of jobs for workers in the United States. The franchise must have a structure capable of evidencing those jobs, directly or indirectly.

Investing in a franchise carries its own challenges that deserve attention:

• Thoroughly understanding the business model and the contracts with the franchisor.
• Confirming how the operation actually generates the jobs that will support the petition.
• Ensuring transparent documentation of the investment’s path.

Before closing a deal, evaluate the franchise with specialized support and verify the current requirements at the official source (USCIS) to make sure the project genuinely meets the program’s standards.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.