Can I open more than one business with the same EB-5 investment?

The EB-5 program is a pathway that offers foreign investors the chance to obtain permanent residency in the United States, provided they meet specific requirements such as the minimum investment and job creation. At first glance, the idea of diversifying the investment into more than one business might seem like an interesting option, but it is important to pay attention to the rules established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

In general terms, the EB-5 investment is intended to be allocated to a single company or commercial enterprise that enables the creation of the required jobs – at least 10 direct or indirect jobs for U.S. workers. This means that, typically, all the funds must be channeled into a single business structure that demonstrates the expected economic impact.

Splitting the investment among several businesses can create difficulties in demonstrating the fulfillment of the job creation requirements and the financial risk associated with the entire capital. However, there are situations where investors structure their applications to include elements of more than one enterprise, such as through investment structures where the capital is allocated to integrated projects or partnerships between businesses that, together, meet all the program’s requirements.

These situations require thorough analysis to ensure that both the use of funds and the counting of the jobs created comply with the rules established by USCIS. It is essential to be cautious and strictly follow the United States immigration regulations.

Therefore, it is recommended to seek guidance from specialized professionals who can present a legal and transparent structure for the investment application. Moreover, it is important to avoid simplified proposals or marketing campaigns that guarantee quick results, as they may not meet legal requirements and expose the investor to unnecessary risks.

In summary, although there are possibilities to structure the investment to include elements of more than one business, the standard EB-5 approach requires that all funds be applied to a single commercial operation that proves the creation of the necessary jobs. Make sure to pay attention to the details and make informed decisions, always considering consulting experts before proceeding.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.