Can I purchase shares in a franchisor company and count jobs created by the franchises?

It may be possible, but the answer depends on how the investment is structured. In the EB-5 program, the key point is not simply purchasing shares: the capital invested must demonstrably create the required jobs for workers in the United States.

Certain business structures allow an investment in the franchisor to count jobs created by the franchises, including through indirect job creation. However, this is not automatic: everything depends on the project design and how the relationship between the parent company and the franchise units is set up.

That is why the project must be clearly defined, with documentation showing how jobs will be created and counted. Many investors work with Regional Centers or other specialized entities that have experience structuring investments to meet the program requirements.

• The capital must generate the full-time jobs required by EB-5.
• Counting franchise jobs depends on the project’s corporate structure.
• Clear documentation of job creation is essential.

Before deciding, conduct a thorough analysis of the business and confirm the current requirements with USCIS or a qualified specialist, avoiding any promises of guaranteed outcomes.

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.