Can I purchase shares of a franchisor company and count jobs from the franchises?

The EB-5 visa is an immigration pathway that requires not only a significant financial investment but also the strict fulfillment of job creation for U.S. citizens. Thus, understanding the investment structure is fundamental to meeting the program’s criteria.

In the specific case of acquiring shares in a franchisor company, it is important to analyze how the investment will be structured. In principle, for the EB-5 to be considered valid, the capital needs to be applied in an entity – whether new or restructured – that guarantees the direct or indirect creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for workers in the United States.

Some business structures allow investments in the franchisor to count the jobs generated in the franchises, but it all depends on the project’s design and how the relationship between the parent company and the franchised units is established. It is essential that the investment project is well defined and that there is clear documentation demonstrating how the jobs will be created and counted.

Often, investors choose to participate in projects conducted by Regional Centers or other specialized entities, which have experience in structuring investments to meet EB-5 criteria. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that all information and promises comply with U.S. immigration laws.

Therefore, if you are considering this mode of investment, a detailed analysis of the business – including how the franchises operate and generate jobs – is indispensable. We emphasize that it is always advisable to seek support from consultants and specialists in immigration and investments to avoid falling into traps or marketing campaigns that offer unfounded guarantees. Compliance with regulations and data transparency are key to a safe and successful path within the EB-5 program.

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.