Can I pursue EB-5 through a franchise in a TEA?

Yes, it is possible to pursue EB-5 through a franchise located in a TEA (Targeted Employment Area), but there are points that need to be carefully evaluated. The franchise is just the business format: what matters for the program is that the project as a whole meets the investment and job creation requirements.

The central point is being able to demonstrate with robust documentation how that operation will create the jobs required by the program. This calls for a detailed analysis of the franchise model, financial projections, and the impact on the local economy. Not every franchise opportunity fits automatically, so the business plan must be consistent and compatible with job creation.

• The franchise must document that it will generate the jobs the program requires.
• The model, projections, and track record must support the business plan.
• Being located in a TEA depends on criteria defined by the relevant authorities.

Location is also decisive: qualifying the business as a TEA follows official criteria and typically influences the applicable investment amount, which must be confirmed at the official source. It is therefore worth validating the area designation and structuring the case with specialized guidance, without relying on 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.