Do I need to actively manage the business?

In the EB-5 program, the degree of involvement in business management depends on how the investment is structured. There is no single answer: the requirement varies depending on whether you invest through a Regional Center or directly in a new commercial enterprise.

Through a Regional Center, the most common structure in the program, the investor typically takes on a more passive role. Day-to-day operations are handled by professional managers, and the investor participates as a limited partner without needing to run the business. This model meets the program’s job creation goal without requiring hands-on involvement in daily operations.

With a direct investment, without the intermediary of a Regional Center, some degree of active involvement in running the business is generally expected, whether in setting strategy or in specific management functions. Taking over all daily operations is not required, but demonstrating a real role in decision-making is advisable.

Since the rules and the way to document involvement vary case by case, it is worth reviewing the current requirements with USCIS and discussing the ideal structure with a specialist before investing.

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.