Does the 20% reservation for rural TEA give me preference?

The EB-5 Program was created to encourage foreign investment in areas that can promote job creation in the United States. One of the features of this program is the possibility of reducing the minimum investment amount when the project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which can include rural regions and areas with high unemployment rates.

Regarding the 20% reservation for investments in rural TEA, it is important to clarify that this quota does not automatically or directly confer ‘preference’ in the sense of priority in the approval or processing of the visa application. In practice, what happens is that projects located in these areas may benefit from differentiated investment conditions, such as the reduced investment amount required, which can be attractive to some investors.

However, the selection and approval of the EB-5 project consider a series of requirements, including actual job creation, the economic viability of the enterprise, the correct use of the invested funds, among other criteria rigorously evaluated by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

It is essential to understand that each application undergoes a thorough analysis and that the fact that a project is classified within the 20% reservation for rural TEA does not guarantee a procedural advantage over others, but rather enables the investment to meet specific criteria that can be beneficial, especially regarding the reduction of the capital required for qualification.

Thus, investing in a project located in a rural TEA can be a strategic choice but is not the sole decisive factor in the approval of the EB-5 visa. It is always advisable to follow the current immigration laws and seek specialized guidance from professionals who truly understand the nuances and regulations of the EB-5 Program.

This way, you avoid falling into traps, scams, or marketing campaigns that promise guaranteed results. The investment should be carefully planned, considering all legal requirements and associated risks. Remember that support from experienced professionals and consultation of official sources of the United States government are essential for making the correct and safe decision.

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.