Does the EB-5 have regional restrictions within the US?

The EB-5 does not impose prohibited areas within the United States: in principle, an investor may choose projects in different regions of the country. What exists is not geographic vetoes, but rather concepts that make certain locations more or less advantageous.

Two of them are central:

• Targeted Employment Areas (TEA): rural regions or areas with high unemployment, designated by authorities, which may offer more favorable investment conditions.
• Regional Centers: government-approved entities that manage projects and operate across various parts of the country, from major cities to smaller areas.

For this reason, many investors choose a location based on these advantages, not out of geographic obligation. Every project, whether in a TEA or not, must comply with job creation rules and maintain the integrity of the program. The value criteria and TEA eligibility follow official regulations, which change over time.

Since the definition of TEA and the rules governing Regional Centers are updated periodically, confirm the current requirements with the USCIS and evaluate the location with a specialist.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.