Direct EB-5 vs. Regional Center EB-5: Choosing the Best Investment Route for Your U.S. Green Card

Understanding the Two EB-5 Investment Paths

For investors seeking a U.S. Green Card through the EB-5 Visa Program, there are two main investment options:

1️⃣ Direct EB-5 Investment – Investing directly in your own business and creating at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

2️⃣ Regional Center EB-5 Investment – Investing through a USCIS-approved regional center, which pools investor funds into large projects.

Both options lead to permanent residency, but key policy changes in 2025 have made one path more attractive than the other. So, which strategy should investors choose?

Let’s break it down.

What’s Changing in EB-5 Investment in 2025?

💼 Job Creation Requirements: Direct EB-5 vs. Regional Center

A major challenge for direct EB-5 investors is job creation:

✔ Regional Center Projects – Allow indirect & induced job creation, making it easier to meet job requirements.

✖ Direct EB-5 Investment – Requires at least 10 full-time W-2 employees in your own business, which can be difficult to sustain.

💡 Investor Tip: If you want a hassle-free process, regional centers offer a lower-risk option compared to managing your own business.

💰 Investment Amount: No Cost Advantage for Direct EB-5

Both direct EB-5 and regional center investments require a minimum investment of:

✔ $800,000 – If investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) (rural or high-unemployment areas).

✔ $1,050,000 – If investing outside of a TEA.

Since there's no financial advantage to choosing direct EB-5, most investors prefer regional centers for their structured, hands-free approach.

💡 Investor Tip: If you’re investing $800,000 anyway, a regional center offers a smoother process with less operational risk.

🏗 Flexibility & Risk: Regional Centers Offer Lower-Risk Investments

Managing a direct EB-5 business comes with operational risks, such as:

✖ Market fluctuations affecting business success.

✖ Responsibility for hiring and managing employees.

✖ Higher chances of USCIS rejecting the application if job requirements aren’t met.

In contrast, regional centers handle the business operations, making them a safer choice for passive investors.

💡 Investor Tip: If you don’t want to manage a business, a regional center investment is the better choice.

EB-5 Regional Center Is the Smarter Choice

While direct EB-5 investments work for entrepreneurs willing to actively manage a business, most investors prefer the regional center route because it offers:

✔ Faster processing

✔ Lower risk & easier job creation requirements

✔ No need to run a business or hire employees

💡 Looking for a low-risk EB-5 regional center investment? Makaan Regional Center offers USCIS-compliant projects with priority processing.

📩 Contact Us Today to Secure Your EB-5 Investment!