A Direct EB-5 Investment is where an applicant will invest into a new business that will create at least 10 full-time jobs. It is crucial that they invest in a real, current operating business. They can choose to put in at least $500,000 or $1,000,000 worth of investment, depending on where the business or company is located.
The TEA or Targeted Employment Area (otherwise known as a rural area), is basically a region where the unemployment rate is at 150% of the national average. If the company is situated within a TEA, then the required investment amount can be reduced to $500,000, otherwise, it should be at least $1,000,000. Nearly all Direct EB-5 investments are franchises, restaurants, IT companies, retail stores and so on. Still, despite the kind of Direct EB-5 investment they venture into, whether it is small or big, it is mandatory for the investors to create 10 full-time jobs for the U.S citizens. For example, if a potential investor wants to venture into a gas station business, the person must decide whether the business can actually give, sustain and maintain 10 full-time work or not. Realistically speaking, a single gas station is only able to create at least 3 to 5 full-time jobs. However, by opening up different branches in multiple locations, then perhaps the investment may be able to generate 10 full-time jobs across the area, therefore qualifying the applicant for an EB-5 investor Green Card. In the same way, restaurants may also generate 10 full-time jobs through opening new branches. If the business is able to create those required number jobs at a minimum, then they are highly eligible to apply for the Direct EB-5 Visa. Find more information here.
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