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Tired of Regional Center Instability? Try the EB-5 Direct Investment Option Instead

Tired of Regional Center Instability? Try the EB-5 Direct Investment Option Instead

With recent headlines announcing the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Terminate (NOIT) to several regional centers for non-compliance, many investors are reconsidering their options. These terminations highlight the risks and instability associated with regional center investments. For those seeking a more stable and controllable pathway to U.S. residency, the EB-5 Direct Investment option offers a compelling alternative.

Understanding EB-5 Direct Investment

The EB-5 Direct Investment program allows foreign investors to obtain U.S. green cards by investing directly in a commercial enterprise. Unlike regional center investments, which pool funds from multiple investors into a project managed by a regional center, direct investment requires an investor to invest directly in a business and take a more active role in its management and operations.

Key Requirements:

  1. Investment Amount: Investors must contribute at least $1,050,00 million, or $900,000 if the investment is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).

  2. Job Creation: The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years.

  3. Active Role: Investors must be actively involved in the management of the business or directly involved in policy formation.

Benefits of EB-5 Direct Investment

  1. Greater Control: Direct investment offers investors greater control over their investment. You can choose the business, manage it, and directly influence its success.

  2. Transparency: With direct investment, there is more transparency in the use of funds. Investors can track where their money is going and how it’s being utilized.

  3. Reduced Risk of Fraud: Direct investment reduces the risk of fraud and mismanagement that can occur with regional centers, as investors are directly involved in their businesses.

  4. Compliance Assurance: By managing their investments, investors can ensure compliance with all EB-5 requirements, reducing the risk of issues that can arise with regional center projects.

Why Consider Direct Investment Over Regional Centers?

Stability and Assurance: The recent issuance of NOITs to regional centers underscores the instability and potential risks of investing through these entities. Regional centers can be terminated for various reasons, including non-compliance with EB-5 regulations, leading to potential delays and uncertainties for investors.

Flexibility in Business Choices: Direct investors have the flexibility to choose businesses that align with their expertise and interests. This can lead to better management and growth prospects for the business, increasing the chances of meeting EB-5 requirements.

Economic Impact: Direct investments often have a more tangible economic impact, as investors actively contribute to the U.S. economy by creating jobs and fostering business growth.

The EB-5 Direct Investment option provides a viable and often preferable alternative to the regional center pathway, especially in light of recent regulatory actions against regional centers. By choosing direct investment, you gain control, transparency, and the ability to ensure compliance with EB-5 requirements, thereby increasing your chances of successfully obtaining U.S. residency.

If you’re considering the EB-5 Direct Investment option and need a comprehensive and compelling business plan to support your application, contact us at Visa Business Plans. Our team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of the EB-5 program, ensuring that your investment meets all necessary criteria and sets you on the path to U.S. residency.


The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.


Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.


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