EB-5 Regional Center: Gain Permanent Residency by Investment in the United States, Including South Dakota

Do you and your family want to immigrate to South Dakota or elsewhere in the United States? Or perhaps you’re an immigrant already living in South Dakota, and you want to gain permanent U.S. residency? One of the best ways to achieve this is through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which enables you to obtain a U.S. Green Card by investing in the country’s economy.

Although you can invest anywhere in the United States, there are certain benefits to investing in South Dakota. If you live in South Dakota or plan on moving there, you might also wish to invest in a project located close to home.

Just like in other parts of the United States, the easiest way to make an EB-5 investment in South Dakota is through a regional center. This article explains everything you need to know about this process.

What Is the EB-5 Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a program that allows foreign investors to gain permanent residency in the U.S. by investing in a new commercial enterprise (NCE). If, after two years, you are able to prove that your investment has generated and maintained 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, you can apply for an unconditional Green Card.

Read our article on the steps you need to take to obtain an EB-5 visa to learn more about the application procedure.

Primary EB-5 Investment Requirements

Investments made under the EB-5 program are required to meet certain criteria. These include:

• ➔ Investing a minimum of $1,050,000 in a project or business venture, or a minimum of $800,000 in an infrastructure project, or in a project or business venture located in a targeted employment area (TEA). All of EB5AN’s projects are located in TEAs and, therefore, qualify for the lower investment amount.
• ➔ Creating at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers and sustaining these jobs for a minimum of two years. Those who invest through a regional center can count indirect and induced jobs towards job creation. We discuss this in greater detail later in this article.
• ➔ Investing in a new commercial enterprise.
• ➔ Maintaining the at-risk status of the investment and using lawfully sourced investment funds.

What Is a Regional Center?

EB-5 regional centers streamline the EB-5 investment process for potential EB-5 applicants. Investing through a regional center has several benefits:

Indirect Job Creation Counts Toward Your Total Job Creation

Investments that aren’t made through a regional center can only count full-time jobs created by their project—direct jobs—toward the required total of 10. If you invest through a regional center, however, full-time jobs generated because of your project—indirect jobs—also count.

Faster Form I-526E Approval for Rural TEA Projects

Once you have invested, you can apply to the EB-5 program by completing Form I-526E. This form requires you to provide details of the project you are investing in. A rural TEA project qualifies for priority processing, meaning your application will likely be processed faster.

Passive Management

Project managers acting for or on behalf of the NCE or the job-creating entity that owns and develops the project handle most of the business and fund management on behalf of investors. This is great if you want to avoid the hassle of managing a business yourself.

Why Invest in a Regional Center?

Potential EB-5 investors may select EB-5 investments located anywhere in the United States. However, opting for an EB-5 investment in South Dakota offers several advantages:

Residency benefits are granted to all direct and indirect (via a regional center) EB-5 investors, irrespective of where in the United States the project is located; however, certain advantages apply to investing and living in South Dakota.

• The EB-5 program is one of the fastest ways to gain U.S. permanent residency for the EB-5 investor, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21 years of age.
• Retired Green Card holders can access their pensions earned abroad and in the United States. They may also qualify for Medicare and other social welfare programs.
• Green Card holders may apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of established permanent residency in the United States.

Employment Benefits

• Green Card holders are free to live and work anywhere in the United States.
• The EB-5 program does not require a visa sponsor (like a family member) or an employer sponsor.
• Green Card holders do not need an H-1B work visa to work.
• South Dakota does not impose state income tax, allowing residents to keep more of their earnings.
• While South Dakota does have a statewide sales tax of 4.2%, this rate is relatively low compared to neighboring states. Moreover, certain essential items, such as prescription medications are exempt from sales tax.
• South Dakota offers the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit program, which provides tax credits to employers who hire individuals from specific target groups that face barriers to employment.

Travel Benefits

• Green Card holders can leave and enter the country without being denied reentry. However, some travel restrictions apply.
• A bona fide resident and Green Card holder is free to travel to any part of the United States.

Education Benefits

• Green Card holders have free access to public elementary, middle, and high schools and lower-cost in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
• U.S. residency significantly improves the likelihood of admission to U.S. universities.
• Green Card holders may qualify for financial aid and scholarships.
• Permanent residents can work while studying, complete internships, and apply for postgraduate positions.
• State employees in South Dakota who have worked for at least one year and meet specific criteria can benefit from reduced tuition at public postsecondary institutions.
• Guard members can enjoy a 100% tuition reduction at state universities and technical colleges for undergraduate and graduate programs.

EB5AN’s Midwest Regional Center

Although EB-5 investors can make their EB-5 investment in projects located anywhere in the United States, those in South Dakota may find it easier to invest in projects located within South Dakota. Thankfully, EB5AN already has a USCIS-approved regional center in South Dakota.

The EB5AN’s Midwest Regional Center contains 66 counties within South Dakota, including Pierre, the state’s capital, and Sioux Falls, the state’s most populous city.

EB-5 Investors Based in South Dakota

EB5AN has EB-5 investment projects available to people already living in the United States, including South Dakota. The EB-5 program is the best way to obtain U.S. permanent residency by investment.

If you are a foreign national considering an EB-5 investment, EB5AN can help you. Schedule a call to learn more about currently available EB-5 investment opportunities and join other bona fide residents who have immigrated through the EB-5 program.

How to Evaluate EB-5 Investment Projects

EB-5 investors should evaluate financial and immigration risks when selecting an EB-5 investment project.

EB-5 visa investment capital must be at risk for the duration of the investment. This regulation ensures that investors invest their capital and are not simply “buying” a U.S. Green Card.

This “at-risk” requirement does not mean that EB-5 investors are obligated to invest in “risky” projects but rather that there must be a chance of loss. Instead, EB-5 investors are recommended to conduct due diligence to minimize their exposure to financial and immigration risk.

Reasons to Immigrate to South Dakota

There are many reasons to choose to live in South Dakota and invest there.

Cultured Cities

South Dakota has the following main cities:

• Pierre
• Sioux Falls
• Rapid City
• Aberdeen
• Brookings

It is also home to the following attractions:

• Mount Rushmore
• Custer State Park
• Sylvan Lake
• Iron Mountain Road
• Crazy Horse Memorial

Accessible and Affordable Healthcare

South Dakota offers accessible and affordable healthcare, with several top-rated hospitals and healthcare systems serving the state. Sanford Health and Avera Health are two of the largest healthcare providers, offering comprehensive services across both rural and urban areas.

These providers are known for high-quality care, and their networks of clinics and hospitals ensure that even residents in remote parts of the state can access medical services.

Educational Opportunities

South Dakota’s Reduced Tuition Programs are a major benefit for residents. State employees, National Guard members, and veterans are eligible for significant tuition discounts or free tuition at state universities and technical colleges.

The Build Dakota Scholarship is another notable program, offering full scholarships to students pursuing in-demand careers, further encouraging education and workforce development. Additionally, children and dependents of veterans, prisoners of war, and individuals missing in action can qualify for tuition waivers.

Outdoor Recreation

South Dakota is known for its vast outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy easy access to natural landmarks like the Badlands, Black Hills, and Mount Rushmore, as well as numerous state parks. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities year-round.

South Dakota: Population and Income Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Dakota has a population of approximately 725,788 people over the age of 16. Approximately 488,674 are in the labor force—of these, 472,581 are employed, and 12,742 are unemployed.

As of 2025, South Dakota’s population was estimated to be 935,000. The state’s population is projected to grow at a slower rate, about 7% from 2020 to 2030, compared to the 8.9% growth seen from 2010 to 2020. Demographic trends show an aging population, with adults over 65 expected to exceed 20% by 2030.

South Dakota: General Economic Facts

• South Dakota extends across 77,095.6 miles (land and water), with an average population density of 12 people per square mile of land. It is the 17th largest state by area.
• South Dakota is bordered by Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wyoming and Iowa.
• The capital of South Dakota is Pierre.
• South Dakota’s 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) was $57.718 billion. The main drivers of the state’s economy include tourism, agriculture, and finance.

EB-5 Investment: Your Gateway to Permanent Residency in the U.S., Including South Dakota

With its cultured cities, educational opportunities, and favorable tax rates, the state of South Dakota is a great place to live. Investing in the U.S. economy under the EB-5 program is an easy way for foreign nationals to gain permanent U.S. residency status.

Best of all, if you gain citizenship under the EB-5 program, you will be able to live, work and travel anywhere in the United States. Book a free consultation today to find out how EB5AN can help you achieve this.