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

Do you and your family want to immigrate to Nebraska or elsewhere in the United States? Or perhaps you’re an immigrant already living in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska. If you live in Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska.

• 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.
• Nebraska’s income tax rate was lowered from 6.64% in 2023 to 6.44% in 2024 and 5.20% in 2025, with further reductions to 3.99% by 2027. This reduction aims to ease the tax burden on both residents and businesses over the next few years.
• Nebraska has implemented a sales tax of 5.5%, with local governments able to add up to 2%, bringing the average combined rate to around 6.97%. Certain essentials, like groceries and prescription drugs, are exempt from sales tax, which can benefit families.
• The state offers new tax credits related to childcare, providing incentives for employers and families involved in childcare services.

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.
• Nebraska’s 529 plan lets residents save for education expenses like tuition and books with tax benefits. Contributions are tax-deductible up to $10,000 annually ($5,000 for separate filers), and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free at both federal and state levels.

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 Nebraska may find it easier to invest in projects located within Nebraska. Thankfully, EB5AN already has a USCIS-approved regional center in Nebraska.

The EB5AN’s Midwest Regional Center contains 93 counties within Nebraska, including Lincoln, the state’s capital, and Omaha, the largest city, known for its rich history and economic strength.

EB-5 Investors Based in Nebraska

EB5AN has EB-5 investment projects available to people already living in the United States, including Nebraska. 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 Nebraska

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

Cultured Cities

Nebraska has the following main cities:

• Omaha
• Lincoln
• Fremont
• Bellevue
• Grand Island
• Kearney

It is also home to the following attractions:

• Henry Doorly Zoo
• Old Market
• Museum of American Speed
• Durham Museum
• Sunken Gardens

Affordable Cost of Living

Nebraska is known for its relatively low cost of living, making it an appealing destination for families and budding professionals alike. Nebraska ranks 29th for cost of living among all U.S. states, which makes it more affordable than most states.

Housing, in particular, is very affordable. The median home price in Nebraska is around $ 254,916, compared to the national median of $381,287. Rent is also affordable, making it easier for individuals and families to settle down without stretching their finances.

Thriving Job Market

Nebraska boasts a healthy economy with an unemployment rate of just 3% as of August 2025, significantly lower than the national average of around 4.2%. Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, hosts several Fortune 500 companies like Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha, offering diverse job opportunities in finance, logistics, and insurance.

The state’s economy is also supported by its agriculture sector, with Nebraska being one of the largest producers of corn and beef in the U.S.

Quality Education

Nebraska offers excellent educational opportunities at all levels. Omaha is home to several well-regarded universities, including Creighton University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), which contribute to the state’s strong academic reputation.

Additionally, the NEST 529 College Savings Plan provides significant tax advantages for families saving for their children’s education. Nebraska also offers educational scholarships and school choice options, such as the Nebraska Opportunity Scholarships, which help eligible families afford private education.

Nebraska: Population and Income Demographics

According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau at the time of writing, Nebraska has a population of approximately 1.55 million people over the age of 16. Approximately 1.07 million of them are in the labor force—of these, 1.04 million are employed, and 28,376 are unemployed.

As of 2024, Nebraska’s population stands at approximately 1,988,700. While urban areas like Omaha are experiencing growth and driving much of the state’s expansion, many rural counties are facing population declines. This trend shows the increasing urbanization within the state, as cities grow while rural regions see a shrinking demographic.

Nebraska: General Economic Facts

• Nebraska extends across 77,326.8 miles (land and water), with an average population density of 25.5 people per square mile of land. It is the 16th largest state by area.
• Nebraska is bordered by Colorado, South Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Wyoming.
• The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln, known for its beautiful themed gardens, lily ponds, and sculptures.
• Nebraska’s 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) was $189.242 billion. The main drivers of the state’s economy include agriculture, cattle and poultry rearing, and manufacturing.

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

With its thriving economy and scenic views, the state of Nebraska 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.