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

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

• 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.
• California offers Paid Family Leave (PFL) to all employees who are covered by the California State Disability Insurance Program.
• Residents also have access to the state’s Unemployment Insurance Program, which provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

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 improves the likelihood of admission to U.S. universities by as much as 350%.
• Green Card holders may qualify for financial aid and scholarships.
• Permanent residents can work while studying, complete internships, and apply for postgraduate positions.

EB5AN’s Far West Regional Center

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

The EB5AN Far West Regional Center contains 58 counties within California, including the state’s largest cities, ranging from San Francisco to the economic hub of Silicon Valley.

EB-5 Investors Based in California

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

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 California

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

Vibrant Cities

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• Fresno

It is also home to popular destinations like:

• Disneyland
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Yosemite National Park
• Hollywood
• Universal Studios
• Napa Valley wine region
• Lake Tahoe
• Death Valley National Park
• Big Sur
• Hearst Castle

As one of the most culturally diverse states in the U.S., California offers a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and cuisines. From bustling cities to smaller communities, this diversity fosters a vibrant social atmosphere where new residents can easily find their place. The welcoming environment makes it an ideal state for immigrants seeking a fresh start.

Economic Vitality

California has the largest economy in the U.S. and although the state is known for its regulations, it also offers numerous incentives for businesses. Industries like clean energy, biotech, and manufacturing are particularly thriving in California. Additionally, the state’s proximity to major global markets makes it an ideal location for international business and trade.

Real Estate Opportunities

The California real estate market is a key draw for both commercial and residential investments. High demand, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, ensures long-term value and growth potential, making it an attractive prospect for investors and homeowners alike.

Year-Round Climate

California’s temperate climate is another key reason to live and invest here. With sunshine almost year-round, mild winters, and pleasant summers, residents can enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle. California’s coastline is also home to some of the most iconic beaches in the world, from Malibu and Santa Monica to the surf-friendly Huntington Beach.

Cultural and Entertainment Hub

California is the center of global entertainment and West Coast culture, blending the glitz of Hollywood with laid-back, creative energy. From world-class museums like the Getty Center to music festivals like Coachella, the state offers endless cultural activities.

California: Population and Income Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022, California had a population of approximately 31.5 million people over the age of 16. Approximately 20.2 million of them were in the labor force—of these, 19 million were employed, and over 1.1 million were unemployed. The Bureau also reported California’s total population at 39.03 million.

California: General Economic Facts

• • According to the U.S. Census Bureau, California extends across 163,650.7 square miles (land and water), with a population density of 253.8 people per square mile of land.
  • The capital of California is Sacramento, located in the heart of the Central Valley, which makes it accessible to many parts of the state.
  • California’s 2023 gross domestic product (GDP) was $4 trillion. Finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing were the most significant sectors in California, contributing 19% of the state’s GDP in 2020.
  • Another main driver of California’s economy is manufacturing (primarily pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and electronics), closely followed by the service industry (tourism and hospitality).
  • The state is also known to be a global leader in technology and agriculture.

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

With its popular cities, iconic lifestyle, pleasant weather, and economic vitality, the state of California 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.