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

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

• 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.
• Arizona is one of the 28 states with right-to-work laws. In addition, the state does not impose estate or inheritance tax, which can benefit individuals looking to pass on wealth to their heirs without incurring additional state taxes.

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 Southwest Regional Center

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

The EB5AN Southwest Regional Center contains 15 counties within Arizona, including the state’s largest cities, ranging from the cultured city of Tucson to the economic hub of Phoenix.

EB-5 Investors Based in Arizona

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

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 Arizona

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

Large Cities

• Phoenix
• Tucson
• Scottsdale
• Mesa
• Chandler

It is also home to popular destinations like:

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Monument Valley
• Sedona
• Horseshoe Bend
• Antelope Canyon
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Saguaro National Park
• Lake Havasu
• Painted Desert

Arizona offers many attractive aspects for residents, including a lower cost of living, a growing job market, and access to stunning natural landscapes. Its affordable housing, combined with minimal state taxes, makes it an appealing place for foreign investors.

Strong Job Market and Economic Growth

Arizona’s economy is diverse, with Phoenix serving as a hub for sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and education. The Greater Phoenix area has seen rapid growth in the tech industry, earning it the nickname “Silicon Desert” due to the influx of tech companies and startups. Major corporations like Intel, Amazon, and Honeywell have large presences in Arizona, creating ample job opportunities. The state is also a leader in aerospace and defense, with companies like Raytheon and Boeing investing heavily in the region. Additionally, Arizona’s renewable energy sector is gaining momentum, with an increasing focus on solar energy.

Education and Workforce Development

The presence of respected educational institutions, such as Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, plays a crucial role in workforce development. These universities contribute to a steady stream of skilled workers and offer numerous research opportunities. Arizona State University, in particular, is known for its innovation and strong partnerships with industry leaders, driving economic growth and providing educational opportunities that fuel the state’s job market.

Retiree-Friendly Policies

Arizona is a top destination for retirees, in part due to its tax-friendly policies. The state does not tax Social Security income and has a relatively low cost of living, making it financially appealing for older adults. It also boasts numerous healthcare facilities that cater to retirees, with high-quality care available in major cities.

Beyond the financial benefits, Arizona provides a warm climate and vibrant retirement communities, which typically offer recreational programs and activities tailored to an active retirement lifestyle.

Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty

Arizona is known for its natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. Residents and visitors alike can explore world-famous destinations like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Sedona. The state is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing in places like Saguaro National Park and the Superstition Mountains.

Golfing is another major attraction, with Arizona being home to world-renowned golf courses that draw enthusiasts year-round. The state’s desert scenery and access to picturesque lakes also provide perfect settings for water sports, camping, and scenic drives.

Arizona: Population and Income Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arizona has a population of approximately 6 million people over the age of 16. Approximately 3.7 million of them are in the labor force—of these, 3.5 million are employed, and over 155 thousand are unemployed. The Bureau also quotes Arizona’s total population as approximately 7.2 million.

Arizona: General Economic Facts

• Arizona extends across 113,954.9 square miles (land and water), with a population density of approximately 63 people per square mile of land.
• The capital of Arizona is Phoenix, which is also one of the largest cities in the U.S.
• According to IBISWorld, Arizona’s 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) is $434.4 billion; the main driver of the state’s economy being third-party administrators and insurance claims adjusters, contributing $51.4 billion to the state’s GDP total.
• Arizona’s economy is diverse, with healthcare and social assistance among the largest industries, alongside sectors like finance, tech, manufacturing, and tourism.

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

With its strong job market, favorable tax policies, warm climate and natural beauty, the state of Arizona is a great place to reside in the U.S. 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.