EB-5 Direct Vs Regional Center

EB-5 Direct vs. Regional Center: Choosing the Right Path to Your U.S. Green Card

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is one of the fastest and most flexible routes to U.S. permanent residency. It offers two main investment paths: the EB-5 Direct route and the EB-5 Regional Center route.

While both options can lead to a green card, the Regional Center pathway has emerged as the preferred choice for most international investors, particularly those from India, due to its flexibility, reduced risk, and eligibility for faster visa processing.

At U.S. Visa India Services, we specialize in helping Indian investors understand the differences, weigh the risks, and choose the best-fit EB-5 Regional Center projects. Here’s everything you need to know.

EB-5 Direct vs. EB-5 Regional Center: What’s the Difference?

Feature	EB-5 Direct Investment	EB-5 Regional Center Investment
Minimum	$800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000	$800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000
Job Creation Requirement	10 direct full-time U.S. jobs	10 jobs including direct, indirect, and induced
Role of Investor	Active or hands-on (manage	Passive (no daily involvement)
Risk Exposure	Higher – tied directly to business performance	Lower – large-scale, diversified projects
Project Type	Franchise, startup, or small	Real estate, infrastructure, hospitality,
Visa Set-Aside Eligibility	Yes, if project qualifies	Yes – most Regional Center projects are structured to qualify

Smart Pathway

Why Most Indian Investors Choose the Regional Center Pathway

Where Direct EB-5 Works (And Where It Doesn’t)

The EB-5 Direct route may work for:

Entrepreneurs who want to own and operate a S. business
Investors interested in franchise expansion
Families with specific industry expertise

However, Direct EB-5 requires more involvement, has stricter job rules, and is more prone to compliance issues if the business underperforms or fails.

How U.S. Visa India Services Helps Investors Choose the Right Path

Choosing between Direct and Regional Center EB-5 isn’t just a legal decision—it’s a strategic one. That’s where U.S. Visa India Services adds real value.

✓ We Help You Understand the Difference

Our team provides easy-to-understand, side-by-side comparisons tailored to your goals, timeline, and background—so you don’t get lost in legal jargon.

✓ We Offer Pre-Vetted Regional Center Projects

We partner with top-tier Regional Centers with:

Proven track records
TEA/rural designations for faster visa processing
Strong job creation buffers
Transparent exit strategies

✓ We Conduct Project Due Diligence

Each project is reviewed by our panel of U.S.-based attorneys, economists, and EB-5 consultants. We look at:

USCIS project approval history
Financial model and risk profile
Repayment structure
Job creation methodology

✓ We Assist With Filing and Compliance

From I-526E petition to I-485 adjustment or consular processing, our team helps you navigate paperwork, source-of-funds documentation, and timelines.

✓ We Provide Personalized Support

Whether you’re investing alone or with family, we tailor solutions based on:

Age-out children
Work or student visa transition
Concurrent filing opportunities
Source of funds (India-specific)

✧ Final Takeaway: Choose Smart, Choose Regional Center

For most investors—especially from India—EB-5 Regional Center projects offer a safer, faster, and less stressful pathway to the American dream. With access to set-aside visas and strong compliance oversight, Regional Centers remain the top choice for those who want peace of mind and immigration success.

Let U.S. Visa India Services help you:

Understand the EB-5 landscape
Compare Regional Center Direct projects
Select from the best EB-5 opportunities
File confidently with a full legal and advisory team

Contact us today for a free consultation or request our current list of top Regional Center projects.

EB-5 Direct Vs Regional Center