How can I check the track record of a regional center?

There are due diligence experts out there.

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, there’s no fully independent outside source to verify a regional center’s project track record — most detailed information comes directly from the regional centers. While a Regional Center’s track record is important, the borrower or developer’s creditworthiness and industry track history matter even more. The best approach is to review USCIS data, check public records or litigation, and focus heavily on the developer/borrower’s creditworthiness and industry track record. Furthermore, you can also opt for a Regional Center that engages an outside CPA firm to audit their records and make the report available to prospective investors.

There are companies that will analyze the various Regional Centers from an investment standpoint. You can also ask the Center to disclose how many I-516 approvals and I-829 approvals they have had and if any denials.

When evaluating the track record of an EB-5 regional center, it’s wise to look beyond promotional materials and seek objective, verifiable information. Because regional centers are private entities, there is no single public database that rates or ranks them, but you can obtain independent insight by using several reliable sources:

1. USCIS Information
USCIS publishes:

* Approval, termination, and compliance actions affecting regional centers.
While this does not provide performance data on individual projects, it does show whether a regional center has maintained compliance with EB-5 program requirements.

2. Federal Securities Filings (SEC)
Some regional center projects are offered as securities. If so, you may find:

* Private placement memoranda (PPMs)
* Form D filings
* Enforcement actions
These filings can shed light on how projects have been structured and whether the operator has been involved in securities-related issues.

3. Litigation and Bankruptcy Records
Searching federal and state court records can reveal:

* Investor lawsuits
* Disputes involving project developers
* Bankruptcy filings related to past projects
This helps assess how the regional center has handled challenges and investor concerns.

4. Independent Industry and Professional Sources
Immigration attorneys and experienced EB-5 advisors often track:

* Rates of I-526/I-829 approvals for past projects
* Project completion history
* Whether investors ultimately received repayment

Speaking with professionals who have represented EB-5 investors in specific projects can provide practical, experience-based insight that isn’t publicly available.

5. Direct Verification with Project Stakeholders
When possible, ask to speak with:

* Prior EB-5 investors (or their counsel)
* The project developer
* Construction lenders or senior lenders

These stakeholders can often confirm whether the project was completed on time, within budget, and according to the representations made in EB-5 offering documents.

In summary, while there is no centralized public rating system for regional centers, you can still build an accurate picture by combining USCIS data, securities filings, litigation records, professional experience, and independent verification. A reputable regional center will generally be transparent and cooperative in providing the information necessary for you to conduct thorough due diligence.

You can go to USCIS website for Approved EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Centers and EB-5 Regional Center Audits; you can review public record and media for information; you can search securities and exchange commission filings, you can work with a broker-dealer who has fiduciary obligations and is licensed to do the work they do.
Best of luck. If you need help do not hesitate to reach out through the contact form.

The Regional Center should be able to provide their track record upon request. It's one of the first things I share with clients before moving forward on any project.

It is wise to be skeptical and not rely on the marketing materials of each regional center.
Investing in a regional center involves acquiring what are called “unregistered securities” and involve significant risk. When we assist individuals who want to obtain a green card through the EB-5 program we first review all your possible options for obtaining a green card first, and only discuss the EB-5 as a program of last resort.
Assuming this is your only option for achieving your goals we explain that we cannot legally or ethically provide you with investment advice and introduce you to a registered investment advisor who specializes in the analysis and worthiness of EB-5 regional center program. These advisors first gather details from you relative to your investment objectives and your tolerance for risk. They will then share several EB-5 programs that they have evaluated to be worthy of consideration providing you with the analytics on each program.
Ultimately the decision will be yours, but it will be an informed decision guided by a registered securities professional. These advisors typically receive a commission from the regional center you ultimately choose, so you will not pay for their services. If you would like our assistance in first determine whether the EB-5 program is your only option, and help you find the right EB-5 Analyst/securities broker we suggest you schedule a consultation with me. The cost is $250.

The website EB5 Diligence: EB-5 investment project experts since 2012 claims to provide such a service.

This is a great opportunity for your team of professionals to lend a hand. Immigration attorneys can review petition history, while financial or investment advisors can review the use of funds and repayment.