How is a personal business selected for EB-5 investment?

Yes; a direct EB-5 investment is the alternative to a regional center EB-5 investment. Any legal business (for profit, active) that can create 10 full-time jobs within two years could potentially qualify. For a $500,000 investment, the new commercial enterprise must be principally doing business in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). You might contact a business broker or financial adviser to assist you in choosing the right investment for you, and at the same time, you should consult with an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney to make sure the investment will qualify for EB-5.

You could create any type of lawful commercial enterprise. It must meet EB-5 program requirements and create at least 10 full-time jobs of at least 35 hours a week. Unless you invest in a Targeted Employment Area or rural area (or through an accredited regional center), the minimum investment amount is currently $1 million.

Normally it would be $1 million if not in a regional center unless the business is located in a Targeted Employment Area. The business should be something you want to work in and therefore increase your chances of being successful at it and creating 10 new permanent jobs.

There is no limitation on the kind of business enterprise that you could invest in. However, the business must create 10+ permanent, full-time jobs and in order for you to qualify to invest only $500,000 rather than the full $1 million, the business must be located in a Targeted Employment Area. TEA is defined as a rural area of less than 20,000 population or high unemployment area of 150 percent higher than national unemployment average.

You may open any lawful for-profit business anywhere in the United States. If you wish to avail yourself of the $500,000 investment you must locate the job creating business in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). I would decide where you want to set up and then check the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) for a list of EB-5 practitioners in that area.

Nearly any lawful for-profit enterprise can work as an EB-5 project provided you are able to create 10 jobs during the conditional permanent residency period. If you want the lower investment amount, you need to find a Targeted Employment Area. Immigration attorneys can assist with the EB-5 compliance of whichever business you choose.

Yes, you can invest in your own business. That would be a standard EB-5 investment. To qualify (be selected), a business must be a commercial, "new enterprise" that will generate 10 full-time positions, excluding you and immediate family as employees, within two years. There are several definitions of what constitutes a "new enterprise." You should probably contact an EB-5 attorney if you are investing in a business that has existed for a number of years to confirm that the business can qualify as a "new enterprise." To qualify with an investment of $500,000 your business must be located in a designated Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or a rural area. Both areas have specific requirements and you will need to research them or seek guidance from a knowledgeable person. Online there are many business consultants who might help you choose a business.

If you create your own regional center then yes, but if you do not, then you would have to invest $1 million.

You certainly can obtain your EB-5 visa by creating a new business. Whether your investment needs to be $500,000 or $1 million depends on its location. Almost any type of business can be used for EB-5, provided the USCIS requirements are met. Also, you may choose any location for the business, but only those EB-5 projects located in TEAs qualify for the reduced investment of $500,000.