Raymond Lahoud
Immigration AttorneyYou do not need a regional center to develop your own large scale project, if you are managing it and will be able to meet the job requirements. As for a regional center, it is a designation granted by USCIS on the basis of a proposal for economic growth in the particular geographic area. It is not a government-controlled entity; rather, it is approved by USCIS. It can be applied for by an economic development organization, be a mix of a public/private partnership, etc. The regional center typically provides the means in which to make the indirect investment. It appears at least in your case that you will be making the direct investment, creating the jobs, etc. You could move forward without a regional center designation. It is important that you seek out competent immigration counsel.