EB-5 INVESTOR VISA PROGRAM, TARGETED EMPLOYMENT AREAS (TEA) CERTIFICATION
The Secretary of Homeland Security or a designee certifies high unemployment areas that meet the qualifications for the Immigration Investor Program (EB-5) administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Congress created EB-5 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. All EB-5 investors must invest the required capital in a commercial enterprise, which creates or preserves a set number of full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within a defined period following the investment.
EB-5 TEA CERTIFICATION DETAILS
Congress created the EB-5 program in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. In 1992, Congress created the Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the Regional Center Program, which sets aside EB-5 visas for participants who invest in commercial enterprises associated with regional centers approved by USCIS based on proposals for promoting economic growth. This program is known as EB-5 for the name of the employment-based fifth preference visa that participants receive.
2022 Update
As of March 15, 2022, the designation of targeted employment areas (TEAs) for EB-5 Visa applications has been assigned to the Secretary of Homeland Security or a designee in accordance with H.R. 2471, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022. State and local government officials are explicitly prohibited from making such designations.
For more information, visit the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | USCIS Webpage.