How can I figure out which locations are approved as EB-5 Targeted Employment Areas? If I find out that the location I want to start a business in is not a TEA, can I get it designated as one? How long does that process take?
Answers
Julia Roussinova
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryCurrently, USCIS defers to the states for TEA designation, such as a state's employment security department or equivalent state agency. They issue official certification. You should not start an EB-5 business until you have engaged an EB-5 immigration attorney.
John J Downey
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryThe TEAs are determined by each state. The governor of each state designates a state organization such as the Department of Labor and/or the Unemployment Department to determine which areas have high unemployment. You need to check on a state-by-state basis.
Salvatore Picataggio
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryUnder current policy, which may change with the renewal of the EB-5 program, USCIS will defer to a state's designation of a TEA. A project would contact their state agency tasked with determining TEAs and request a list of designated counties or a determination of a group of contiguous census tracts (that contains the project location, of course) that qualifies as a TEA.
Bernard P Wolfsdorf
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryTEA designation is a complicated process that varies according to location. You need to retain an attorney or other specialist first, not start the business there first.
DISCLAIMER: the information found on this website is intended to be general information; it is not legal or financial advice. Specific legal or financial advice can only be given by a licensed professional with full knowledge of all the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. You should seek consultation with legal, immigration, and financial experts prior to participating in the EB-5 program. Posting a question on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. All questions you post will be available to the public: do not include confidential information in your question.