Targeted Employment Area

Making an investment in the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program can be the open door to permanent residency for you and your family. However, the required investment amount isn’t the same everywhere. If you choose a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) in Texas, you may qualify for a lower investment amount, making the program even more accessible.

At D’Alessio Law Group, we work with EB-5 investors to pinpoint TEA opportunities, prepare the paperwork, and help process the overlap between immigration rules and investment requirements. For us, it’s beyond the numbers, our job is to help you make a smart investment, all the while building a secure future in the United States.

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What is a Targeted Employment Area?

A Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is an important designation in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. It is defined as a rural area or an area with a high unemployment rate. 

Targeted Employment Areas play key roles in EB-5 visa. These designated areas allow EB-5 investors to contribute a lower minimum investment amount if their project is located in a qualifying region.

Types of TEAs:

  • High-Unemployment TEA: These are areas where unemployment is at least 150% of the national average.
  • Rural TEA: These areas are located outside metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and with populations under 20,000.

Investing in a TEA can reduce the minimum EB-5 investment requirement. Instead of the required amount of $1,050,000 or more for a standard EB-5 investment, TEA investments reduce it to $800,000. This lower threshold makes the program more accessible while still creating U.S. jobs.

How Targeted Employment Areas Are Determined

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sole authority over the rules and designation of TEAs.  To determine eligibility, TEA status relies on verified data from multiple sources, including:

To determine eligibility, TEA status relies on verified data from multiple sources, including:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) unemployment reports
  • S. Census Bureau population and tract data
  • State population statistics confirming rural status
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that each EB-5 petition include up-to-date documentation showing the project is in a TEA. Without accurate proof, a petition can be denied. For details, investors looking to get Targeted Employment Area Texas, it’s recommended you review TEA requirements directly on the USCIS EB-5 program page.

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Targeted Employment Areas in Texas

The Texas Economic Development Corporation reports that the state continues to attract both domestic and international investments, with rural areas benefiting from infrastructure projects and urban centers experiencing redevelopment. This means, Texas offers a wide range of opportunities for EB-5 investors.

As one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., it has both thriving metropolitan areas and rural regions that meet TEA criteria. By selecting specific suburbs, you can choose from some of the best locations in most Texas cities for your new home.

For EB-5 investors, choosing a project in a Targeted Employment Area Texas location can streamline the path to meeting program requirements.

Targeted Employment Areas in Texas Opportunities for EB-5 Investors - D'Alessio Law

How the EB-5 TEA Process Works

An EB-5 investment in a Targeted Employment Area Texas location follows the same steps as any other TEA EB-5 project:

  • Select a qualifying project: Verify that the location meets TEA standards.
  • Document TEA eligibility: Gather census and unemployment data to support your petition.
  • File Form I-526E:Submit your EB-5 petition to USCIS.
  • Get conditional residency: If approved, you and your family receive conditional green cards.
  • Job creation requirement: Within two years, the investment must create or preserve at least ten (10) full-time U.S. jobs.
  • Permanent residency: After meeting conditions, you can apply to remove conditions and obtain permanent residency.

Without proper documentation, USCIS may deny the TEA classification, which is why working with an immigration law firm well-versed in EB-5 filings and handlings is so important.

Working With D’Alessio Law Group

When considering EB-5 investments in Texas, it is important to work with a law firm that understands both the immigration process and the role of TEA designations.

At D’Alessio Law Group, we guide EB-5 investors through every stage of the TEA and immigration process. Here’s how we help:

  • Identify TEA-eligible locations in Texas: Although we are lawyers, we are well-informed with the unemployment rates, census tracts, and rural classifications. This helps in conducting research on TEA-eligible locations for your investment.
  • Prepare detailed evidence packages: We ensure your petition includes all necessary data to prove TEA eligibility.
  • Meeting EB-5 program requirements: From investment structuring to filing with USCIS, we provide full legal support all the way.

Secure Your Future with an Investment in a Targeted Employment Area in Texas

Choosing the right project goes beyond just meeting EB-5 requirements. It ensures your family’s stability and future in the United States.

At D’Alessio Law Group, we take pride in helping international investors find the right opportunities and guiding them through the legal process with confidence. Schedule a consultation with us to begin your Targeted Employment Area Texas location process.

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