The Regional Center Program was created by Section 610 of Public Law 102-395 on Oct. 6, 1992, and has been extended since. EB-5 requirements for an investor under the Regional Center Program are essentially the same as in the original EB-5 program. The difference is that the Regional Center Program provides for investments that are affiliated with an economic unit known as a “Regional Center.” Investments made through Regional Centers can take advantage of a more expansive calculation of job creation including direct, indirect and induced jobs.

In 1992, Congress created a temporary pilot program designed to stimulate economic activity and job growth, while allowing eligible aliens the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents. Under this pilot program, foreign nationals may invest in an approved Regional Center that is involved with the promotion of economic growth, including increased export sales, improved regional productivity, job creation, or increased domestic capital investment.

Investments within a Regional Center provide foreign nationals the added benefit of allowing them to count jobs created both directly and indirectly for purposes of meeting the 10 jobs creation requirement.