What is a TEA Area in the United States and Its Influence on Obtaining a Green Card through the EB-5 Program?
The United States government allows foreign investors to obtain a Green Card by investing in real estate, with the required investment amount significantly reduced if the project is located in an area designated as a TEA (Targeted Employment Area). Here are the details.
The Federal EB-5 Program enables foreign investors to secure a Green Card in the United States with a minimum investment of $800,000, provided the investment is made in high-unemployment areas known as Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs).
The EB-5 Program, developed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), aims to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and foreign capital investment.
A crucial component of this program is the Targeted Employment Area (TEA) designation. Understanding what a TEA is and its relationship with the EB-5 Program is essential for investors seeking the most efficient path to obtaining a Green Card.
What Is a TEA Area?
A Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is a specific region within the United States that meets criteria set by USCIS, qualifying investments in these areas for a reduced investment threshold under the EB-5 Program.
This means that instead of the standard $1,050,000 investment, projects located in a TEA require only $800,000.
Additionally, investing in a TEA project offers other advantages, such as faster Green Card processing for applicants from countries experiencing significant visa backlogs (primarily in Asia).
TEAs fall into two main categories:
- High-Unemployment Areas: Urban regions with unemployment rates at least 150% above the national average, typically experiencing significant economic challenges.
- Rural Areas: Locations outside cities with populations exceeding 20,000 and outside metropolitan statistical boundaries.
Both categories of TEAs offer the same economic benefits and visa processing priorities, making them equally advantageous for investors.
Benefits of Investing in a TEA Area
The primary benefit of investing in a TEA is the reduced minimum investment amount.
While projects outside TEAs require a minimum investment of $1,050,000, investments in TEAs can be made for $800,000, making the program more accessible to a broader range of investors.
EB-5 Program Requirements and Process
To qualify for a Green Card through the EB-5 Program, investors must meet several requirements, including:
- Investing $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S. or $800,000 if the project is located in a TEA.
- Demonstrating the lawful source of the investment funds, typically with the assistance of immigration attorneys and financial professionals.
- Creating at least 10 full-time jobs per EB-5 investment, fulfilling the program’s economic stimulus goal.
The company receiving the investment generally manages job creation and operations, although investors can participate in the process if they wish.
Archer Place: Real Estate Project in a TEA Area Across from the University of Florida
Currently, BAI Capital is developing Archer Place, a strategically located real estate project at Gainesville’s busiest intersection, directly across from the University of Florida.
This development features a building with 92 luxury apartments for living or renting, designed with the highest standards of quality and innovation. Among these, 19 apartments will be penthouses, and 7 will feature private pools. Amenities include a gym, theater, clubhouse, barbecue area, and pool.
Despite its proximity to major Florida cities, the land where Archer Place is located is considered a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). This designation allows investors to qualify for the reduced $800,000 investment amount instead of $1,050,000 to obtain a Green Card through the EB-5 Program.
As such, Archer Place positions itself as one of the most attractive and anticipated EB-5 investment opportunities in the region.
Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) play a pivotal role in the EB-5 Program, offering a more accessible route to obtaining a Green Card with an $800,000 investment. By investing in a TEA, investors not only meet the program’s requirements but also contribute to economic growth and job creation in underserved communities.
This mutually beneficial approach makes the EB-5 Program a compelling option for foreign investors and for developing regions in the United States. However, proper research and risk assessment are crucial before embarking on this journey.
Investing in BAI Capital is investing in the United States
With a presence in the real estate sector in the states of Florida, Texas, and New York, BAI Capital specializes in generating value from land acquisition to the development of mixed-use projects, such as student housing and multifamily rental buildings with mixed-use spaces, including apartment buildings and retail (commerce-restaurant).
Our mission is to safeguard the capital of our partners and our own capital with minimal risk exposure. We ensure secure development by going through all the stages: land acquisition, urban zoning adjustments, commercial vision in architectural development, and management of building permits. We then take charge of the capitalization, construction, and exit strategy, with the return of capital and profits to our partners, guaranteeing better returns than those offered by the market.
In this way, we ensure fixed and stable returns for our client portfolio. Additionally, we operate under a confidential work protocol with encrypted web forms, protected personal data, and private meetings with our agents in the United States, Latin America, Europe (Italy), and Asia (Vietnam).
You already found out what is a TEA Area in the United States and its Influence on obtaining a Green Card through the EB-5 Program. If you are looking for investment opportunities with high returns in real estate, or to invest in projects that qualify for the EB-5 Investor Visa and thus obtain a Green Card, please complete our form and an agent will contact you.
