Chapter 4 - Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Form I-526)

This appendix provides a general overview of the most common business forms or structures of petitioning employers, agents, or sponsors filing an Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers (Form I-140) or Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129). These forms or structures are also relevant to the new commercial enterprises underlying an Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor (Form I-526) or Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor (Form I-526E).

This appendix includes information on how different types of businesses are formed, their fundamental characteristics, the various tax forms that each business organization files with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and basic tax terms. Generally, each business form or structure discussed in this appendix should have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), sometimes also called a Federal Tax Identification Number, or IRS Tax Number.^[1] An EIN is used to identify a business entity for IRS purposes.

State law generally governs the formation, operation, and dissolution of business entities. As each state has its own rules for business entities, an officer should refer to the relevant state statute or state authority’s website (such as the California Secretary of State’s Business Programs Division) if there is a specific question about a particular business entity.

A. Sole Proprietorship

1. Definition

A sole proprietorship is a for-profit business owned by one person (or a married couple, in some cases).^[2] A sole proprietorship is “a business in which one person owns all the assets, owes all the liabilities, and operates in his or her personal capacity.”^[3] Owners may operate on their own or may employ other people. The sole proprietorship is the simplest business form under which a person can operate a business. It is not a separate legal entity from its owner;^[4] for example, the owner remains responsible for the business debts.

A sole proprietorship can operate under the name of its owner or it can elect to do business under a fictitious name. The fictitious name is simply a trade name and does not create a legal entity separate from the sole proprietor owner.^[5]

2. Taxes

Income from the business is included on the owner’s personal income tax return, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040). The profits and losses of the business are recorded and attached to the Form 1040 on Profit or Loss From Business (Schedule C); Supplemental Income or Loss (Schedule E); or Profit or Loss From Farming (Schedule F).

The owner’s adjusted gross income on Form 1040 is used as net income for ability to pay purposes; however, there are no tax forms that list the business’s current assets and liabilities. When determining a petitioner’s ability to pay the proffered wage, USCIS also considers a sole proprietor’s liquefiable personal assets as well as household expenses and other personal liabilities (such as rent, car payments, and child care expenses).

B. Partnership

A partnership is the relationship between two or more persons or entities who join to carry on a trade or business.^[6] Each person or entity contributes to the partnership something of value (for example, money, property, labor, or skill) and expects to share in the profits and losses of the business.^[7]

A partnership is created automatically when two or more persons or entities engage in a business enterprise for profit whether or not the persons or entities intend to form a partnership.^[8] Partners seeking increased accountability, however, may opt to have their arrangement memorialized in a partnership agreement. The following subsections provide an overview of the most common forms of partnerships. The type of partnership is identified at Schedule B, Line 1 of U.S. Return of Partnership Income (IRS Form 1065).

1. General Partnership

A general partnership is the simplest form of partnership, and as such, general partnerships are simply called partnerships.^[9] In a general partnership, all partners or owners may equally share responsibilities and liabilities.

A general partnership has the following characteristics:

• A general partnership is created through an express or implied agreement;^[10]
• A general partnership has two or more partners;^[11] and
• The owners or partners, which may be other types of entities (such as a corporation or limited liability company), are all liable for all legal actions and debts the company faces.^[12]

2. Limited Partnership

A limited partnership^[13] is very similar to a general partnership, except that the partnership is partially owned by one or more limited partners and is managed exclusively by its general partner(s).^[14]

A limited partnership must have at least one general partner. The general partner, often another type of entity (typically a corporation or limited liability company), has management powers, the right to use partnership property, and is personally liable for the debts of the partnership.^[15]

Conversely, limited partners do not participate in the management of the business and are generally liable for the partnership’s debts only to the extent of their contributed investment. Limited partnerships permit a person to invest in a partnership while limiting their liability and involvement in its management. In general, a formal written agreement is required to create a limited partnership.^[16]

3. Limited Liability Partnership

In a limited liability partnership (LLP),^[17] all partners have limited liability similar to that of limited partners in a limited partnership, but without the limitations on control over the company.^[18] Some states limit usage of LLPs to certain professions (for example, lawyers).^[19]

4. Limited Liability Limited Partnership

A limited liability limited partnership (LLLP) is a modification of the limited partnership.^[20] Similar to a limited partnership, the LLLP consists of one or more general partners and one or more limited partners.^[21]

In general, the key features of an LLLP are:

• The general partners manage the business operations of the LLLP, while the limited partners typically only maintain a passive financial interest;

• It is designed to offer limited liability to all partners in the partnership; and

• The partners decide the structure of the organization and the distribution of profits and losses. States usually recommend the partners establish a formal, written partnership agreement.^[22]

Not every state allows the formation of or recognizes LLLPs.

5. Taxes

The IRS generally considers partnerships to be pass-through tax entities, which means that the partnership itself does not pay income taxes and all of the profits and losses of the partnership pass through the business to the partners, who pay taxes on their share of the profits (or deduct their share of the losses) on their individual income tax returns.^[23] Each partner may share in the profits and losses of the partnership equally, or in proportion to their respective contributions to the partnership or as otherwise set out in a written partnership agreement.

Even though the partnership itself does not pay income taxes, it must file U.S. Return of Partnership Income (IRS Form 1065). This form is an informational return the IRS reviews to determine whether the partners are reporting their income correctly.^[24] Net income or loss (notated on tax forms as ordinary business income (loss))^[25] is found on IRS Form 1065 or Schedule K and net current assets are calculated from information on Schedule L.

C. Corporation

A corporation is a created by filing articles of incorporation with a state. In the eyes of the law, a corporation is a distinct body separate from its owners and management. Accordingly, a corporation is entitled to all legal rights afforded to individual persons, such as the ability to bring and defend lawsuits or to buy and sell property. The corporation’s most notable feature is that, subject to narrow exceptions, it protects its owners (shareholders) from personal liability for its debts and obligations.^[26] A corporation also has directors and officers who run the business.

A corporation has perpetual life. When a shareholder dies or otherwise elects to leave a corporation, the shareholder can transfer their stock to others. Corporate shareholders own the corporation, the board of directors manages the corporation through their direction and control of its officers, and, in almost all cases, the officers oversee the day-to-day operations of the corporation. The shareholders elect the directors, who in turn appoint the corporate officers. Often, particularly in smaller corporations, the same person might serve multiple roles within a corporation: shareholder, director, and officer.^[27]

A corporation’s shareholders, directors, and officers must observe particular formalities in a corporation’s operation and administration.^[28] For example, corporations must, on at least an annual basis, make decisions regarding a corporation’s management by formal vote and must record those votes in the corporate minutes. Meetings of shareholders and directors must be properly noticed and must meet quorum requirements. Finally, corporations must meet annual reporting requirements in their state of incorporation and in states where they do significant business.^[29]

1. Subchapter C Corporations

Corporations that have not elected to be taxed as a subchapter S corporation are by default taxed as a C corporation under Subchapter C of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) where the general tax rules affecting corporations and their shareholders are located.^[30]

Taxes^[31]

A C corporation files U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1120). C corporations (and other entities electing to be taxed as C corporations) are the only type of businesses that must pay income taxes on profits.^[32] The subsections below discuss how other corporations file and pay their taxes.

Generally, a C corporation’s taxable profits consist of money kept in the company to cover expenses or expansion (called retained earnings) and profits that are distributed to the owners (shareholders) as dividends. These dividends are taxed twice, as the shareholders also pay taxes on these amounts.^[33] Net income (taxable income before net operating loss deduction and special deductions) appears on the IRS Form 1120 or 1120-A, while net current assets are calculated from information on Schedule L of IRS Form 1120 or 1120-A.

To reduce taxable profits, a C corporation can deduct many of its business expenses that the C corporation spends in the legitimate pursuit of profit.^[34]

2. Subchapter S Corporations

The subchapter S corporation is a variation of the standard subchapter C corporation. The rules for subchapter S corporations are found in the IRC^[35] and provide many of the benefits of partnership taxation while at the same time giving the owners limited liability protection from creditors.

An S corporation has the same corporate structure as a standard C corporation. It is a legal entity, chartered under state law, separate from its shareholders and officers, and there is generally limited liability for corporate shareholders. The difference is that the S corporation files an election on Election by a Small Business Corporation (IRS Form 2553), to be treated differently for federal tax purposes.

As with partnerships, the income, deductions, and tax credits of an S corporation flow through to shareholders annually, regardless of whether distributions (dividends) are made. Therefore, income is taxed solely at the shareholder level and not at the corporate level. To qualify for S corporation status, the corporation must meet certain requirements.^[36]

Taxes

An S corporation files U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation (IRS Form 1120-S). The corporate income flows through and is reported on the shareholders’ individual tax returns. The corporation completes and files a Shareholder’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. (Schedule K-1) with IRS Form 1120-S for each shareholder. The Schedule K-1 tells shareholders their allocable share of corporate income and deductions.

Shareholders must pay tax on their share of corporate income, regardless of whether it is actually distributed. Net income or loss, notated on tax forms as ordinary business income (loss),^[37] appears on the IRS Form 1120-S or its Schedule K, while net current assets are calculated from information on Schedule L.

3. Personal Service Corporation

A personal service corporation is a corporation where the employee-owners are engaged in the performance of personal services. The IRC defines personal services as services performed in the fields of health, law, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, and consulting.^[38]

To qualify as a personal service corporation, substantially all the corporation’s activities must involve the performance of personal services, and a percentage of the corporation’s stock must be owned by employees performing the personal services.^[39]

Taxes

A personal service corporation pays tax on its profits as a corporate entity. However, a personal service corporation is not allowed to use the graduated tax rates for other C corporations. Instead, it is subject to a flat tax based on the highest corporate tax rate. Because of the high tax rate, personal service corporations generally distribute their profits as wages to the employee-shareholders. In turn, the employee-shareholders pay personal taxes on their wages.^[40]

The personal service corporation files its taxes on IRS Form 1120. This form contains a box for the business to indicate that it is a personal service corporation.^[41] Net income or loss is notated on IRS Form 1120 or 1120-A as taxable income before net operating loss deduction and special deductions, while net current assets are calculated from information on IRS Form 1120 Schedule L.

D. Limited Liability Company

A limited liability company (LLC) is a hybrid entity, combining some of the most advantageous features of partnerships and corporations.^[42] LLCs were created to provide business owners with the liability protection that corporations enjoy without the double taxation. Under the default tax standard, earnings and losses of an LLC pass through to the owners and are included on their personal tax returns.^[43]

LLCs are similar to S corporations, except that LLCs are not limited in the number of owners or types of members.^[44] LLCs may be either member-managed (managed by each of its members) or manager-managed (managed by specified managers who may or may not be members of the LLC).^[45] The LLC’s operating agreement may distinguish between members and managing members. Generally, if such a distinction is made, managing members of the LLC are allowed a full participatory role in the business’s operation. However, depending on the operating agreement, even regular members may have a role in the business’s operation.

To set up an LLC, organizers file articles of organization with the secretary of state in the state where the LLC is formed. Some states also require the filing of an operating agreement, which is similar to a partnership agreement. LLCs do not necessarily have perpetual life and can be set up to dissolve after a set period of time, such as a specific number of years, upon the occurrence of a triggering event, such as the death or withdrawal of a member, or as otherwise provided in the operating agreement.

The IRS does not recognize an LLC as a classification for federal tax purposes and by default treats multi-member LLCs as a partnership and single-member LLCs as a disregarded entity (similar to a sole proprietorship) for tax purposes. As with other entities, however, an LLC may file an election to be taxed differently (such as a corporation).^[46]

1. Taxes

For federal income tax purposes, LLCs with two or more members are treated by default as partnerships (a pass-through entity) and must file the IRS Form 1065, discussed above under Section B, Partnership. Each partner receives a Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. (Schedule K-1) for their share of income or losses to be reported on that partner’s individual tax return.

If there is only one member in the LLC, it is treated as a disregarded entity (similar to a sole proprietorship) for tax purposes, and the owner reports the LLC’s income on the owner’s personal individual tax return on Schedules C, E, or F to the IRS Form 1040, discussed above under Section A, Sole Proprietorship.

As an option, LLCs may also elect to be taxed like a corporation by filing Entity Classification Election (IRS Form 8832). They can be treated as a regular C corporation (taxation of the entity’s income before any dividends or distributions to the members and then taxation of the dividends or distributions once received as income by the members), or as an S corporation. These corporations file IRS Form 1120 or 1120-S, discussed above under Section C, Corporation.

E. Non-Profit Organization

1. Overview

A non-profit organization (NPO) is an entity that serves some public purpose and therefore enjoys special treatment under the law, including often having tax-exempt status and the protection of directors, officers, and members from personal liability.^[47] Typically, NPOs are engaged in charitable, educational, religious, or artistic activities of public or private interest.^[48] Unlike a for-profit business entity, an NPO does not distribute profits to its owners.^[49] Instead, any profits must ultimately go back into the organization.

In general, an NPO is formed and governed under state statutes the same as other entity types, and often takes the form of nonprofit corporations or LLCs. Whether incorporated or unincorporated, an NPO must keep records, prepare minutes of meetings, and have a separate bank account.

The board of directors typically makes collaborative decisions regarding the operation of the NPO. The board defines the mission and the policies of the NPO, creates budgets and oversees finances, and hires an executive director. If the NPO has an executive director, the director carries out the daily functions of the NPO under the management of the board. The executive director’s job is also to advise and report information to the board about activities and programs, and to monitor finances.

2. Taxes

An incorporated or unincorporated NPO can qualify for tax-exempt status if it meets certain conditions. In most states, if an NPO qualifies for a federal tax exemption it also automatically qualifies for a state tax exemption. The federal government offers many different types of tax exemptions for non-profits under IRC 501(c).^[50] The most popular kind of NPO is called a 501(c)(3).^[51] Under this code section, the NPO is exempt from paying federal income taxes and contributions made to the non-profit are generally tax-deductible for the donors.

Most NPOs are required to file an annual informational return, called a Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax (IRS Form 990 or IRS Form 990EZ), if the organization’s gross receipts exceed $50,000 from sources other than the exempt purpose.^[52] Some religious organizations are not required to file IRS Form 990 or 990EZ.^[53]

IRS Form 990 provides an analysis of an NPO’s revenue and expenses, and net income is stated on the form as revenue less expenses. The abbreviated balance sheet on IRS Form 990 does not identify which assets and liabilities are current and therefore is not useful for calculating net current assets. 

Footnotes

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[^ 1] See IRS’s Employer ID Numbers webpage. For an explanation of what types of business structures require an EIN, see IRS’s Do You Need an EIN webpage.  

[^ 2] For an explanation of married couples and sole proprietorship, see IRS’s Frequently Asked Questions for Entities webpage.

[^ 3] See Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019).

[^ 4] See Matter of United Investment Group (PDF), 19 I&N Dec. 248 (Comm. 1984).

[^ 5] See Michael Spadaccini, Ultimate Guide to Incorporating in Any State (Irvine, CA: Entrepreneur Press, 2010), p. 3. For a general overview of sole proprietorships, see Jeffrey F. Beatty and Susan S. Samuelson, Business Law and the Legal Environment (Cengage Learning, 2006), p. 755. See the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Choose a business structure webpage.

[^ 6] See Section 101 of the Uniform Partnership Act (1997). The Uniform Partnership Act is a uniform act from the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws for the governance of partnerships. It has been amended several times since its promulgation, most recently in 2011 and 2013. The Uniform Partnership Act has been enacted by most U.S. states. 

[^ 7] See the IRS’s Tax Information For Partnerships webpage.

[^ 8] See Section 202(a) of the Uniform Partnership Act (1997).

[^ 9] See IRS’s Instructions for Form 1065.

[^ 10] A partnership can also be formed by estoppel (where a party is held out to be a partner and can be held liable for debts or damages incurred by the partnership). See definition of “partnership by estoppel,” Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019). A written general partnership agreement usually identifies the names of the partners; the amount and type of contribution made by each partner; each partner’s initial percentage of ownership; the business activities conducted by the partnership; whether and how partnership interests can be transferred; and the conditions allowing dissolution of the partnership. See Section 103 of the Uniform Partnership Act (1997).

[^ 11] See the IRS’s Tax Information For Partnerships webpage.

[^ 12] See Section 306 of the Uniform Partnership Act (1997).

[^ 13] See the Uniform Limited Partnership Act (2001). The Uniform Limited Partnership Act is another uniform act from the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws for the governance of partnerships.

[^ 14] See Angela Schneeman, Law of Corporations and Other Business Organizations (Cengage Learning, 2009), p. 114.

[^ 15] See Sections 201 and 404 of the Uniform Limited Partnership Act (2001).

[^ 16] The elements identified in these written agreements include the names of partners, the amount and type of contribution made by each partner, whether the partners hold a limited partnership interest, each partner’s initial percentage of ownership, the business activities of the limited partnership, whether and how partnership interests can be transferred, and the conditions allowing the dissolution of the limited partnership. See IRS Publication 541, Partnerships.

[^ 17] See IRS’s Instructions for Form 1065. See Section 1001 of the Uniform Partnership Act.

[^ 18] See the U.S. SBA’s Choose a business structure webpage.

[^ 19] See IRS’s SOI Tax Stats - Partnership Study Explanation of Selected Terms webpage.

[^ 20] For an example of limited partnerships and LLLPs, see page 21 of the Ohio Secretary of State’s publication, Start a Partnership in Ohio (PDF).

[^ 21] State law created and governs LLLPs. See, for example, page 21 of the Ohio Secretary of State’s publication, Start a Partnership in Ohio (PDF), and State of California Franchise Tax Board’s Limited liability limited partnership webpage.

[^ 22] For a discussion of one state’s LLLP provisions, see pages 21 to 23 of the Ohio Secretary of State’s publication, Start a Partnership in Ohio (PDF).

[^ 23] See IRS’s Tax Information For Partnerships webpage.

[^ 24] The partnership must also provide a Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. (Schedule K-1) to the IRS and to each partner, which breaks down each partner's share of the business's profits and losses. In turn, each partner reports this profit and loss information on Schedule E of the partner’s individual IRS Form 1040. See IRS’s Instructions for Schedule E.

[^ 25] Negative values are represented in parentheses on tax forms.

[^ 26] See Michael Spadaccini, Ultimate Guide to Incorporating in Any State (Irvine, CA: Entrepreneur Press, 2010), p. 8.

[^ 27] See Michael Spadaccini, Ultimate Guide to Incorporating in Any State (Irvine, CA: Entrepreneur Press, 2010), p. 8.

[^ 28] See William Meade Fletcher, Cyclopedia of the Law of Private Corporations, Vol. 1, section 41.31 (Sept. 2021 Update). See DeWitt Truck Brokers, Inc. v. W. Ray Flemming Fruit Co., 540 F.2d 681 (4th Cir. 1976) (court properly ignored the existence of a corporate entity where there was a failure to follow corporate formalities).

[^ 29] See Wachovia Securities, LLC v. Jahelka, 586 F.Supp.2d 972, 1002 (N.D.I.L. 2008) (disregarding a corporation’s existence when it failed to observe required corporate formalities such as holding regular meetings, taking minutes, and maintaining corporate records).

[^ 30] For instructions on electing a different taxation structure, see IRS’s S Corporations webpage and IRS’s Instructions for Form 1120.

[^ 31] When determining whether or not a corporation has the ability to pay the beneficiary the proffered wage, officers should refer to Volume 6, Immigrants, Part E, Employment-Based Immigration, Chapter 4, Ability to Pay [6 USCIS-PM E.4].

[^ 32] S corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and limited liability companies (LLCs) are not taxed on business profits unless they elect otherwise; instead, the profits pass through the businesses to their owners, who report business income or losses on their personal tax returns.

[^ 33] See IRS Publication 542, Corporations.

[^ 34] In addition to start-up costs, operating expenses, and product and advertising outlays, a C corporation can deduct the salaries and bonuses it pays and all of the costs associated with medical and retirement plans for employees. See IRS’s Instructions for Form 1120.

[^ 35] See 26 U.S.C. 1361.

[^ 36] See IRS’s S Corporations webpage. A subchapter S corporation must be a domestic corporation; have only allowable shareholders (may include persons, certain trusts, and estates, but may not include partnerships, corporations, or non-resident shareholders); have no more than 100 shareholders; have only one class of stock (for example, no preferred stock allowed); and not be an ineligible corporation (such as certain financial institutions, insurance companies, and domestic international sales corporations).

[^ 37] Negative values are represented on tax forms by parentheses.

[^ 38] See 26 U.S.C. 448(d)(2).

[^ 39] See IRS Publication 542, Corporations.

[^ 40] See IRS’s Instructions for Form 1120.

[^ 41] When determining whether or not a corporation has the ability to pay the beneficiary the proffered wage, officers should refer to Volume 6, Immigrants, Part E, Employment-Based Immigration, Chapter 4, Ability to Pay [6 USCIS-PM E.4].

[^ 42] See the U.S. SBA’s Choose a business structure webpage.

[^ 43] While the default tax treatment for an LLC is pass-through taxation, as with all entities, it may elect to be taxed differently.

[^ 44] See IRS’s SOI Tax Stats - Partnership Study Explanation of Selected Terms webpage.

[^ 45] The powers and duties of members and managers are typically outlined in the LLC’s operating agreement. See U.S. SBA’s Basic Information About Operating Agreements webpage.

[^ 46] See IRS’s Limited Liability Company (LLC) webpage. A professional limited liability company (PLLC) is an LLC organized for the purpose of providing professional services, such as a doctor, chiropractor, lawyer, accountant, architect, landscape architect, or engineer. Some states permit LLCs to engage in the practice of a licensed profession through PLLCs. Exact requirements of PLLCs vary from state to state. Typically, a PLLC's members must all be professionals practicing the same profession. In addition, the limitation of personal liability of members does not extend to professional malpractice claims.

[^ 47] See Marilyn E. Phelan, Nonprofit Organizations: Law and Taxation, sections 1:1, 4:1, and 7:1 (Oct. 2022 Update).

[^ 48] See IRS’s Exempt Organization Types webpage.

[^ 49] See Marilyn E. Phelan, Nonprofit Organizations: Law and Taxation, section 1:2 (Oct. 2022 Update).

[^ 50] See 26 U.S.C. 501.

[^ 51] To qualify, the non-profit organization must be organized and operated exclusively for the exempt purposes set forth in IRC 501(c)(3)—charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals—and no part of their net earnings “may inure to any private shareholder or individual.” See 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3). See IRS’s Exemption Requirements – 501(c)(3) Organizations webpage.

[^ 52] See IRS’s Instructions for Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.

[^ 53] See IRS’s Instructions for Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax and IRS’s Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations (PDF).

Relocation of Guidance to Appendix

This chapter was moved to an appendix while USCIS reviews the March 15, 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (PDF).

Historical Guidance

The goal of the Regional Center Program is to stimulate economic growth in a specified geographic area. The regional center model can offer an immigrant investor already defined investment opportunities, thereby reducing the immigrant investor’s responsibility to identify acceptable investment vehicles. If the new commercial enterprise is located within the geographic area, and falls within the economic scope of the defined regional center, reasonable methodologies can be used to demonstrate indirect job creation.^[1] A regional center can be associated with one or more new commercial enterprises. 

A regional center seeking to participate in the Regional Center Program must submit a proposal using the Application For Regional Center Under the Immigrant Investor Program (Form I-924). 

USCIS may designate a regional center based on a general proposal for the promotion of economic growth, including increased export sales, improved regional productivity, job creation, or increased domestic capital investment. The statute further provides that a regional center shall have jurisdiction over a limited geographic area, which shall be described in the proposal and consistent with the purpose of concentrating pooled investment in defined economic zones. 

In addition, the establishment of a regional center may be based on general predictions, contained in the proposal, concerning the kinds of commercial enterprises that will receive capital from immigrant investors, the jobs that will be created directly or indirectly as a result of such capital investments, and the other positive economic effects such capital investments will have on the area.^[2]

The regulations state that the proposal must:

• Clearly describe how the regional center focuses on a geographical region of the United States and how it will promote economic growth through increased export sales, improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment;

• Provide in verifiable detail how jobs will be created directly or indirectly;

• Provide a detailed statement regarding the amounts and sources of capital which have been already committed to the regional center;

• Provide a description of the promotional efforts taken and planned by the sponsors of the regional center;

• Include a detailed prediction^[3] how the regional center will have a positive impact on the regional or national economy based on factors such as increased household earnings, greater demand for business services, utilities, maintenance and repair, and construction both within and without the regional center; and

• Be supported by economically or statistically valid forecasting tools, including, but not limited to, feasibility studies, analyses of foreign and domestic markets for the goods or services to be exported, or multiplier tables.^[4]

The level of verifiable detail required for a Form I-924 to be approved and provided deference may vary depending on the nature of the application filing.^[5]

A. Regional Center Application Proposals

The regional center proposal must include a management and operational plan to administer, oversee, and manage the proposed regional center, including but not limited to how the regional center:

• Will be promoted to attract immigrant investors, including a description of the budget for promotional activities;

• Will identify, assess, and evaluate proposed immigrant investor projects and enterprises;

• Characterizes the structure of the investment capital it will sponsor; for example, whether the investment capital to be sought for job-creating companies will consist solely of immigrant investor capital or a combination of immigrant investor capital and domestic capital, and how the distribution of the investment capital will be structured (for example, loans to developers or venture capital); and

• Will oversee all investment activities affiliated with, through, or under the sponsorship of the proposed regional center.

Geographic Area

An officer reviews the proposed geographic boundaries of a new regional center to determine if they are acceptable. USCIS considers geographic boundaries acceptable if the regional center applicant can establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the proposed economic activity will promote economic growth in the proposed area.^[6] The determination is fact-specific, and the law does not require any particular form of evidence, such as a county-by-county analysis. 

In addition, a regional center’s geographic area must be limited, contiguous, and consistent with the purpose of concentrating pooled investment in defined economic zones.^[7] To demonstrate that the proposed geographic area is limited, the regional center applicant should submit evidence demonstrating the linkages between proposed economic activities within the proposed area based on different variables. Examples of variables to demonstrate linkages between economic activities can include but are not limited to:

• Regional connectivity;

• The labor pool and supply chain; and

• Interdependence between projects.

Moreover, in assessing the likelihood that the proposed economic activity will promote economic growth in the proposed geographic area, an officer reviews the impact of the activity relative to relevant economic conditions. The size of the proposed area should be limited and consistent with the scope and scale of the proposed economic activity, as the regional center applicant is required to focus on a geographical region of the United States.^[8] The regional center applicant must present an economic analysis of its proposed economic activity in the proposed geographic area that is supported by economically or statistically valid forecasting tools.^[9] The Form I-924 instructions provide further information regarding the requirements of the economic analysis.

B. Types of Regional Center Projects

An actual project refers to a specific project proposal that is supported by a Matter of Ho (PDF) compliant business plan.^[10]

A hypothetical project refers to a project proposal that is not supported by a Matter of Ho (PDF) compliant business plan. 

The term exemplar refers to a sample Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Form I-526), filed with Form I-924 for an actual project. This type of regional center proposal contains copies of the commercial enterprise’s organizational and transactional documents, which USCIS reviews to determine if they are in compliance with established eligibility requirements.

1. Hypothetical Projects

If the Form I-924 projects are hypothetical projects, general proposals and general predictions may be sufficient to determine that the proposed regional center will more likely than not promote economic growth, improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment. A regional center applicant seeking review of a hypothetical project should clarify in the Form I-924 submission that the project is hypothetical. General proposals and predictions may include a description of the project parameters, such as:

• Proposed project activities, industries, locations, and timelines;

• A general market analysis of the proposed job creating activities and explanation regarding how the proposed project activities are likely to promote economic growth and create jobs; and

• A description, along with supporting evidence, of the regional center principals’ relevant experience and expertise.

While hypothetical project submissions are sufficient for regional center designation, previous determinations based on hypothetical projects will not receive deference. Actual projects will receive a de novo officer review during subsequent filings (for example, through the adjudication of an amended Form I-924 application, including the actual project details or the first Form I-526 immigrant investor petition).

Organizational and transactional supporting documents are not required for a hypothetical project. If a regional center applicant desires a compliance review of organizational and transactional documents, the application must include an actual project with a Matter of Ho (PDF) compliant business plan and an exemplar immigrant investor petition. 

2. Actual Projects

Applications for regional center designation based on actual projects may require more details than a hypothetical project to demonstrate that the proposal contains verifiable details and is supported by economically or statistically sound forecasting tools. A regional center applicant seeking review of an actual project should clarify in the Form I-924 submission that the project is actual. 

Actual projects require a Matter of Ho (PDF) compliant comprehensive business plan that provides verifiable detail on how jobs will be created. Absent fraud, willful misrepresentation, or a legal deficiency,^[11] USCIS defers to prior determinations based on actual projects when evaluating subsequent filings under the project involving the same material facts and issues. 

Organizational and transactional documents for the new commercial enterprise are not required. If a regional center applicant desires review of organizational and transactional documents for program compliance, the regional center application must be accompanied by an exemplar Form I-526 immigrant investor petition. 

If regional center applicants opt not to file a Form I-924 amendment, the investor should identify his or her Form I-526 immigrant investor petition as an actual project being presented for the first time. Additionally, the immigrant petition should contain an affirmative statement signed by a regional center principal confirming that the regional center is aware of the specific project being presented for the first time as part of the immigrant investor petition.

In cases where the regional center application is filed based on actual projects that do not contain sufficient verifiable detail, USCIS may approve the projects as hypothetical projects if they contain the requisite general proposals and predictions. The projects approved as hypotheticals, however, do not receive deference in subsequent filings. 

In cases where some projects are approvable as actual projects, and others are not approvable or only approvable as hypothetical projects, the approval notice should identify which projects have been approved as actual projects and will be accorded deference. The approval notice should also identify projects that have been approved as hypothetical projects but will not be accorded deference. 

3. Exemplar Filings

Regional center applications, based on actual projects, including a Form I-526 immigrant investor exemplar petition, require more details than a hypothetical or actual project submitted without an exemplar. A regional center applicant seeking review of an exemplar should state that the project is an actual project with a Form I-526 exemplar.

Exemplar filings require a Matter of Ho (PDF) compliant comprehensive business plan that provides verifiable detail on how jobs will be created, as well as organizational and transactional documents for the new commercial enterprise. 

Absent fraud, willful misrepresentation, or a legal deficiency, officer determinations based on exemplar filings are accorded deference in subsequent filings under the project with the same material facts and issues. 

While an amended Form I-924 is not required to perfect a hypothetical project once the actual project details are available, some applicants may choose to file an amended Form I-924 application with a Form I-526 exemplar to obtain a favorable determination. These exemplar filings are accorded deference in subsequent related filings, absent material change, fraud, willful misrepresentation, or a legally deficient determination. 

C. Regional Center Annual Reporting

Designated regional centers must file a Supplement to Form I-924 (Form I-924A) annually that demonstrates continued eligibility for designation as a regional center in the EB-5 Program.^[12] The regional center must file the form within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year (between October 1 and December 29). The Form I-924A instructions specifically list required information that must be submitted.^[13]

If the regional center fails to file the required annual report, USCIS issues a Notice of Intent to Terminate (NOIT) to the regional center for failing to provide the required information. This may ultimately result in the termination of the regional center’s designation if the regional center fails to respond or does not file a response which adequately demonstrates continued eligibility.

D. Regional Center Amendments

Because businesses’ strategies constantly evolve, with new opportunities identified and existing plans improved, a regional center may amend a previously approved designation. The Form I-924 instructions provide information regarding the submission of regional center amendment requests.^[14]

To improve processing efficiencies and predictability in subsequent filings, many regional centers may seek to amend the Form I-924 approval to reflect changes in economic analysis and job creation estimates. Such amendments, however, are not required in order for individual investors to proceed with filing the immigrant petitions or petitions to remove conditions on residence based on the additional jobs created, or to be created, in additional industries. 

Formal amendments to an approved regional center’s designation are not required when a regional center changes its industries of focus, business plans, or economic methodologies; however, a regional center may find it advantageous to seek USCIS approval of such changes before they are adjudicated in individual immigrant investor petitions.

Requests to Change Geographic Area

When a regional center requests to expand its geographic area, the proposed geographic area must be limited, contiguous, and consistent with the purpose of concentrating pooled investment in defined economic zones.^[15]​

Any requests for geographic area expansion made on or after February 22, 2017 are adjudicated under the current guidance in the Form I-924 instructions which requires that a Form I-924 amendment must be filed, and approved, to expand the regional center’s geographic area. The Form I-924 amendment must be approved before an I-526 petitioner may demonstrate eligibility at the time of filing his or her petition based on an investment in the expanded area.

If the regional center’s geographic area expansion request was submitted either through a Form I-924 amendment or Form I-526 petition filed prior to February 22, 2017, and the request is ultimately approved, USCIS will continue to adjudicate additional Form I-526 petitions associated with investments in that area under prior policy guidance issued on May 30, 2013.^[16] That policy did not require a formal amendment to expand a regional center’s geographic area, and permitted concurrent filing of the Form I-526 prior to approval of the geographic area amendment. 

E. Termination of a Regional Center Designation

USCIS issues a NOIT if:

• USCIS determines that a regional center no longer serves the purpose of promoting economic growth, including increased export sales, improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment; or

• The regional center fails to submit required information to USCIS.^[17]

The NOIT will provide the grounds for termination and provide at least 30 days from receipt of the NOIT for the regional center to respond to the allegations in the NOIT. The regional center may offer evidence to contest the allegations in the NOIT. If the regional center overcomes the allegations in the NOIT, USCIS issues a Notice of Reaffirmation that affirms the regional center’s designation. 

If the regional center fails to overcome the allegations in the NOIT, USCIS terminates the regional center’s participation in the Regional Center Program. In this case, USCIS notifies the regional center of the termination, the reasons for termination, and the right to file a motion, appeal, or both. The regional center may appeal the decision to USCIS’ Administrative Appeals Office within 30 days after service of notice (33 days, if the notice was mailed).^[18]

Footnotes

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[^ 1] For a definition of indirect jobs, see Chapter 2, Eligibility Requirements, Section D, Creation of Jobs, Subsection 4, Measuring Job Creation [6 USCIS-PM G.2(D)(4)].

[^ 2] See Section 610(a) of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993, Pub. L. 102-395 (PDF, 83.2 KB), 106 Stat. 1828, 1874 (October 6, 1992), as amended.

[^ 3] An applicant can submit a general prediction which addresses the prospective impact of the capital investment projects sponsored by the regional center, regionally or nationally. See Form I-924 instructions.

[^ 4] See 8 CFR 204.6(m)(3).

[^ 5] For more information about the types of regional center projects, see Section B, Types of Regional Center Projects [6 USCIS-PM G.3(B)].

[^ 6] See Section 610(a) of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1993, Pub. L. 102-395 (PDF, 83.2 KB), 106 Stat. 1828, 1874 (October 6, 1992), as amended. See 8 CFR 204.6(m)(3)(i) (requiring a clear description of how the regional center focuses on a geographical region of the United States and how it will promote economic growth).

[^ 7] See Section 610(a) of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1993, Pub. L. 102-395 (PDF, 83.2 KB), 106 Stat. 1828, 1874 (October 6, 1992), as amended.

[^ 8] See Section 610(a) of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1993, Pub. L. 102-395 (PDF, 83.2 KB), 106 Stat. 1828, 1874 (October 6, 1992), as amended. See 8 CFR 204.6(m)(3)(i).

[^ 9] See 8 CFR 204.6(m)(3).

[^ 10] See Chapter 2, Eligibility Requirements, Section B, Comprehensive Business Plan [6 USCIS-PM G.2(B)].

[^ 11] Legal deficiency includes objective mistakes of law or fact made as part of the USCIS adjudication.

[^ 12] See 8 CFR 204.6(m)(6). 

[^ 13] See Form I-924A instructions.

[^ 14] See Form I-924 instructions. 

[^ 15] For a discussion of an officer’s review of a regional center’s proposed geographic area, see Section A, Regional Center Application Proposals [6 USCIS-PM G.3(A)].

[^ 16] See EB-5 Adjudication Policy Memo (PDF, 829.48 KB), PM-602-0083, issued May 30, 2013.

[^ 17] See 8 CFR 204.6(m)(6).

[^ 18] See 8 CFR 103.3. See 8 CFR 204.6(m)(6).