How do I know if a regional center project is legitimate?

Due diligence for EB-5 projects involves verifying multiple elements. As a starting point, investors can confirm a regional center's active status through USCIS's public list of approved regional centers. A center that has been terminated, sanctioned, or is under investigation should be avoided.

Beyond this verification, investors should examine the project's business plan and economic analysis (prepared by a qualified economist using an accepted methodology such as RIMS II or IMPLAN), the securities offering documents (Private Placement Memorandum, Operating Agreement, Subscription Agreement), the developer's track record (prior projects completed, prior EB-5 projects with approved I-829 petitions), the fund administration structure (whether an independent fund administrator holds and disburses investor funds), and any litigation or regulatory actions involving the project operators or affiliated entities.

The RIA requires regional centers to submit annual statements to USCIS and to use fund administrators for investor capital. These requirements provide additional transparency but do not substitute for independent due diligence.