Real estate has historically been the most common asset class used in EB-5 investing. Over the years, EB-5 capital has been deployed across a wide range of property types, including hotels and hospitality projects, multifamily apartment developments, mixed-use properties, office buildings, senior housing, student housing, and certain industrial or logistics facilities. These projects are often sponsored through regional centers and structured to take advantage of indirect and induced job creation, which can make large-scale developments well suited for the EB-5 program.
Real estate has been effective in EB-5 largely because it is tangible, familiar to investors, and capable of generating significant job creation during construction. Construction activity typically produces a measurable number of qualifying jobs, and stabilized real estate assets may provide ongoing cash flow once completed. In addition, real estate projects often involve multiple sources of capital—such as developer equity, institutional financing, or government programs—which can help diversify risk when properly structured. That said, outcomes in EB-5 real estate investments are highly dependent on project execution, market conditions, capital structure, and sponsor experience, underscoring the importance of disciplined underwriting rather than reliance on asset type alone.
Franchise-based operating businesses have been used successfully in EB-5 for many years across a wide range of industries, including hospitality, food and beverage, fitness, healthcare services, childcare, and consumer services. These structures typically involve the development or expansion of multiple locations under a recognized brand, allowing EB-5 capital to be deployed into operating enterprises rather than a single, standalone project. When properly structured, franchising can support EB-5 job creation through direct employment at the operating level, as well as through coordinated growth across a broader platform.
One of the core strengths of franchising in EB-5 is its reliance on proven business models, standardized operations, and repeatable economics. Franchise systems are designed to scale, with established brand recognition, defined operating procedures, and ongoing support infrastructure. As locations are added and operations mature, the value of the overall enterprise may grow beyond the initial invested capital. This combination of operating cash flow, brand-driven demand, and platform scalability has made franchising a durable and effective structure for EB-5 investors when supported by experienced operators and disciplined underwriting.
Infrastructure projects have long played a role in the EB-5 program and encompass a broad range of essential assets, including transportation systems, utilities, energy projects, broadband networks, water and wastewater facilities, and other public-purpose developments. These projects are often supported by government entities through ownership, long-term contracts, public-private partnerships, or regulatory frameworks that are designed to promote stability and continuity. As a result, infrastructure investments may benefit from predictable demand, long operating lives, and alignment with public policy priorities.
A key advantage of infrastructure within EB-5 is its designation as a separate visa set-aside category under current program rules. Infrastructure EB-5 projects are eligible for a dedicated allocation of EB-5 visas each year, which may reduce wait times for certain investors compared to the general EB-5 pool, subject to visa availability and individual circumstances. In addition, infrastructure projects often involve large capital programs with measurable job creation and clearly defined development scopes, making them well suited for EB-5 when properly structured. As with any EB-5 investment, outcomes depend on execution, financing structure, and sponsor capability, but infrastructure remains an established and increasingly important asset class within the program.
