TEA (Targeted Employment Area)

A Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is a designated region—either a rural area or a high-unemployment urban area—that qualifies certain U.S. immigration benefits, like the EB-2 National Interest Waiver or EB-5 visa, for reduced investment or requirements. The purpose of a TEA is to encourage investment and job creation in areas that need economic growth. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate they are investing in or working in these designated regions, which are identified based on specific unemployment rates or rural status, promoting development in underserved communities.