Are you dreaming of a life in the United States? The EB-5 Investor Visa attorney is a unique pathway to permanent residency through investment in the American economy.
Through investment in the US economy, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme offers a particular route to permanent status. Navigating this program’s complexity can be difficult, though.
By providing professional advice, strategic investment selection, complex document preparation and filing, negotiation and communication with USCIS and regional centers, and legal representation in the event of problems or denials, an experienced EB-5 investor visa attorney can help you realize your American dream.
Look for a track record of success, participation in reputable organizations, transparent and ethical methods, and clear communication when selecting an EB-5 attorney.
Select a lawyer with a track record of winning EB-5 cases, participating in associations for professionals, and demonstrating dedication to best practices.
Adequate communication guarantees comprehension of the procedure, charges, and possible associated hazards, while ethical behavior and openness offer precise cost arrangements.
Selecting the best EB-5 lawyer is an investment in your family’s future and well-being. Look into possible lawyers, evaluate their backgrounds and experience, and choose the one most closely fits your objectives.
This post does not provide legal advice; it is meant to be informative. Always seek the advice of a knowledgeable immigration lawyer for specific advice on your EB-5 visa application process.
7 Best EB-5 Investor Visa Attorneys
A lawyer with experience in immigration law, specifically related to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, is known as an EB-5 Investor Visa Attorney. Their expertise is helping international investors comprehend the program’s prerequisites, maneuver through the application procedure, and handle any legal complications that can emerge throughout the immigration process.
To ensure compliance with EB-5 program standards, an EB-5 Investor Visa Attorney starts by thoroughly evaluating the investor’s eligibility and the viability of their investment project. This includes assessing the source of money, the business strategy, and other vital factors. At each stage of the EB-5 application process, they offer personalized legal advice and inform customers about the nuances of the program, such as investment thresholds, job creation criteria, and regional center possibilities.
Drafting company plans, investment agreements, financial statements, and other legal paperwork necessary for the application are just a few documents that must be prepared and organized by an attorney specializing in EB-5 investor visas. They act as a point of contact between investors and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), responding to questions and supplying more documentation when required. If the application is contested or denied, they also defend investors in court cases or appeals.
An EB-5 Investor Visa Attorney ensures investors follow all legal criteria and helps reduce any risks or concerns that may occur throughout the investment term. Compliance and due diligence are essential for a successful immigration procedure. The following are some of the best EB-5 investor visa attorneys:
Joseph Barnett
The EB-5 investor visa program is one of the most active and challenging sections of the complex field of immigration law. Of all the lawyers negotiating this complicated terrain, Joseph Barnett is an exceptional quality example. As one of the country’s top 7 EB-5 investor visa lawyers, Barnett earned it through his steadfast dedication to clients and deep knowledge of EB-5 concerns.
Barnett has dedicated himself to the unwavering pursuit of quality, which has led him to become one of the leading authorities in EB-5 law. As a partner at Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, Barnett has helped several developers, regional centers, and investors successfully navigate the intricacies of the EB-5 program.
Barnett stands out for having a thorough awareness of the constantly changing regulatory environment related to the EB-5 program. He keeps abreast of legislation and regulatory developments, guaranteeing his clients get the most recent advice and tactics to meet their immigration objectives. Barnett’s sharp legal mind is always working for his clients, whether he’s deciphering USCIS policy papers or examining legislative initiatives.
Furthermore, Barnett stands out in the legal field for his dedication to professionalism and ethics. He tackles every case with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to getting his clients the best results possible. His success record says everything about how skilled and successful he is as an EB-5 lawyer.
Apart from his exceptional legal skills, Barnett stands out as a pioneer in his area due to his unmatched customer service. Recognizing that the immigration process may be a source of uncertainty and stress, he goes above and beyond to offer his clients individualized attention and assistance at every stage. From the first meetings until their cases are finally decided, Barnett ensures his clients are knowledgeable, in control, and self-assured throughout the immigration process.
Moreover, Barnett’s involvement in the EB-5 group goes beyond his legal work. He often shares his knowledge and experience with other lawyers, investors, and stakeholders at industry conferences and seminars. His devotion to the larger immigrant investor community is seen in his tireless efforts to increase knowledge of EB-5 legislation and policy.
Joseph Barnett has earned a solid reputation as one of the top US attorneys for EB-5 investment visas. Colleagues and clients alike appreciate and admire him for his exceptional professionalism, constant commitment to his clients, and profound experience.
Joseph Barnett is a reliable friend and champion for overseas investors looking for assistance and counsel in navigating the EB-5 program’s intricacies, ensuring their immigration goals are realized.
Edward Beshara
Edward Beshara is an EB-5 immigration lawyer practicing immigration law solely since 1983. He is Beshara, PA’s managing partner, based in Orlando, Florida.
Attorney Beshara has assisted individuals and businesses from throughout the globe with their immigration needs to the United States. Since 1991, he has helped corporate customers and foreign national investors with the EB-5 procedure.
In recent years, he has focused mainly on EB-5 Regional Centre concerns.
A trade association for EB-5 Regional Centres, immigration lawyers, marketing brokers, business planners, and economists, Attorney Beshara is an active member of the Association to Invest in the USA (IIUSA), where he serves on the Best Practices Committee. In addition, he is presently a lecturer at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, where he teaches commercial immigration law.
In addition, Attorney Beshara is a member of the Academy of International Business, a prestigious group of professors of law and international business that includes well-known academics from Chinese institutions.
All phases of the EB-5 process, including the filing and preparation of I-526 petitions (especially those of the source of funds), applications for conditional permanent residence, I-829 petitions, applications for regional centers, project pre-approvals, and amendments to regional centers, are still actively handled by attorney Beshara.
Attorney Beshara oversees a group of incredibly skilled corporate attorneys, business planners, economists, certified public accountants, and securities attorneys to assist with these EB-5 problems.
Throughout the United States, Edward Beshara has served as the affiliated, preferred, or exclusive immigration counsel for over 25 EB-5 projects and regional centers. Attorney Beshara personally attends hearings about EB-5 legislation before the US Congress and meetings with the USCIS EB-5 unit throughout the year while representing these clients.
In addition, he is an excellent resource regarding the EB-5 program. He has given talks and seminars to several eminent international organizations, such as the World Trade Center, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Chinese Chambers of Commerce, the British Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Chamber of Commerce, and the Artisan Business Group.
In addition to receiving his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, Attorney Beshara holds degrees in law from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, where he also studied for an LLM degree and gave lectures on corporate and company law.
Attorney Beshara was admitted to the Victorian Bar in Australia as a solicitor and barrister. She is currently a member of the Florida Bar Association. He is a former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and holds the highest grade of “AV” available for globally renowned immigration lawyers.
Attorney Beshara has been in charge of pressing the Australian Embassy and US politicians to pass legislation that will benefit Australian citizens applying for E-1, E-2, and E-3 visas. He authorizes the immigration handbook Emigrating to the USA, distributed worldwide.
Also, lawyer Beshara has won AILA’s highest honor for exceptional accomplishments, has been recognized nationally and internationally for his work, and has been listed as one of the top immigration attorneys in the country.
Belma Demirovic Chinchoy
Belma Chinchoy is the founder attorney of Immigration General Counsel | Iyer Demirovic Chinchoy LLP, a boutique immigration law company in Beverly Hills, California.
Attorney Chinchoy assists entrepreneurs, investors, and enterprises with immigration concerns. Her significant experience in this subject involves advising US firms on the operational benefits of immigration programs and assisting international entrepreneurs in obtaining EB-5, L-1, E-2, and EB-1 visas.
Attorney Chinchoy has aided with several successful I-526 and I-829 petitions throughout her career and advised firms on EB-5 compliance issues and regional centers seeking designation. She has worked on projects ranging from a $1 million direct investment in a vineyard to a $180 million New York development venture that received $140 million in EB-5 funding.
Attorney Chinchoy’s immigration practice involves advising foreign investors, projects, regional centers, and litigation. She has defended foreign nationals before the Board of Immigration, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, USCIS, the Immigration Court, and the Central California Federal Court. This counsel included federal mandamus petitions, asylum, withholding of removal, fiancée visas, marriage-based permanent residence petitions, waiver applications, U visas, and more.
Attorney Chinchoy is very informed about Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and assists her clients in preparing petitions that will be approved upon submission. She formerly worked as an EB-5 attorney at Global Law Group, where she led the firm’s post-filing team and focused on responding to difficult EB-5 RFEs.
Attorney Chinchoy’s mission is to make the EB-5 procedure more approachable for individual investors and commercial entities, resulting in successful EB-5 applications.
Attorney Chinchoy is admitted to practice law before the California Central District Federal Court, the California Supreme Court, and the California State Bar. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international politics from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She earned her Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in Minnesota and Pepperdine University Law School in California. Attorney Chinchoy is proficient in English, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.
Mark Davies
Mark I. Davies is the Global Managing Partner and founder of Davies & Associates, a legal company specializing in business and investor immigration solutions. Davies, who holds dual credentials in the United States and the United Kingdom, has worked as a lawyer and former General Counsel for big firms, investors, non-profit organizations, and enterprises. He earned a Juris Doctorate from Pennsylvania Law School, a law degree from a prominent UK institution, and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
Mark’s first US immigration encounter occurred about twenty-five years ago when he filed for a US visa. Before moving to the United States, he had many US visas before earning a green card and naturalization. Davies, the Global company Chairman of Davies & Associates, helps firms and investors around the world structure their interests and relocate to the United States. He has trained at two prominent multinational US law firms and was a Senior Vice President for one of the world’s top organizations.
Mark advises clients globally at all levels of the EB-5 visa program, assisting them in navigating the complex investment immigration procedure and obtaining green cards for themselves and their loved ones. His services include the study and execution of the essential business and immigration documentation, business development and planning, and counseling customers on any concerns they may have with the EB-5 immigrant investor program.
Davies has spent over 20 years serving international investors and company owners, especially with EB5, E2, and L1 visas. He is renowned as “the world’s very best L visa lawyer” and routinely visits our offices in Mumbai and Dubai to deal with investors and company owners in the area. His MBA and extensive business expertise allow him to deliver specialized methods to help customers achieve their immigration goals.
Ignacio Donoso
Ignacio A. Donoso is an EB-5 immigration attorney and managing member of I.A. Donoso & Associates, LLC, based in Bethesda, Maryland. Attorney Donoso specializes in nationality, consular, and US immigration law.
I.A. Donoso & Associates is widely recognized in the United States for its experience in EB-5 and other investment visas. The firm’s solicitors and legal experts are highly educated about company structures, accounting principles, and the legal understanding required to help its customers achieve their objectives. I.A. Donoso & Associates works directly with each client, providing personalized advice and services to meet their needs.
Attorney Donoso has helped numerous people with immigration law issues. His clientele includes people, families, professionals, skilled workers, groups, organizations, enterprises, and businesses seeking to enter the United States.
It is part of his profession to thoroughly explain the complexities of US immigration rules to his clients. He has already assisted several international enterprises in establishing and conducting business in the United States.
He also aids company owners and merchants with completing legal paperwork and meeting the criteria of US immigration law. Attorney Donoso is regarded as one of the most significant immigration and tourism lawyers in Washington, D.C., with over a decade of experience.
Attorney Donoso not only assists and represents clients with immigration issues but also writes immigration-related articles for newspapers and is a prominent media source on immigration themes.
Attorney Donoso is also the co-author of “Immigration Options for Nurses and Allied Health Care Professionals,” published by the American Immigration Lawyers Association in 2004. He also co-authored “Programa Visa EB-5,” published in Familias Latinas.
Attorney Donoso is also a member of several associations, organizations, and groups. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and the Southern District of Texas.
He is a member of the State Bar of California and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He also served on the board of directors of the American Jewish Committee (2006-present) and the Houston Chamber of Latin Entrepreneurs (2008).
He also taught international and comparative law at the Universidad de Barcelona. The Texas Service Liaison Service Committee of the American Immigration Lawyers Association chose him in 2008.
Attorney Donoso attended McGill University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree (with distinction) in 1993. In the same year, he completed his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) degrees at McGill University. He pursued his studies and earned his LL.M. degree from George Washington University in 1998.
Charles Foster
Charles Foster is the Houston-based Foster, LLP chairman and heads the firm’s EB-5 practice area. He has been representing international corporations in immigration law for over thirty years, and he has been board-certified as an Immigration and Nationality Law Specialist since 1979. Attorney Foster has represented individual EB-5 investors since the program’s inception in 1990 and regional centers since 1992.
Attorney Foster’s legal experience includes serving as a top immigration policy advisor during President Barack Obama’s and President George W. Bush’s campaigns. He has also served as chairman of many organizations, including the American Bar Association’s Coordinating Committee on Immigration Law and the Governor’s Task Force on Immigration, as well as vice chairman of the Houston Bar Foundation.
Attorney Foster is involved in the larger immigration law community, having led the Greater Houston Partnership Task Force on Immigration Reform and served as the inaugural head of the State Bar of Texas Immigration and Nationality Law Section, among other things.
He formerly taught immigration law as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Centre for five years and has testified before the Senate and US House Immigration Subcommittees on several occasions.
Attorney Foster has won several distinctions during his career, including the Houston International Service Award in 1997, the American Immigration Law Foundation Honorary Fellow in 1998, and the Distinguished Friend of China Award in 2000.
He has also been named a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine and a Leading Individual by Chambers USA and Chambers Global in 2014 and 2015. Attorney Foster garnered international prominence for his immigration efforts supporting ballet artist Li Cunxin, whose success story was featured in Mao’s Last Dancer.
Jennifer Hermansky
Jennifer Hermansky is an associate EB-5 immigration attorney with Greenberg Traurig, LLP in Philadelphia. Attorney Hermansky specializes in immigration cases involving families and employers. Attorney Hermansky, a member of the firm’s EB-5 immigrant investor team, is knowledgeable about EB-5 immigration concerns. She has submitted several successful I-526 applications for regional centers and individuals who invested directly. Attorney Hermansky has filed several I-829 applications to eliminate restrictions on EB-5 investors’ permanent residency. She often aids firms and developers in identifying potential EB-5 finance sources for new projects.
Attorney Hermansky has extensive expertise in drafting and analyzing EB-5 project business plans, securities offering paperwork, company filings, and economic studies. She has handled I-924 applications for regional center revisions and designation and exemplar I-526 petitions for USCIS project pre-approval.
Attorney Hermansky also helps regional centers comply with job creation standards, record keeping, reporting requirements, and other financial, management, and personnel difficulties.
Attorney Hermansky is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), vice chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Immigration and Nationality Law, Administrative Law Division, and co-chair of AILA’s new members division in Philadelphia.
She received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Drexel University in 2005 and her law degree cum laude from Drexel University’s Earle Mack School of Law in 2009. Attorney Hermansky began working as a legal assistant at Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer in 2003. She later worked as a law clerk for the company after being admitted to law school in 2009.
What is an Investor Visa?
An investor visa is a category that grants affluent foreign individuals the opportunity to acquire permanent residency or citizenship in a nation by making a substantial financial investment in the country’s economy. The precise criteria for investor visas differ among countries but often entail making a particular investment in business, real estate, or other authorized ventures. The advantages of acquiring an investor visa encompass the privilege to reside and engage in employment within the nation, a route towards attaining citizenship, entitlement to education and healthcare services, and prospects for commercial ventures.
Nevertheless, some disadvantages include substantial capital requirements, a convoluted application procedure, and economic unpredictability.
To ascertain eligibility and comprehend the potential hazards and advantages, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the prerequisites and get guidance from an immigration attorney. The financial commitment necessary for an investor visa may be substantial, often amounting to millions of dollars, and the application procedure can be intricate and lengthy.
Who is an Investor Visa Attorney?
An Investor Visa Attorney is a legal professional who aids persons in acquiring visas by leveraging their interests in a particular nation. They comprehensively understand many investor visa programs, including their distinct investment prerequisites, qualifications, and application procedures. Additionally, they are well-versed in immigration rules and regulations about investor visas.
An Investor Visa Attorney offers a range of services, such as assessing clients’ qualifications for various visa programs, assisting them in selecting the most appropriate program based on their situation and objectives, preparing and submitting the required visa application paperwork, representing clients in interviews with immigration authorities, advocating for clients in negotiations with government officials, and delivering continuous legal guidance and assistance throughout the application process.
Engaging the services of a seasoned Investor Visa Attorney may significantly enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome by providing expert guidance throughout the whole process, optimizing the probability of approval, safeguarding clients’ interests, and alleviating worry and anxiety. Selecting a competent and seasoned attorney specializing in investor visas in the nation you focus on is essential.
An Investor Visa Attorney is a crucial resource for persons seeking visas based on their assets in a particular country.
What is the duty of an EB-5 Investor Visa Attorney?
An EB-5 Investor Visa Attorney plays a crucial role in facilitating the acquisition of a green card under the EB-5 program. They manage various responsibilities, including evaluating eligibility, preparing applications, facilitating communication and coordination, ensuring compliance and thorough investigation, and providing supplementary assistance.
Their role includes assessing an individual’s financial circumstances, providing recommendations on investment choices, and assisting with the program’s legal and financial prerequisites.
Application preparation entails collecting and arranging essential paperwork, creating and submitting forms to USCIS, and responding to requests for proof or further information. They are the primary liaison during the application process, facilitating communication with USCIS and negotiating with project developers or regional centers.
Compliance and due diligence encompass thoroughly investigating investment projects, providing guidance on adhering to EB-5 requirements, and aiding in withdrawing investment money.
Further assistance includes delivering information on associated immigration issues, such as family sponsorship or travel authorization, and supporting adjusting one’s legal status after approving a green card.
Ultimately, an EB-5 Investor Visa Attorney is a reliable consultant and legal advocate, offering specialized knowledge and direction to enhance the likelihood of achieving favorable outcomes in the intricate and demanding procedure.
How do I Check if an Eb-5 Visa Lawyer is Competent and Experienced?
To ascertain the proficiency and expertise of an Eb-5 Visa attorney, adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Authenticate their qualifications: Confirm that the lawyer possesses a valid license to practice law in your state and maintains a favorable reputation with the bar organization. Verify the lawyer’s certification in immigration law by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Obtaining certification indicates a strong dedication and a high level of proficiency.
2. Investigate their expertise: Inquire about their tenure in dealing with Eb-5 visas, the quantity of Eb-5 situations they have managed, and the resulting consequences. Solicit recommendations from previous clients who were content with the quality of their services.
3. Inquire throughout the consultation: Evaluate their communication style, prices, payment structure, and approach to managing Eb-5 visa cases. Ensure that you have a sense of ease and confidence in their capabilities.
4. Consult internet reviews: Examine feedback from previous customers while keeping in mind that not all evaluations have the same weight.
5. Obtain quotations from various attorneys: Avoid engaging the initial attorney you see. Other notable resources to contemplate include the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Opting for the appropriate attorney is crucial; thus, allocate plenty of time and thoroughly investigate.
What are the Requirements for an EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 visa, sometimes called the Immigrant Investor Programme, mandates a minimum investment of $1,800,000 in a newly established business in the United States. The investment must be made in a newly founded firm during the last five years or an existing business undergoing substantial reorganization.
The allocated capital must be “exposed to risk” and susceptible to possible profit or loss. The investment must generate or maintain at least 10 full-time positions for eligible U.S. employees within two years after obtaining the initial provisional green card.
Full-time employment is officially defined as requiring at least 35 hours per week. When investing via a regional center, job creation includes direct and indirect employment opportunities generated by the firm and its affiliated entities.
When investing via a regional center, the employment must be directly generated by the firm where the investment is made.
The EB-5 immigration procedure is intricate and necessitates substantial paperwork. It is strongly advised to get guidance from a seasoned immigration lawyer. Individual situations may give rise to specific specifics and subtleties. To get the most up-to-date information and official rules, please visit the USCIS website.
What are the Benefits of an EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 visa program provides several advantages to qualified investors, including:
1. Permanent Residency: A vital advantage of the EB-5 visa is its ability to grant permanent residency (green card) in the United States to the investor, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21 years old.
2. No Sponsorship Necessary: Unlike several other visa categories, the EB-5 program does not need sponsorship from an employer or family member. Investors can apply for the EB-5 visa independently.
3. Versatility: EB-5 investors possess the capacity to reside, labor, and pursue education in any location inside the United States. They have the freedom to work anywhere and for any employer.
4. Educational Advantages: EB-5 investors and their families may avail themselves of exceptional educational opportunities in the United States, including prestigious institutions and schools.
5. Healthcare Benefits: As permanent residents, EB-5 investors and their families are entitled to healthcare benefits in the United States, encompassing access to Medicare and other healthcare programs.
6. Business Opportunities: EB-5 investors can initiate enterprises or allocate funds towards established firms in the United States, fostering economic expansion and employment generation.
7. Eligibility for Citizenship: Once EB-5 investors have maintained a green card for a specific duration, they may qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship. This gives them further advantages, including the opportunity to vote and eligibility for particular government positions.
8. Family Residency: The EB-5 visa grants permanent residency to the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21, enabling the complete family to dwell and work in the United States.
9. Absence of Employment Limitations: EB-5 investors are not obligated to possess a particular job offer or fulfill any employment-related prerequisites, allowing them to follow their professional or entrepreneurial pursuits.
10. Retirement Benefits: EB-5 investors who get U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be eligible for retirement benefits, including Social Security benefits, after retirement age.
It is crucial to acknowledge that although the EB-5 program provides tremendous advantages, it also imposes stringent eligibility criteria and necessitates a significant capital commitment in a qualifying U.S. business endeavor. Moreover, the procedure might be intricate and may require guidance from immigration experts.
How to Apply for an EB-5 Visa
Applying for an EB-5 visa or the Immigrant Investor Program involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:
1. Understand Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for an EB-5 visa. This includes having the required investment capital and a plan to create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
2. Investment: The primary requirement of the EB-5 visa is making a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. The investment amount varies depending on the location of the investment. Generally, it’s $1.8 million, but if the investment is made in a targeted employment area (TEA), which includes rural areas or areas with high unemployment rates, the minimum investment is reduced to $900,000.
3. Choose an EB-5 Project: Research and select an EB-5 project to invest in. Projects typically include real estate developments, infrastructure projects, or other businesses that create jobs.
4. File Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor: Once you’ve chosen a project, you must file Form I-526 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form demonstrates that you’ve invested, or are actively investing, the required capital in a new commercial enterprise that will create jobs.
5. Conditional Permanent Residence: If your Form I-526 petition is approved, you and your immediate family (spouse and unmarried children under 21) will be granted conditional permanent residence in the United States for two years.
6. File Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions: Within 90 days before the expiration of your conditional permanent residence, you must file Form I-829 to remove the conditions on your permanent residency. This form demonstrates that you’ve fulfilled the requirements of the EB-5 program, including creating or preserving the required jobs.
7. Permanent Residence: If your Form I-829 petition is approved, you and your family will receive unconditional permanent residency (green cards) in the United States.
8. Naturalization (Optional): After holding a green card for five years (or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen), you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.
It’s highly recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney or consultant throughout the EB-5 visa application process to ensure compliance with all requirements and to navigate any potential complexities.
What is the Investment Amount in an EB-5 Visa?
Two factors determine the minimum investment required for an EB-5 visa:
The geographical location of the investment in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and the date on which the petition is filed.
The minimum investment amount is $900,000 for investments in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and $1,800,000 for investments outside a TEA.
For petitions submitted after November 21, 2019, the minimum investment levels are determined according to the specific locality. Individual projects may necessitate more points.
To be eligible for an EB-5 visa, you must provide evidence of a legal origin of money and meet the standards for employment creation. Seek the advice of an immigration lawyer for tailored assistance. For further information, please refer to the USCIS EB-5 Investor Visa Page, “Boundless Immigration,” and “EB5 Diligence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Success Rate of EB 5 Visa?
Immigrant investors submit either Form I-526 or Form I-526E to provide evidence to USCIS of their adherence to the principles and regulations of the EB 5 visa program. The acceptance percentage for I-526 petitions typically falls within about 75% to over 80%.
How Much is the EB-5 Petition Fee?
The cost of an EB5 Visa is $3,675, which covers submitting the initial USCIS petition I-526/I-526E for the investment visa. The Biometrics costs of $85 per applicant for regional center investors are not included.
Is it Hard to Get an EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 visa program is characterized by intense competition and requires a substantial investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 outside a TEA. The investment must generate or maintain at least 10 full-time positions for eligible U.S. employees, necessitating meticulous preparation and record-keeping.
The application process is a laborious and intricate procedure encompassing several stages, such as collecting necessary papers, submitting forms, participating in interviews, and conducting thorough background checks.
In recent years, the program has seen increased competitiveness, with demand surpassing the number of available visas. As a result, acceptance remains to be seen even if all conditions are met.
Given its history of vulnerability to fraudulent activities, it is imperative to select trustworthy immigration experts to assist you in navigating the program. The procedure has become more complex due to recent changes, including higher investment requirements and more rigorous evaluation of regional centers, which could affect the visa’s difficulty.
It may be beneficial to consider alternative visa possibilities with less strict criteria. Seeking guidance from an immigration attorney will assist you in comprehending your choices and selecting the most suitable course of action for your specific circumstances.
The level of challenge in acquiring an EB-5 visa might fluctuate based on personal circumstances and investment ventures.
How Long Does it Take for EB-5 Approval?
The processing duration for the EB-5 visa varies between 1 and 3 years. This duration commences with submitting the EB-5 application I-526E form and concludes upon the endorsement of Form I-829 (permanent Green Card). The processing periods for the EB-5 visa vary depending on the specific stage of each application and the number of paperwork required.
How Much Money is Required for an Investor Visa in the USA?
To obtain this visa, you must make a minimum investment of $800,000 in a US firm and generate 10 job opportunities for American citizens. If you meet the requirements for the EB-5 Visa, you will be granted a Green Card, which permits you to reside in the United States.
How Much Money Do I Need to Invest to Get Permanent Residency in the USA?
Investing in the USA through various visa programs can lead to permanent residency (green card) under certain conditions. One popular program is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires a significant investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the United States.
The minimum investment required for the EB-5 program was $900,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.8 million if not in a TEA. However, these amounts might have changed since then, so it’s essential to consult official sources or an immigration attorney for the most current information.
Additionally, other visa programs have different investment requirements, such as the E-2 visa for investors, which does not lead directly to permanent residency but can be renewed indefinitely. Each program has its investment thresholds and requirements.
Can my Dependents Come with Me to the US on an Investment Visa?
The EB-5 visa program permits an individual investor to sponsor their immediate family members, using the same investment. The immediate family is comprised explicitly of the spouse and any children who are unmarried and below the age of 21.