EB5 Immigration Lawyer

Investor visas, commonly referred to as EB-5 visas, are granted to immigrant investors who aim to establish new commercial ventures in the U.S. that contribute to the American economy through job creation. This program encourages foreign entrepreneurs to invest substantial capital in U.S. businesses, creating at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. While the EB-5 visa is a valuable pathway for those looking to make a lasting impact on the U.S. economy, it remains a relatively exclusive option, with just over 7% of all employment-based visas allocated to immigrant entrepreneurs each year.

For businesses seeking to hire foreign workers through other employment immigration options, there are alternatives such as the H-1B visa, which allows companies to bring in skilled professionals in specialized fields. Similarly, the L-1 visa enables multinational companies to transfer executives or employees with specialized knowledge to their U.S. branches. Both of these visa categories are essential for companies looking to expand their workforce with international talent, complementing the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by the EB-5 investor visa.

For shorter-term business needs, the B-1 Business visa provides another avenue. This visa allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. temporarily for business purposes such as meetings, negotiations, or contract discussions, though it does not permit employment. While the B-1 is more limited in scope compared to the EB-5 or L-1 visas, it plays an important role in facilitating international business relations and contributing to the overall economic growth driven by foreign investment. Each of these visa types supports different facets of U.S. employment immigration, from long-term entrepreneurial investments to short-term business engagements.

If you’re considering the EB-5 investor visa program for permanent residency, it’s essential to understand that the process is more intricate than merely investing money.

An immigration attorney at Hanlon Law Group, P.C. is available to address all your queries about the EB-5 investor program and other immigration-related concerns. Regardless of your location, we offer:

• Insights about investor visas and relevant treaty trader regulations.
• Expert, cost-effective representation for your immigration requirements.

Reach out to us at (800) 976-5675 or email to schedule a complimentary, confidential consultation. We’re here to assist you.

Qualifications for Investor Visas

To be eligible as an immigrant investor, one must invest:

• $1,000,000 (U.S.) in a qualifying business without borrowing.
• $500,000 (U.S.) in a business in a rural or high unemployment area, termed as a “targeted area” by USCIS, without loans.

Furthermore, investor visa applicants must demonstrate that their investment led to the creation of at least 10 new jobs for U.S. residents or authorized workers within two years. These jobs should exclude the investor and their immediate family.

The EB-5 visa investment can be:

• Direct investment into a U.S. business.
• Regional investment in a preapproved area. Here, direct job creation proof isn’t mandatory as the regional center’s business model ensures indirect job creation for at least 10 U.S. workers.

Annually, the U.S. government can issue up to 10,000 EB-5 visas to qualifying investors. Legally, half of these can be allocated to those making regional investments.

Investor Visa Categories: Types of Investor Visas

The EB-5 program encompasses four distinct investment visa categories:

• C5 visas for job creation outside targeted areas.
• T5 visas within targeted areas like rural regions or high unemployment zones.
• R5 visas for pilot programs outside targeted zones.
• I5 visas for pilot programs within targeted areas.

Initiating an Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa Application

The investor visa application begins with Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur. This form, accompanied by the current filing fee of $3,675 (as of December 2016), should be accurately completed and submitted to the USCIS. Given the complexity, it’s advisable to collaborate with an experienced immigration attorney to expedite the process and avoid potential pitfalls.

Additional Immigration Services for Immigrant Investors

Beyond EB-5 services, we offer a spectrum of related services, including:

• E-1 and E-2 Visas (for Treaty Traders).
• H-1B Visas (for Skilled Professionals).
• L-1A Visas (for Multinational Executives and Managers).

At Hanlon Law Group, P.C., we have a consistent track record in assisting investors in obtaining the appropriate investment visa. Our clients, both individual and corporate, can directly access our system to monitor the status of an investor visa petition or applications for multiple employees.

Contact Hanlon Law Group, P.C.

Our attorney at Hanlon Law Group, P.C. is prepared to discuss your situation and guide you in achieving the desired immigration status change. With over two decades of expertise and leveraging advanced technology, we ensure top-tier immigration services and representation. You can trust in the swift progression of your case and prompt, clear, and honest responses to your queries.

Contact us at (800) 976-5675 or email to discover more about our services and how we can assist. We proudly offer:

• Attentive, personalized service.
• Multilingual services, including Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and more.
• Various payment options, including credit cards and payment plans.

From our Pasadena office, we cater to clients in Los Angeles, throughout California, and globally.