EB-5 Process
Under the Immigrant Investor Program, the U.S. government provides 10,000 visas each year to foreign investors who wish to gain legal permanent residency in the United States. However, the process can be complicated and failure to meet the qualifications or uphold the regulations of the program could cause a petition to be rejected or an immigrant’s residency status to be removed. Therefore, applying for an EB-5 visa often requires the assistance of a qualified EB-5 immigration lawyer.
At White & Associates, our EB-5 attorneys have over 15 years of experience helping investors and their families apply for EB-5 visas in order to become legal permanent residents of the United States. To speak with a lawyer about the Immigrant Investor Program, contact our offices today at 818-730-3540.
Overview of the EB-5 Process
To begin the EB-5 process, an investor must first invest in a new or qualifying business, or in a Regional Center. After the investment has been made, the investor may submit an I-526 petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. After submitting this petition, successful applicants will go through the following process:
- Receive approval of their I-526 petition
- Apply for visas at the U.S. embassy or apply to adjust residency status if residing lawfully in the U.S.
- Arrive in the U.S. within 6 months after a visa is issued and become a conditional legal permanent resident from the date of entry
Although investors are required to be involved in the management of their investment, they may live, work, or study anywhere in the U.S. for the two-year period of their conditional visa status.
Removing Conditional Status
Before the two-year conditional period expires, an investor and his or her family members must apply for the removal of their conditional status, which will extend their legal status for one year. If all qualifications have been met, the investor and his or her family will be approved after 3 to 6 months for new, unconditional green cards that remain valid for a period of ten years. The investor and his or her family may apply for citizenship after holding permanent residency for a period of 4 years and 9 months.
Contact Us
Applying for a visa can be complicated, and any mistakes can result in a significant time delay or a rejection of your application. As such, it is important that you have experienced legal assistance as you begin the visa application process. If you and your family need legal assistance investing in a U.S. enterprise and applying for an EB-5 visa, contact an EB-5 visa attorney from White & Associates today by calling 818-730-3540.
