BLOG

With the minimum investment amount for EB-5 raised to $900,000, and H-1B and L-1 petitions facing heightened scrutiny from USCIS, our office has received many inquires on alternative options for individuals looking to come to the United States. The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is an amazing alternative option available to those who are not willing or able to pursue the EB-5 visa; while the E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa,…

On November 21, 2019, the EB-5 industry entered a new era; the Department of Homeland Security implemented new regulations, and these regulations constitute the most substantial change the EB-5 industry has seen since the implementation of the Regional Center Program in 1993. The most significant changes affecting investors and regional centers are as follows: Priority Dates: USCIShas clarified that Applicants are entitled to the earliest priority date if multiple immigrant…

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, the agency will allow employment-based green card applicants (including EB-5) to use the “Dates for Filing” (Chart B) from the October 2019 Visa Bulletin when petitioning USCIS for their adjustment of status (AOS) during October 2019. What does this good news mean for you? EB-5 visa applicants from China, Vietnam, or India who have an approved I-526 and are currently living in the United…

On June 11, 2018 USCIS released a memo relating to I-829 processing changes. Effective immediately, instead of getting an automatic 12 extension of status when filing an I-829, USCIS will now extend I-829 applicants and their family members for 18 months based on longer processing times. From the USCIS Memo: As of June 11, 2018, petitioners who file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition…

The E-1 visa category allows foreign nationals who are citizens of treaty countries to engage in activities as a treaty trader, or as an employee of a qualifying entity that in turn must be a treaty trader.  Treaty traders engage in substantial international trade of goods, services, or technology between the treaty country and themselves. E-1 Visa Requirements E-1 Treaty Trader  The treaty trader must meet the following criteria to qualify: Be…

The E-1 visa category allows foreign nationals who are citizens of treaty countries to engage in activities as a treaty trader, or as an employee of a qualifying entity that in turn must be a treaty trader.  Treaty traders engage in substantial international trade of goods, services, or technology between the treaty country and themselves. E-1 Visa Requirements E-1 Treaty Trader  The treaty trader must meet the following criteria to qualify: Be…