Irving Investor Immigration Lawyer

Dallas County Immigration Attorney for EB-5 Visa Applications

Foreign citizens have a number of options for immigrating to the United States, becoming lawful permanent residents, and eventually obtaining citizenship. One path to immigration that can benefit both an immigrant and others is through investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States. When applying for a visa through the EB-5 investor program, a person will need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary documentation to immigration officials. To ensure that this process can be completed successfully, an investor can work with a lawyer who understands the applicable immigration laws and the requirements that will need to be met.

John W. Lawit, LLC provides legal help with a wide variety of immigration issues. Our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience representing clients in immigration cases. With our understanding of the requirements that immigrants will need to meet, the documentation they will need to provide, and the issues that may arise during the immigration process, we can ensure that a person follows the correct steps to obtain authorization to enter and live in the United States. We can also provide guidance throughout the path to citizenship, including assisting with applications for green cards and naturalization.

EB-5 Requirements for Capital Investments and Job Creation

Immigration laws in the United States provide investors with the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents and pursue citizenship if they make investments that stimulate the U.S. economy. To receive an EB-5 immigrant visa, an immigrant will need to invest capital in a new commercial enterprise in the United States that creates jobs for U.S. workers.

A new commercial enterprise may include any for-profit business that was established after November 29, 1990. A business established before November 29, 1990 may also qualify if it was purchased by a new owner and restructured or reorganized to create a new commercial entity or if an investment resulted in an expansion of a business that increased its net worth or number of employees by at least 40 percent.

An investment in a commercial enterprise may consist of monetary funds, equipment, other tangible assets, or debt that is secured by collateral owned by the immigrant investor. In most cases, an immigrant must invest a minimum of $1.8 million. However, if the business is located in a targeted employment area, the minimum investment is $900,000. Targeted employment areas include rural areas or other areas with an unemployment rate that is at least 1.5 times the national average.

An immigrant's investment in a business must also create a certain number of jobs. In most cases, at least 10 full-time jobs must be created for employees who are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or immigrants who have been authorized to work in the United States. A full-time job must provide at least 35 hours of work per week, and temporary or seasonal positions do not qualify. In cases where a person invests in a troubled business that experienced a loss of at least 20 percent of its net worth during the two years prior to the date of the investor's visa application, an investment must maintain the business's existing employment levels for at least two years.

Contact Our Bedford Investor Immigration Attorneys

Investing in a U.S. business can be a lucrative opportunity that will allow a person to take steps on the path toward citizenship. However, investors must provide detailed financial information and ensure that they are meeting all of their requirements to be eligible for an EB-5 visa. Our firm can assist with this process and make sure all of the proper documentation is provided to immigration officials. To learn how we can help with these matters, contact our office at 214-609-2242. We provide legal help to investor immigrants in Addison, Irving, Farmers Branch, Dallas County, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Coppell, Bedford, Euless, Grapevine, and Carrollton.