December 30th, 2009 |
 How Quickly Can You Get A Green Card? We are asked many questions regarding the EB-5 regional center program and this is one which often causes confusion, particularly if applicants have come to us after receiving contrary advice elsewhere. We have come across a number of instances where one Attorney has answered yes however another one has said no. There have also been claims from Regional centers themselves that their applications have been processed faster than other centers.
Generally cases are on the same track and adjudicated within the same overall processing time. However, in certain cases there can be very significant differences if a RFE is issued (Request for Further Evidence). The impact this can have on an application can vary, it may be that the service center processing the application requires more information on the individual application; sometimes the service center requires considerably more information on a particular regional center program. There have been a number of such instances in the past and we have identified issues where the regional centers themselves have not flagged up previous problems where there have been significant delays for clients.
For information on these delays, which can be very important if you have a very tight time frame, (for instance you want to be over for the school year or your current visa is due to expire) contact info@Whicheb5.com
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Tags: attorney, eb-5, I-526, immigrant investor, regional center
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 28th, 2009 |
 Is America still a good place to emigrate to? A recent article in the Economist magazine (December 19th 2009) looked at this question in some depth and made some interesting points; including the observation that one of the greatest strengths of America is that people want to live there. A recent immigrant was quoted as saying “America is a land that offers the chance to be whatever you want to be, it is a place where nearly any immigrant can find a niche. In America you can say what you think.”
The article points out that as America is so big and diverse that immigrants have an incredible array of choices. The proportion of Americans who are foreign born is 13% and nearly all Americans are descended from people who came from somewhere else in the past couple of centuries. No matter where an immigrant comes from he can find a cluster of his ethnic kin somewhere in America.
America has 50 states with 50 sets of laws. In America people with unusual hobbies are generally left alone.
Alejandro Mayorkas of the United States Citizenship and Immigration service is quoted as saying “People come to America either because they yearn for freedom or because they are fleeing something – be it a war or a culture that irks them “.
For more information on immigrating to America on the EB-5 investment visa contact info@whicheb5.com
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Tags: America, eb-5, emigrate, immigrant, investment visa, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 28th, 2009 |
 中国到美国的EB-5签证申请人面临金融陷阱 我们曾警告EB-5签证的申请者可能面临得不到专家独立意见的危险。那些曾经去过的多个区域中心项目的专家才是最有资格提供这种意见的人。但是不少申请移民者仅仅依靠作为一个区域中心或代理人的中介。而他们往往收取的高额费用，却仅仅提供一些非常基本的服务，这是一种很槽糕的运作。
如果不能获得公正、独立的意见，而且如果那些中介又是与给针对潜在华人移民的区域中心提出营销建议的专家合作的，一些国家的公民面临的风险可能比其他国家的人更大；在近期中国媒体的一篇报道中强调了中国公民试图移居美国的危险。
在‘中国日报’的文章警告说，中国申请者可能成为华人移民机构和外国投资机构设立的金融陷阱的受害者。我们要补充一点，这个问题不只是中国。在我们的书——《绿卡红地毯》里面讨论这个问题，目的就是协助移民考虑申请EB-5。
很明显在中国存在EB-5移民的投诉的案件，一个例子就是北京张女士，中介机构向她收取的经纪人佣金远远超出了原先向她告知的数额。
这也并非一个中国独有的问题。去年，我们报道了一起实施诈骗的案件，一些英国公民向一个中介提交了资金，后来资金却没有被转交至相应的区域中心。
我们不断强调获取得到不同区域中心各项目优点和缺点的独立、公正意见的必要性。这些意见都应该公开的为你提供。
欲了解更多信息，请联系：EB5 info@whicheb5.com
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Tags: china, chinese, eb-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 27th, 2009 |
 Chinese EB-5 visa applicants to the USA face financial traps We have previously warned of the potential dangers for EB-5 investors who fail to obtain independent advice from experts. Experts who have visited many of the regional center programs are best qualified to provide this advice. Instead some potential immigrants rely on agents representing only one regional center or agents charging big fees to provide a very basic service, this is a bad practice.
Citizens of some countries maybe more at risk than others if they do not obtain impartial, independent advice particularly if they work with a consultant who also advises regional centers on how to market their regional center to potential Chinese immigrants; a recent article in the Chinese press highlights the dangers for Chinese citizens trying to immigrate to the USA.
The article in ‘China Daily’ warns that Chinese investors may be victimized by financial traps set up by Chinese immigration agencies and foreign investment organizations. We would add that this is an issue that reaches beyond China, we cover this problem in our book (Green Card via the Red Carpet) intended to assist immigrants considering the EB-5 program.
There have apparently been complaints regarding the handling of EB-5 immigration cases in China, an example given is Mrs. Zhang in Beijing who found herself charged a brokerage fee by the agency she was using that was far in excess of the figure originally quoted.
This is not a uniquely Chinese problem. Last year we reported cases of alleged fraud carried out on UK citizens who had handed over funds to an agency that failed to pass them on to the appropriate regional center.
We continue to stress the need for independent and impartial advice that points out the positives and negatives of different regional center programs. There is no reason why this advice should not be freely given to you.
For more information contact Which EB5 info@whicheb5.com
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Tags: china, chinese, eb-5, Green Card via the Red Carpet, immigrate, Immigration, independent, investors, regional center, USA, visa
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 23rd, 2009 |
If you are reviewing options for the EB-5 investor visa, and looking for a fixed term loan investment program in the education sector, established options have been few and far between.
We have had many requests from clients asking to be informed when additional options become available – we heard yesterday that one of the largest and longest established regional center operators have just announced five places in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center which they state to be ‘one of the most renowned academic medical centers in the USA. This is a $7 billion organization and the region’s largest employer.’
These programs fill up quickly given interest from China but if you planning immigration soon via the EB-5 visa and are looking for an established regional center operator who has been in business long enough to be returning its first investors $500,000 this may be of interest to you - please contact Chase Brodsky at chase@WhichEB5.com who will immediately arrange for you to be sent details.
We wish all our blog readers a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.
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Tags: china, eb-5, education, investor visa, regional center, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 22nd, 2009 |
 Solve the EB5 Visa Puzzle Green card restrictions can be removed long before investments pay off.
Immigrant investors looking for the right Visa to gain residency in the United States shouldn’t expect a fast return on their money from the EB-5 program. Still, when the right choice in a regional center is made, green card restrictions can be successfully removed fairly quickly and risk can be minimized.
The EB-5 program provides a relatively fast way to obtain a permanent green card, but it doesn’t necessarily offer a fast return on investment. There are risks involved in all regional center investments, but they can pay off with eventual earnings returns and, more importantly, a permanent green card.
Immigrants who choose the EB-5 Visa route can expect to have to wait between 21 to 24 months before they can file an I-829 petition for the removal of conditions on a green card. After this, the wait can be several years for an investment return.
The general rule of thumb is five years, Still, it is important to keep in mind that regional centers are not allowed to guarantee a return on investment. Although the EB-5 program is still relatively new, some early immigrants are beginning to see their returns now.
There are steps investors can take to increase their chances of seeing a return on investment. Carefully researching different regional centers, their programs and the stability of investments is vital. Consultants and experienced advisers can be very useful in this process.
Ask all pertinent questions before making a decision with an EB5 investment visa.
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Tags: consultants, eb-5, eb5, green card, I-829, immigrants, investment, investment visa, regional center, removal of conditions, visa
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 17th, 2009 |
 Thanks to the recent three-year extension of the EB5 Visa program this path to a permanent residency in the United States is becoming increasingly popular. Considering what potential immigrants will have at risk it is smart for them to exercise caution throughout the process.
The EB5 Visa program calls for potential immigrants to make an investment of at least $500,000 in an approved EB5 regional center. These centers are generally in areas that have been identified as those that would benefit from an economic infusion and job creation.
Once investments are made in government-approved regional centers potential immigrants receive a two-year conditional green card. The conditions are removed at the end of two years if certain requirements are met.
EB-5 Visas are extremely useful for immigrants that desire a relatively fast way to permanent residency.
Since immigrants will have both their residency status, and initial half-million-dollar investment riding on the regional center’s performance, it is imperative to make certain the choice of regional center is viable.
Even after potential immigrants receive independent information about regional center choices it is perfectly acceptable for them to seek additional help and advice.
It can be useful to consult with a business attorney and/or a Certified Public Accountant to have the security of the investment evaluated, EB-5 Visa applicants can never be too cautious.
For further help or information please contact Which EB5 today
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Tags: advice, attorney, certified public accountant, eb-5, eb5, green card, help, immigrants, investment, permanent residence, regional center, visa, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 15th, 2009 |
 Finding the Right EB-5 Consultant is Important Expert advice can guide EB5 investors through the selection process
With the recent extension of the EB-5 program, the push is on for potential immigrants to find the right regional center investment. Using a consultant to help navigate the system and research regional centers is smart, but rushing into a decision is not.
Investors need to take a step back before they select a consultant and look at a number of key factors. The reality is there are consultants who don’t have enough experience, lack a proven track record or simply represent one regional center. An impartial, experienced hand is called for to help would-be EB-5 visa applicants protect their investment and their permanent green cards.
There are a number of things investors should ask before they make a decision to use a consultant. They include:
• Are consultants independent or are they associated with a certain regional center?
• Is there a fee charged?
• Have the consultants actually taken an in-depth look and reviewed the regional centers?
• Are the consultants also immigration attorneys? This may pose a potential conflict of interest.
• Have the consultants worked with other EB-5 immigrants in the past? What is their success rate?
• Do they have a track record of recommending more than one center?
• What kind of information can they provide?
Selecting a consultant is a smart way to work through your choice of an EB-5 Visa program. Taking time to make the right choice is vital for protecting the $500,000 investment and your green card status. Which EB-5 specializes in providing unbiased information and education to potential EB-5 visa immigrants. Get complete EB-5 Regional Center information now.
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Tags: attorney, consultant, eb-5, green card, immigrants, regional center, visa, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 14th, 2009 |
 How to Choose an EB5 Regional Center Picking the right regional center isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Foreign investors looking for fast-track permanent residency in the United States can take heart in the recent three-year extension of the EB-5 regional center program. This approval, however, shouldn’t be seen as cause to throw caution to the wind.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have approved a tremendous amount of regional centers that qualify for EB-5 investment status. On the surface, this provides excellent choice, but there are some pitfalls. Making the wrong decision on where to invest can result in a revocation of status after two years and also a loss of the initial $500,000 to $1 million investment.
EB-5 investors have several things beyond making their money back to worry about. They must also be certain the investment does meet the qualifications set by Washington, D.C., and it must also result in the creation of at least 10 jobs.
The EB5 program does provide an excellent way to speed up your Visa, and ultimately your citizenship process, but investors should take the time to educate themselves before moving forward. Making a $500,000 investment is a big undertaking no matter the circumstances.
Potential immigrants need to gain solid information about a number of factors before moving ahead. Some of the things to consider include which regional centers obtain green cards the fastest, which ones are offering a rapid return on investment and even which ones have a 100 percent rate of obtaining green cards.
What is the best way to choose an EB-5 Regional Center?
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Tags: citizenship, eb-5, eb5, green card, immigrants, investment, investors, permanent residence, regional center, united states, visa, washington dc
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
December 11th, 2009 |
An Indian expert on US immigration law recently presented a new theory on immigration. He explained that now maybe the right time to enter the US. He went on to say:
“There been a decline in number of Indian students going to the US. A significant decline of 15% has been noted in the flow of students bound for the US. However, this decline has not affected genuine students wanting to take advantage of the US education system, which is undoubtedly the best. This decline has happened only in relation to the students who are prospective emigrants and want to use student visas to sneak into the US. They are backing out now because they feel that, in the present circumstances, even if they invest in a US degree, they may not be able to earn on the campus. The US authorities always wanted to curb such an inflow and recession has helped them in streamlining the influx of Indian students some of who are now turning to the EB5 visa.
There has been a steep fall in the number of H1B visas too, on which the maximum number of Indian techies used to enter the US. In the wake of the slowdown, the US authorities initiated new measures that include the denial of certain business incentives to firms hiring skilled immigrant workers on H1B visas. That shrunk the number of H1B visas. An alternative is the EB-5 investor category visa, which has started luring increasing numbers of Indians”. Link to original article
For more information visit: www.EB5-INFO.com
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Tags: eb-5, eb5, education, H-1B, Immigration, indian, investors, students, US degree, USA, visa
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
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