March 4th, 2010 |
 When investing at least $500,000 in an EB5 visa it is absolutely critical that you receive the latest information and have immigration advice from an experienced EB5 lawyer.
We remain concerned that a number of investors are consulting us after they have already invested in a particular center and have only then discovered issues which are of concern to them.
We recently had a number of requests for advice following articles in newspapers about ongoing investigations by the FBI and Immigration authorities into a company that it is reported has potentially defrauded millions of dollars from a number of its clients.
It has also been reported that a number of the families requesting information had emigrated to the USA using this company and were concerned that their visas had possibly been obtained using incorrect information – the results of this could be very serious particularly for E2 and L1 visa holders coming up for renewal time.
We were particularly concerned that some of the blog sites reporting this case of fraud, including a couple from Attorneys, appear to have obtained the information from newspaper articles only and their information carried items that was factually incorrect.
It is absolutely critical that you are kept informed of the latest information when considering your EB-5 visa options. If you would like to be updated on the latest information or would like details of our free consultation and briefing sessions please contact us at Which EB5 visa.
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Tags: attorney, E2, eb-5 visa options, eb5, eb5 lawyer, Immigration, investor visa, L1, USA
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
February 15th, 2010 |
 Be careful where you get your information about the EB5 visa We monitor much of the information being put out about the EB5 visa. This information comes from Regional Centers, Attorneys, trade publications, local newspapers and many other sources both legitimate and otherwise.
Every now and then we come across a report that is completely wrong. We have come across a number of these on immigration blogs. Recently one announcement we read caused us considerable concern on several counts, it was totally inaccurate, it was from an Attorney, which would normally add credibility, and as yet it has still not been corrected.
The piece refers to a statement about the number of clients for a relatively new regional center program and included the following:-
“Recently, I was invited to attend an informational seminar about the […….] Regional Center, a very prosperous EB-5 Regional Service Center located in […….] Over 200 EB-5 Visas have been given to those investing in this center in the last year, an outstanding accomplishment for an EB-5 Regional Service Center”.
The problem is the center in question is recently established, is in the early stages of marketing its program, it has closer to zero than 200 actual EB5 clients! - Reading this would a potential investor question the statement? It came from an attorney, it must be true right? Sadly, no. It is misleading at best, ill informed and quite literally a complete fabrication. For what motive we are unsure. We are looking forward to seeing a retraction and explanation and will report further on this as the news unfolds.
Be careful where you get information about the EB-5 visa program. We are happy to clarify anything you wish to double check, just ask.
Andrew Bartlett and Stephen Parnell are authors of Green Card via the Red Carpet available on Amazon
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Tags: attorney, eb-5, eb5, Green Card via the Red Carpet, immigrant investor visa, immigration blogs, misleading, regional center
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
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 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 » |
October 20th, 2009 |
Yesterday I was at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) EB-5 Conference in San Francisco. Many of the areas of discussion will be important to those of you presently looking into the EB-5 regional center visa route and over the next few days I will highlight those topics which will have a bearing on your decision.
One point covered several times was concern with the sheer number of regional centers being approved by USCIS and the potential consequences for you as an immigrant investor faced with these choices. If you make the wrong decision you face not only losing your permanent resident status after two years, but also your $500,000 or in some cases $1,000,000 investment.
It was clear from talking to Government officials and Attorneys at the Conference that certain types of programs have potentially concerning attributes (in a number of ways), whereas others seem to offer a simpler, some might say safer, route. Over the next week I will cover these issues for you, as well as update you on the regional centers in California I am visiting this week.
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Tags: AILA, attorney, california, eb-5, eb5, government officials, immigrant investor, investment, permanent residence, regional center, uscis, visa
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
October 6th, 2009 |
For those of you looking for families who have EB-5 visa experience and have subsequently settled in America, or are looking for facts on regional centers or attorneys who have the greatest experience of EB-5 options, there is now a wide range of detailed information available to you.
As the EB-5 program has now been operating for several years there are a numbers of families who have experienced the entire cycle. They originally obtained their I-526’s, had conditions removed via the I-829, have lived in the US long enough to apply for citizenship, and have had a return on their original $500,000 investment or are due to in the next few months.
Their experience on the return on their investments are particularly interesting for those considering the EB-5 option as some investing in particular centers received back less than they originally invested; others are likely to receive back at least the $500.000 they initially invested plus interest.
It is also interesting to analyze the relative experience of the sixty plus regional centers that have been approved by the USCIS to offer regional center EB-5 programs. Again there are significant differences when using different criteria to measure results. All of which are important for potential EB5 investors to consider.
If you are seeking feedback of either immigrants experience of the EB-5 or the experience of the various regional centers it would be worth contacting WhichEB5 who have carried out research in these areas. Visit Which EB5 now for full information.
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Tags: America, attorney, eb-5, eb5, eb5 investors, experience, I-526, I-829, investment, options, regional center, research, uscis, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
August 4th, 2009 |
I have just enjoyed another nine hour flight across the Atlantic after undertaking several relocation briefings in Europe. It seems that whatever the troubles are in the world there are still many of you who for a number of reasons want to emigrate to the USA, however sometimes that’s where problems can start.
On the flight over I was talking to the passenger next to me, who hearing what I do relayed his experiences of the immigration process, some of his problems seemed more turbulent than the bumpy patches we kept hitting during the flight!
He had embarked on the treadmill of immigration to the States several years before beginning with an investment of over $300,000 in a business to obtain an L1 visa which had been granted for one year. However he had found it difficult to maintain his business in his home country while developing his new business in America; he had been advised by his Attorney to then apply for an E2 visa. This was successful and he was granted a visa for three years however the full implications of the E2 visa not providing permanent residence had not registered with him.
As we were talking he mentioned that his eldest child was just finishing High School and about to enter University in the States, he had found out that she would not qualify for lower fees that residence status would have provided and additionally she may well have to return to her country of birth after graduation, as after 21 she would no longer be covered by his E2 status.
Apparently he had never been advised about the EB-5 program or the financial implications of not having permanent residence status - when adding up all his costs to date comprising several sets of attorney fees, the business investment in the USA, higher property taxes, higher College fees for his children and after all that the children having to return to their country of birth, it seemed an expensive oversight.
Which EB5 research all regional centers, you make the same $500,000 investment and get independent experts at no cost to you. Our impartial advise has helped more than a hundred families obtain Green cards. Contact the experts at Which EB5 by clicking here now.
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Tags: attorney, E2, eb-5, emigrate, green cards, Immigration, L1, permanent residence, regional centers, USA, visa, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
July 16th, 2009 |
Today we look at a case study that relates to an Australian family who wished to relocate to Florida.
The husband owned large specialist employment businesses in Australia and the UK. He required a visa route that offered permanent residency and green cards for all the family – with older teenage children he was concerned that other visa types might present too much risk for their future.
After a briefing with us they decided to look at the EB-5 pilot program in more detail and subsequently decided to invest $500,000 in a Limited Partnership under a Regional Center in a Targeted Employment area. The Project involved the demolition, renovation and construction of a warehouse/storage complex for mixed use.
The family decided to sell their business and property assets which provided them with total net worth well in excess of the required (by regulation) million dollar figure.
The family wanted an Attorney based in Florida with a track record of working on EB-5 applications and also had a number of questions for us regarding possible locations to resettle in, the schooling system, moving, property, transfer of pets, health coverage etc.
The I-526 approval took several months and the couple were then interviewed at the U.S. Consulate and granted visas.
We have continued to keep in touch and checked out issues that have cropped up with them for the benefit of new clients, a key one being the exit strategy of the program they opted for in the light of the world downturn and subsequent attractive projects coming on the market.
If you are planning to retire permanently to the USA and are interested in the EB5 regional center pilot program you can contact the partners at Which EB-5 using this link.
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Tags: attorney, eb-5, exit stratergy, florida, green card, I-526, regional center, relocate, retire, targeted employment area, visa, Which EB-5
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
April 13th, 2009 |
Following our overview from last week we will today look at the practice of some regional centers requiring their investors to use a designated attorney to file the I-526 petition.
In general we do not favor this practice. Our position is that you should have as much independent advice as possible, this would include an attorney independent of any regional center, an accountant and a business legal advisor. Think about buying a house; would you want to use the same legal representative as the seller or have your own? The provision of experience always needs to be taken into consideration though particularly in something as complex as the filing of an I-526 petition for an alien investor in a regional center case.
In no way are we casting aspersions on attorneys who work with specific regional centers; it is entirely possible that they made the list of approval because they are known for their high ethics, experiance and impartiality. The only point is that this is a practice that could be positive or negative, and largely that will depend on the policies, practices, and code of ethics of the chosen regional center.
You will want to talk with your advisor to decide the implications that may apply to you.
Tomorrow we will look at how relatively new regional centers compare to those with an established record.
As usual, please contact us with any questions or comments via this blog, our websiteor Skype.
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Tags: alien investor, attorney, code of ethics, eb-5, I-526, regional center
Posted in Immigration | No Comments » |
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