Recommendations for EB-5 Reform from the CIS Ombudsman
The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, provides independent analysis of problems encountered by individuals and employers interacting with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and proposes changes to mitigate those problems.
CLICK HERE to read the recommendations presented to the Department of Homeland Security on March 18 2009 for issues relating to the EB-5 immigrant visa, designed to help stabilize and energize the program.
Some Potential Exciting News for E-2 Investor Visa Holders
Congressman Adam Putnam has introduced a bill into Congress, tentatively named the E-2 Nonimmigrant Investor Adjustment Act of 2009. Its purpose is to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit certain E-2 nonimmigrant investors to adjust status to lawful permanent resident status. As of February 24, 2009, it has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Read more
EB-5 Visa Program Extended Through September 2009
Many people didn’t realize that the EB-5 Regional Center program was in danger of disappearing in February because the legislation that authorized it was set to expire. We received good news on February 25th, 2009 that the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill (H.R. 1105), totaling $410 billion, and that measure includes provisions that would extend two immigration related programs — the EB-5 regional center program and Basic Pilot (E-Verify) program– through September 30, 2009.
E Visa Treaty Countries
In order to qualify for an E-1 or E-2 Visa (Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor), the person who is trying to get the visa must be from one of the countries that has a treaty with the U.S. for that visa. Some countries are not on the list, and therefore, citizens of those countries do not qualify for E-1 or E-2 Visas. Some countries only qualify for E-1, some only for E-2, and some for both. See this list below, and be sure to read the Country Specific Footnotes below the list. NOTE: If you do not see your country here, you still are able to get a visa via an investment using the EB-5 visa category. Contact Cowden Law for more details. EMAIL US HERE. Read more
A BUSINESS VISA – LIVING AND WORKING LEGALLY IN THE U.S.A.
Immigration to the United States is a dream or goal of many people, from all over the world. In today’s U.S. economy, there are many bargains to be had in real estate and in business. These bargains can be the pathway by which non-U.S. citizens can realize their dream to live and work legally inside the U.S..
There are several visas designed to assist foreign citizens in working and living in the U.S. Which one a person, business, or family uses depends on their circumstances and their ultimate goals. Some business type visas can be “turned into” permanent lawful status and others never allow a person to become a permanent resident. Those that cannot be adjusted to permanent residency can often be repeatedly renewed, allowing for long term residence in the U.S. by default. Most provide that spouses of the visa applicant can work while living in the U.S. at a business other than the one for which the visa was granted.
For more detailed information on visas available to you, please visit the L Visa and E Visa pages of our site, or contact us by CLICKING HERE or by phone [in the U.S., (561) 882-6500, outside the U.S., please use the country code "001"]