EB-5 LAWYER NEAR ME: WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE YOU INVEST

Is moving to the United States for a fulfilling life your American dream? For so many people in the world, it is not just a relocation—it is an odyssey that would remake their whole life. One of the choices used to make the dream become a reality is through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.  

If you are reading these pages today and you would love to live in the United States, then you will be most interested in learning all about EB-5 lawyers —who they are, what they do, and how they can assist you. 

This post will guide you step by step through the EB-5 program, tell you why a good EB-5 lawyer is a good idea, give you real-world practice, and respond to your most common questions.  

What is the EB-5 Program? 

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is an impressive US immigration benefit. It offers immigrant investors, their spouses, and their unmarried under-21-year-old children lawful permanent resident (or “green card”) status. 

This is provided they make an investment in a new commercial enterprise that directly or indirectly creates or saves a minimum of 10 full-time American jobs. 

Minimum capital is usually $1,000,000, or $500,000 in a high-unemployment neighborhood or in a rural county. It is not just a chance for applicants, but their families as well. 

Why New York? The spirit of opportunity 

New York is the most ethnically diverse city in the US. You turn your head while you are in New York and you are looking at people speaking the other side of the world’s language.  

New York is the perfect location for the EB-5 program. This is especially because it has a vast, expansive world of immigrants and seasoned EB-5 lawyers skilled in ebbs and flows of immigration practice and law. 

Role of EB-5 lawyers 

The plain truth is that the EB-5 process is not simple. Applications take weeks, policies shift, and stakes are high. That is where EB-5 visa lawyers come in. They will help you with the following: 

• Lead you through all the program requires. 

• Read and sign significant documents. 

• Prevent money- and time-shortage. 

• Help you go through law amendments or unplanned delays. 

• Battle on your behalf in the lean possibility that there is a flaw in your application. 

What is it about EB-5 lawyers that makes them a great option 

1. Cultural sensitivity: EB-5 lawyers are bi-lingual or make use of interpreters. They understand how to put you at ease and directly address you. 
2. Experience: They will have hundreds (even thousands) of EB-5 experiences. You can benefit from their pool of experience.
3. Local knowledge: Their local business opportunity and experience is their ace card. EB-5 lawyers will introduce you to regional centers or developers. 
4. One-on-one service: EB-5 lawyers will never treat you as a number. They will listen to you talking about your background, family, and aspirations. 

Step-by-step EB-5 experience with the right guidance 

The first meeting

It starts with a consultation. EB-5 visa lawyers will usually provide you with an initial consultation—at no charge, maybe. You will discuss: 

• Your dreams. 

• Your funds. 

• Whether the EB-5 program is for you. 

Sit in a good, not-cluttered room. They will sort out your questions and put aside your concerns. 

Preparing your petition

This is the grunge phase. Your EB-5 lawyer will guide you through: 

• Assembling documents to explain where your money originated. 

• Manage the I-526 petition (the primary EB-5 application form). 

• Acquire business plans in case you are a businessperson. 

EB-5 lawyers will take the necessary steps on time. This way, deadlines never turn into an end-game issue. 

Investment management

Most of the EB-5 investors invest in Regional center projects. Your EB-5 visa lawyer does not disclose what to invest but assists: 

• Discover whether it is illegal. 

• Discover whether it is EB-5 compliant. 

• Reading contracts so you are aware of your rights. 

Your EB-5 lawyer has something up their sleeve to simply keep pushing and get you approved for the EB-5 program when you are simply ready to begin a business. 

Communication

Your EB-5 lawyer keeps you abreast step by step. This is even in situations where there appears to be any good news. You know at all times what is going on and what is coming next. 

Next action after approval

When you get your I-526 approval, your EB-5 lawyer helps you: 

• Obtaining your visa (if foreign) or status adjustment (if already inside the United States). 

• Responding to questions by the government in a fog. 

• Preparation for the interview, if required. 

Troubleshooting with EB-5 lawyers 

EB-5 will never be a piece of cake. Disappointment, setback, or legislative changes can be humiliatingly immediate. Skilled EB-5 lawyers are best equipped to: 

• Reveal and correct hidden defects in documents. 

• Responding to a “Request for Evidence” by immigration authorities. 

• Preventing the threat of law changes that can impact your filing. 

• Be the hero if your project failed or went wrong. 

They help you enjoy a smooth sailing on the bumpy ride of the EB-5 process. 

Things to look out for in EB-5 lawyers 

Your EB-5 lawyer of choice will be your saviour. Here is what to look out for: 

• Plain language: You need them to talk plainly, and most importantly, give you the plain and simple answers you want. 

• EB-5 savviness: Select the EB-5 lawyer with specific and specialized knowledge of the EB-5 process. Immigration is a large practice area, but there is nuance in the EB-5 process. 

• Knowledge of the local county: New York experience is an added advantage. 

• Access: Is it convenient enough that you can simply call them up, email them, or reserve through them? 

• Transparent fees: A good EB-5 lawyer gives you transparent EB-5 lawyer fees before something actually occurs. 

How EB-5 lawyers serve as your protector of trust 

Trust is vital, particularly if your future is what you are battling for. Any good EB-5 lawyers will: 

• Hear you patiently. 

• Calm you down without losing your trust. 

• Educate you on all of your questions, no matter how silly. 

• Prepare yourself for the process so that you will not be surprised. 

EB-5 lawyers can attest that families who were born and raised in New York now own businesses, are paying taxes, and even have children studying here. They are all unique but good advice certainly must be the secret behind all the differences. 

Real stories: Success in the US 

The small business dream

An EB-5 investor couple from South Asian decided to invest in an SME-manufacturing company. They had a very micromanaging EB-5 lawyer who made them answerable to their last penny. 

They have waited for around several months for preparation, and they now hold an  EB-5 green card, apart from having a successful business with 12 employees from the surrounding neighborhood community. 

The regional center investor

One South American female entrepreneur invested in New York’s real estate development at a neighborhood center.  

The EB-5 lawyer guided her family through every document and explained every process step by step in Spanish language translation. Today, she resides in Forest Hills. 

The family journey

A Chinese dad, with a child learning in a US school, retained an EB-5 lawyer to raise funds for a mall.  

Apart from some challenges on the horizon in the form of outstanding issues involving delays and immigration, determination and know-how on the part of the EB-5 lawyer helped to make the EB-5 process successful. 

Things to avoid 

There is always a cloud somewhere to watch out for. They include: 

• EB-5 lawyers with no track-record. 

• A fee-phobic EB-5 lawyer. 

• EB-5 lawyers with minimal experience in EB-5 or bewildered by plans. 

• Risk exaggeration on your investment. 

Choose someone who will tell it to you straight—even if you do not enjoy hearing it. 

Get help! 

Ready to get started? US immigration through the EB-5 program is not quick and easy, but with vision, good planning, and good counsel, it can be the best thing you have ever done.  

Gehi and Associates has a solution for you. Our EB-5 lawyers are ready and committed to guide your American dream home safely . 

Connect with us today! 

FAQs 

Let us end on a positive note with answers to some of the most common EB-5 questions. Interested? You are not alone! 

1. Do I really need an EB-5 lawyer? 

Yes, nearly always. Papers are complicated and mistakes will disqualify your case. A knowledgeable EB-5 lawyer makes it simpler and less stressful. 

2. How is an EB-5 lawyer compensated? 

The EB-5 lawyer fees vary based on services and levels of experience. Some charge a flat EB-5 lawyer fee; others charge hourly. Always receive a good explanation up front. 

3. Will an EB-5 lawyer assist with finding an investment? 

An EB-5 lawyer will counsel you, but they will not recommend investments. They are there to advise and make sure the investment you make is EB-5 compliant. 

4. How long does the EB-5 process take? 

Processing time will be varied, but 1-2 years after initial approval, sometimes more due to government or demand slumps. 

5. Can I bring my family along? 

Your spouse and unmarried minor children under 21 are included in your EB-5 case. 

More FAQs 

6. What if my investment generates less than 10 jobs? 

Your EB-5 green card could be job contingent. Your petition is made perfect for success by a wonderful EB-5 lawyer. They will be with you when disaster strikes. 

7. Do I have to learn English? 

No. EB-5 lawyers themselves will interpret most languages or use interpreters to present your case so that you will fully comprehend everything. 

8. What do I do after I get my green card? 

The goal of the first green card is a two-year green card. Your EB-5 lawyer will show you how to waive conditions later with proof of creating jobs and compliance. 

9. What if my petition was denied? 

Your EB-5 lawyer will let you know why your petition was denied and what you can do about it—typically, you can refile or appeal. 

10. How do I get a good EB-5 lawyer? 

Interview a few EB-5 lawyers before you decide. Ask about experience, communication style, and referrals.