The United States has a long history of immigrants who have come to the United States and established important businesses. The inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, emigrated to the United States from Scotland and later started the family of Bell companies now generally known as AT & T. More recently Sergey Brin came to America from Russia. Once here he and his business partner, Larry Page formed Google, the search engine giant which is now one of the most influential companies on the planet.
Recognizing the vitality and value which foreign entrepreneurs bring to the United States, the country’s immigration system encourages immigrants to come to the United States if they can demonstrate they intend to employ American workers. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issue up to 10,000 visas every year for entrepreneurs who make an investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States. Under the EB-5 visa, the spouse and any children under 21 of the petitioning investor/businessperson can also apply for a green card.
The entrepreneur must plan to create or preserve ten permanent full time jobs for qualified United States workers and be eligible to apply for a green card securing permanent residence. In addition, they must invest $1,000,000, or at least $500,000 in a targeted employment area (high unemployment or rural area).
For entrepreneurs living outside the United States, the petitioner must apply via consular processing in their country. For those already living here, they can seek approval of a Form I-526 Petition. Upon approval, they can apply for a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. As there are many other documentary and other requirements necessary to qualify for this kind of green card as an alien entrepreneur, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney about the process and so they can prepare and submit the required documentation necessary for successful acquisition of this kind of visa.
The Shulman Law Group, LLC has successfully prepared and filed many petitions on behalf of its clients who wish to start a business or invest in the United States. Its comprehensive experience in the field enables the firm’s attorneys and professional staff to understand what information and materials needs to be produced in order to ensure petitions receive appropriate consideration. The firm’s excellence is fortified by its rigorous determination to ensure that all procedural matters are properly addressed.