Are you interested in migrating to the United States with your family to secure the future of your children? If so, you should attend The American Legal Center’s seminar on Saturday, September 17, 2022 in Dubai to learn more about the United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

The EB-5 program, which is the U.S. golden visa equivalent, was created by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and injection of foreign capital. The program allows participants to apply to receive U.S. Green Cards for themselves and their qualifying dependents (spouse and children under 21 years of age) by virtue of an investment of $800,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. Foreign investors are required to create ten full-time jobs for U.S. persons with their investment; however, by investing through a regional center, applicants can benefit from a passive investment, meaning that the regional center will satisfy the job creation requirements on their behalf. A regional center is an economic unit designated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that pools foriegn investors’ funds for the purpose of job creation.

Over the past year, the EB-5 program has experienced a number of changes with the passage of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) in March. Given the new legislative updates in favor of foreign investors, the EB-5 program is experiencing an increase in demand. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Shai Zamanian, the Legal Director and founder of The American Legal Center, a top immigration consultancy based in Dubai, is urging interested families to begin their application process now. “Given pent up demand for the EB-5 program, we are seeing an increase in the number of applications. Interested families are advised to act quickly to take advantage of this window of opportunity,” says Shai Zamanian.

As thought leaders in the industry, The American Legal Center continuously hosts complimentary in-person seminars in the Middle East to educate families on the EB-5 program. The American Legal Center is hosting their next seminar on Saturday, September 17 at the Address Sky View in Downtown Dubai. Their team of U.S. licensed lawyers and professionals will be discussing key changes implemented by the RIA including but not limited to the introduction of concurrent filing (option to file now and work and live in the U.S. immediately thereafter), innocent investor protections, and available payment plan options for investors. The seminar will be divided into two sessions, one at 2:00 pm and another at 4:00 pm. To start your migration journey to the United States, reserve your spot for the upcoming seminar by contacting +971 50 938 6092 or media@america.ae.

The article Planning to Migrate to the United States? Attend This Seminar on the EB-5 Golden Visa appeared first on Arabian Post.

The U.S. golden visa, officially known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, is going full speed ahead as investors can now immediately file their Green Card applications with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). On August 24, 2022, USCIS and the top leading regional centers of the EB-5 program filed a settlement agreement with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California bringing to an end litigation over interpretation of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA or the Act).

The EB-5 program was created by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to incentivize the injection of foreign capital in the U.S. economy. By virtue of an investment of $800,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the United States, foreign nationals can apply for U.S. Green Cards for themselves, their spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21. As part of an initiative to make the EB-5 program more attractive to foreign investors, the U.S. Congress initiated the regional center program in 1992 to allow EB-5 applicants to be passive investors in regional center projects and still avail the benefits of the EB-5 program. A regional center is an economic unit in the United States, designated by USCIS, that is involved in promoting economic growth.

The RIA, passed into law by the U.S. Congress in March 2022, improved the EB-5 program for foreign applicants seeking to obtain their U.S. Green Cards. The Act provides further transparency and security for applicants and thus has made the program even more attractive to foreign investors. The U.S. golden visa program is now reauthorized until 2027 and this long-term extension provides security for investors in knowing that the program will remain stable.

For months, the top regional centers and USCIS were in litigation over interpretation of the Act. USCIS had effectively hindered the program from moving forward by requiring regional centers to file Form I-956F. EB-5 investors were only able to file their EB-5 petitions once an I-956F receipt notice had been issued; however, USCIS was delaying the issuance of these receipt notices. In the settlement agreement, the parties agreed to allow EB-5 investors to file their petitions as long as ten calendar days had passed since a regional center had filed its Form I-956F. Therefore, there is no longer a requirement of having received a receipt notice from USCIS prior to filing an EB-5 application.

Additionally, regional centers can continue their operations with their current designation status filed before the passage of the new law. Regional centers now have until December 29, 2022 to file Form I-956 to continue their operations. USCIS has agreed to give deference to previous regional center approvals and project exemplar approvals.

A crucial term of the settlement agreement is that USCIS has agreed to hold quarterly meetings for the next two years with representatives of regional centers in order to discuss the settlement agreement, its implementation, and any modifications necessary to ensure that the EB-5 program is a success. This continuing dialogue between USCIS and regional centers is unprecedented and will be a huge step in making the program more effective for EB-5 investors.

The terms of the settlement agreement have been presented to the presiding judge and will become final once the court provides approval. Once accepted, the doors for EB-5 investments will be opened and investors can submit their applications. EB-5 industry experts expect the presiding judge to provide approval in the next few days.

Upon approval of the settlement agreement, there will be a rush of applications from families looking to immigrate to the United States through the EB-5 program. It is therefore crucial for prospective applicants to work with an experienced EB-5 consultant to begin the process of their application. Families that are still seeking to participate in the EB-5 program should contact the team at The American Legal Center for more information on how they can qualify for the U.S. EB-5 golden visa.

The article U.S. EB-5 Golden Visa Program Is Now Full Speed Ahead appeared first on Arabian Post.

The economy of the United States is booming as evidenced by the declining unemployment rate, growing GDP, and the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar. The strength of the U.S. economy has bolstered the attractiveness of the U.S. Green Card by investment program, officially known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, amongst global investors. Some potential investors are sitting on the sidelines and curious whether to commit to the program now or wait.

The job report of July 2022 published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the unemployment rate has gone down to its pre-pandemic levels of 3.5 percent. A declining unemployment rate is a sign of good economic health. As reported by the BLS, job growth in the U.S. economy has been widespread, “led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and health care.” The strong and steady job growth means that there are more job openings available for those looking to join the workforce in the United States. For those looking to continue their careers in the U.S. or hoping to open up job opportunities for their children, the United States cannot be more attractive. With the unemployment rate down to 3.5% percent, essentially anyone who seeks employment can obtain it.

In late July, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released its first estimate of second-quarter real gross domestic product (GDP) for the U.S. which experienced a decrease at an annual rate of 0.9 percent in the second quarter of 2022. The real GDP for the first quarter of 2022 decreased at an annual rate of 1.6 percent. Therefore, comparatively, real GDP is experiencing a slowing rate of decline, which the BEA attributes to “an upturn in exports and a smaller decrease in federal government spending that were partly offset by larger declines in private inventory investment and state and local government spending.” As reported by the BEA, both current-dollar personal income and disposable personal income increased in the second quarter, meaning that compensation for the U.S. workforce has increased due to rising private wages and salaries.

Additionally, the U.S. Dollar has recently strengthened against other global currencies such as the Euro, the Japanese Yen, and others. The strengthening U.S. currency is the result of the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates in order to fight off inflation and the increasing confidence of global investors in the U.S. economy.

The U.S. economic recovery is expected to continue in 2022 supporting the U.S. Dollar. When the cost of living or inflation rises in the U.S., the U.S. Dollar often moves higher. Inflation rose sharply heading towards the end of 2022 which helped the U.S. Dollar rise and is expected to remain steady for some time. International investors looking to turn their local currencies into Dollars are fraught over exchange rates. Yet the U.S. Dollar historically has climbed over Asian currencies. The Indian Rupee, for example, has declined steadily over decades without severe volatility. Thus, waiting for a weaker Dollar may be unrealistic.

These three metrics show that the United States economy remains strong and is an attractive destination for global investors seeking to invest in a politically and economically stable country. This coupled with the positive overhaul of the EB-5 program by Congress in March 2022 has made the time ripe for investors to apply for their U.S. Green Cards by way of making an investment of $800,000 in the U.S. economy.

The EB-5 program is a U.S. government immigration program designed to attract foreign direct investment in exchange for U.S. residency and Green Cards. A family, including the main applicant, spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21, can qualify for the U.S. Green Card by way of making an investment in a qualifying project and meeting the requirements of the program.

“Participating in the EB-5 program is not only a good business decision as you will be investing in a project in one of the most stable economies in the world, but it is also a good personal decision as you will be investing in the future security and happiness of your family,” says Shai Zamanian, Legal Director of The American Legal Center, a top regional immigration consultancy firm with headquarters in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

The article The Time Is Ripe to Apply for the U.S. Green Card Through Investment  appeared first on Arabian Post.

The basic need for economic stability and access to first world opportunities are the primary factors that drive the demand for migration to the west. Since the inception of the EB-5 Regional Center program in 1992, foreign nationals have gravitated towards securing U.S. green cards and residency for their spouse and children under the ages of 21 through the EB-5 program. Per the EB-5 program regulations investors are eligible to participate in the program so long as they inject $800,000 into a government approved commercial enterprise and ensure that their source of funds is lawful and that the funds legally belong to the investor.

In the last few months the Regional Center has undergone rigorous changes and updates that were made for the inclusion of provisions that will provide integrity, transparency and protections for investors and regional centers involved. While Congress was working on these regulations, the program was halted for almost 9 months. This meant that there were no EB-5 Regional Center applications being processed or accepted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Shai Zamanian, Legal Director of the American Legal Center, says that “regardless of the program being unavailable, during the time of suspension, our team witnessed a surge in the number of inquiries our firm received.” The team of U.S. licensed lawyers utilized the suspension period to best educate themselves on the program and the projected changes to be able to educate the market on how these would affect their current and future applications.

On March 15, 2022, the program was revitalized by the enactment of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) and USCIS was mandated to proceed with processing Regional Center applications. Since the reauthorization of the program there has been a further host of changes and amendments introduced to the program which can provide confusion and uncertainty for prospective investors.  As the leaders in the EB-5 industry, having filled the most EB-5 applications out of the GCC, the team at the American Legal Center have decided to continue educating the market by hosting free educational seminars that allow investors to interact with the attorneys and learn more about the program.

The seminar will take place at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, on 4 June 2022, and will be divided into two sessions, one at 1:00 pm and another at 3:00 pm. To start your migration journey to the United States and to learn more about the EB-5 program, you can RSVP by contacting +971 52 446 6095 or silu.ntshangase@america.ae.

The article U.S. Investment Migration Seminar appeared first on Arabian Post.

The May and June visa bulletin have been published and are currently being analyzed by the EB-5 industry stakeholders. These bulletins contain updated visa allocation information for the EB-5 program since the reauthorization of the Regional Center program. On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed the Omnibus bill, which included the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) and subsequently reauthorized the EB-5 immigrant investor Regional Center program. The enactment of RIA provided the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) with the authority to proceed with processing EB-5 immigrant investor Regional Center applications. Since the enactment, USCIS has announced that they have resumed processing EB-5 visas for all Regional Center applicants that submitted before 30 June 2021. This means that as EB-5 visas are now allocated it is important for prospective investors to monitor the change in visa availability.

Pursuant to the policy updates of RIA, the U.S. Department of State has updated the visa bulletin to include information on the set-aside (reserved) EB-5 visas. The bulletin indicates that of the available EB-5 visas 20% has been allocated to rural investments, 10% to investments made in a high unemployment area, and 2% for investments made in infrastructure projects. Since USCIS has not officially started accepting EB-5 applications, all set aside visas indicate that the category is current for all nationalities, including China mainland and Vietnam. For nationalities that have a major backlog such as China mainland and Vietnam, they could invest in a project located in a rural area or a high employment area and receive their visas much sooner than the conventional EB-5 route (using unreserved visa categories).

Once the reauthorization of the program was announced, there was a surge of increased interest from prospective investors. The almost 9 month suspension of the program created a huge demand from families seeking to migrate to the west for better opportunities for their families. Some have expressed concern over the possibility of a visa availability backlog once USCIS fully starts processing all applications in the system and new applications coming in. It is important that investors are reminded that under the new “concurrent filing” provision of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, USCIS now accepts adjustment of status applicants from EB-5 investors with an approved or pending I-526 case.

Now more than ever it is important for prospective investors to align themselves with EB-5 consultants that are fully aware of the constant changes that are occurring within the program. There are many exciting and positive elements that have been introduced, that will ensure faster access to the U.S. and more investor protections. Essentially the program is better than before the reforms were introduced. Families that are still seeking to participate in the EB-5 program should contact the team at The American Legal Center, where they will receive detailed information regarding the program and new applications.

The article EB-5 May and June Visa Bulletin appeared first on Arabian Post.

The reauthorization of the EB-5 Regional Center Program has brought with it long awaited regulation changes. One of the major changes introduced is concurrent filing. Essentially meaning that investors can move to the United States immediately after filing their EB-5 application. Under the new rules an investor can submit their initial EB-5 application (I-526 application) at the same time as their application for adjustment of status (I-485 application), so long as at the time of filing the investor has legal standing to be in the U.S.

This new addition is a game changer for investors and the EB-5 industry. This means that investors who are on L1, H1-B, E-2, F1 student visas, or any other nonimmigrant visas can start their migration journey without waiting for I-526 approval or embassy interview dates. Furthermore, the investors’ immigration attorney can apply for work and travel authorization to allow the investor to continue to legally reside and work in the U.S.

Concurrent filing aims to eliminate long approval wait times for investors that are already based in the U.S. However, while the eligible  investor can concurrently file, it does not mean that approval of the adjustment of status application will be granted prior to the approval of the I-526 application. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is still required to thoroughly review the applicant’s I-526 and ensure that the application meets the program requirements. It is thus very important for investors to choose the right immigration attorney to work with when filing their applications, especially if concurrent filing is the reason for filing. Since the applicants I-526 and I-485 will be filed concurrently the immigration attorney must be fully versed in the guidelines to ensure that the file is completed correctly and is not in danger of being rejected.

In the weeks to follow the industry will start seeing the various changes being implemented by the relevant authorities. Regional Centers have started amending their project offerings to align with the new regulations, and USCIS has 60 days from the date of reauthorization to provide the industry with distinct guidelines on how all these new changes will be implemented.

The team of U.S. licensed lawyers at the American Legal Center will be hosting a seminar on Sunday 27 March, 2022, at the Westin Hotel Dubai Marina. The team  will be discussing in detail concurrent filing and other EB-5 program changes such as the required capital investment amount, visa allocation, and program extension. To RSVP for the seminar contact +971 50 938 6092, limited seats are available.

The article EB-5 Regional Center Program: New Rules, New Program appeared first on Arabian Post.

For decades demand for an alternative passport through participation in citizenship by investment (CBI) programs has been popular among families looking for the privilege of visa-free travel to various destinations. However, restrictions on mobility due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic have shifted much of the demand from CBI to demand for residency by investment (RBI). Priorities have changed as families are no longer solely looking for a passport with travel benefits, but are looking to migrate to countries which also provide economic and political stability and most importantly a quality healthcare system.

The pandemic has affected the way families are planning for the future of their children. In the post-pandemic world, families seek long-term solutions rather than short-term solutions provided by the CBI programs. Alternative citizenship is no longer solely desired for the need for mobility and tax optimization, but rather for access to better healthcare, access to quality education, and lifelong settlement in a country with economic and political stability. Therefore, RBI programs, such as that of the United States, are now more popular as compared to CBI programs of the Caribbean nations.

With a robust economy and a democratic government, the United States has for decades been an ideal country for immigration for foreign nationals seeking security. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor program provides a fast track option through which foreign nationals can obtain U.S. residency and Green Cards for themselves and their qualifying family members – including spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 – through an investment of $500,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. Many families especially out of the Middle East are choosing to invest in the future of their children and generations after them by making an investment in the U.S. economy via the EB-5 program.

“When the price of the EB-5 program was reduced to $500,000 in June 2021, we witnessed a huge surge in the number of applications as families from the Middle East and emerging markets rushed to file for their Green Cards,” says Shai Zamanian, Legal Director of The American Legal Center, the leading EB-5 specialists in Dubai and the Middle East. “We continue to see pent up demand for the EB-5 program as immigration to the United States – the number one nation in the world with the strongest economy – becomes more desirable,” says Zamanian.

Visa-free travel is no longer a priority, especially given the border closures brought on by the pandemic, which closed the doors of travel to everyone despite citizenship. Families are now more focused on long-term planning and more robust rights as compared to mobility, such as a right to quality healthcare. Government responses to the pandemic have played a great role in where people choose to migrate. Countries such as the United States, where the government is greatly active in addressing the needs of its people, are more attractive to future immigrants. For example, the United States government recently announced the procurement of more than 100 million additional Covid-19 tests as part of its plan to distribute 500 million free at-home tests across its nation. Furthermore, Covid-19 vaccinations are widely available to its population. 

“The pandemic has changed the landscape of investment migration. Residency by investment programs such as the EB-5 program of the United States are becoming more popular compared to citizenship by investment programs of smaller island nations which do not provide much in the way of future stability and security for its applicants,” says Zamanian.

The article Shifting Demand from Citizenship by Investment to Residency by Investment appeared first on Arabian Post.

The year 2022 is expected to welcome positive news for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program, the golden visa equivalent for investment immigration to the United States. Through the EB-5 program, foreign nationals such as residents of the Middle East have the opportunity to obtain U.S. Green Cards for themselves and their qualifying family members with an investment of $500,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the United States.

Since the inception of the EB-5 program in 1990, it has been one of the most popular amongst foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to the United States given both that a single investment of $500,000 provides Green Cards for the entire family, including the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 and that the requirements of the program are less stringent compared to investment immigration programs of other first world countries. The program merely requires that the investment originate from lawful sources and that a minimum of 10 jobs be created for U.S. persons with the investment.

The EB-5 industry expects the program to undergo a number of changes in early 2022, with its reauthorization anticipated to occur by the end of February 2022. At the moment, the EB-5 industry is contemplating two legislative bills. One of the legislative bills is more favored by regional centers and other active players in the industry given that it contains positive protections for EB-5 investors.

The favored EB-5 bill will include grandfathering provisions so that existing investors are no longer adversely affected by future lapses in the EB-5 Regional Center program. Furthermore, investors can take advantage of a parole option, whereby if there has been no action taken by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on an investor’s EB-5 petition for over two years, the investor can obtain a work permit to live and work in the United States. The favored EB-5 bill contains incentives for USCIS to speed up their review. One such incentive will be an increase to the government filing fees from approximately $3,700 to $50,000. If USCIS has failed to review the petition within 24 months, the $50,000 fee will be returned to the investor. Furthermore, the favored EB-5 bill is likely to maintain the required capital investment at $500,000 for the initial one to two months, after which it will gradually increase by $100,000 increments on a yearly basis.

The unfavored EB-5 bill will automatically increase the required capital investment to $900,000. This means that new investors will not have the opportunity to take advantage of the lower ticket price. That said, existing investors will not be affected by the price increase as the bill will not apply retroactively.

With changes expected to occur soon, interested investors must act swiftly. “We are encouraging all prospective EB-5 applicants to be prepared so they can benefit from the lower ticket price as soon as the program is reauthorized,” says Shai Zamanian, Legal Director of The American Legal Center, a top immigration consulting firm in Dubai. “If you are interested in beginning your migration journey to the United States, contact our team for a complimentary consultation and assessment of your situation,” adds Zamanian.

The article A New Year for the United States EB-5 Golden Visa appeared first on Arabian Post.

The reauthorization of the popular investment immigration program of the United States, namely the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program, has once again been delayed as Democrats and Republicans were unable to reach a consensus on a comprehensive federal spending budget. On December 3, 2021, President Biden signed a short-term funding bill, known as a Continuing Resolution, to avert a shutdown of the U.S. federal government. Despite the expectation of the EB-5 industry, the reauthorization of the EB-5 Regional Center program was not included in the Continuing Resolution. The continuing lapse of the EB-5 program is a source of frustration for both EB-5 investors with petitions pending with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and for families interested in filing their EB-5 applications.

For decades, Middle Eastern families seeking to immigrate to the United States have taken advantage of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires an investment of $500,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S. economy in exchange for a fast-tracked opportunity to receive U.S. Green Card for themselves, their spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21. The EB-5 Regional Center Program, which was created by Congress in 1992, allows applicants to take advantage of the immigration benefits of the program while at the same time being passive investors without the headache of dealing with various reporting obligations, such as the mandatory job creation reports.

Since its inception, the EB-5 program has had bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress given its role in stimulating the U.S. economy. While the two political parties hold varying ideals in many respects, there is no question that both sides are in favour of stimulating the U.S. economy by way of job creation, which is at the core of the EB-5 program. Despite its popularity, the EB-5 program, which reached its sunset date on June 30, 2021, remains suspended. The Continuing Resolution signed by President Biden on December 3, 2021 provides funding for the U.S. federal government until February 18, 2022. This means that by February 2022, Democrats and Republicans must once again attempt to reach an agreement and to pass the appropriations bills that will fund the various U.S. federal agencies and programs, including USCIS which administers the EB-5 program. Therefore, it is possible that the reauthorization of the EB-5 program will be delayed until early 2022.

Although the reauthorization of the EB-5 program did not occur in December 2021 as industry experts and insiders had anticipated, there is no question that the program will sooner or later be reauthorized given its tremendous benefits in boosting the U.S. economy. Therefore, prospective investors are encouraged to continue with the gathering of their documentation to be prepared for an early 2022 rush. With over 12 years of experience in the EB-5 industry, Shai Zamanian, the Legal Director of The American Legal Center, a top immigration consultancy based in Dubai, is urging applicants to collect their documents to catch the next filing window. “We understand the frustration that many families are experiencing because of this delay in reauthorization. We will continue to engage in meaningful discussions with EB-5 lobbyists and experts in the United States and will update the Middle East market with the latest happenings,” says Zamanian.

Contact The American Legal Center today for a free consultation with a U.S. licensed lawyer and to find out what you can do to be prepared for an early 2022 rush.

The article Further Delays in the Reauthorization of the United States EB-5 Residency by Investment Program appeared first on Arabian Post.

If you are looking to start your immigration journey to the United States and to secure the future of your children, you should attend The American Legal Center’s seminar on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the Mandarin Oriental in Doha, Qatar. The seminar will discuss the United States residency by investment program, called the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program, which was created by the U.S. Congress to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and $500,000 capital investment by foreign investors.

By participating in the EB-5 program, you will have the opportunity to obtain U.S. Green Cards for yourself, your spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21. The program requires an investment of $500,000 in a new commercial enterprise, with which a minimum of 10 jobs must sbe created for U.S. persons. By filing your EB-5 application with The American Legal Center, you can ensure that your application will be timely and properly filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as their team of U.S. licensed lawyers and professionals have a proven track record and will serve as your active guides throughout the process.

With over a decade of experience in the EB-5 industry, Shai Zamanian, the Legal Director and founder of The American Legal Center , a top immigration consultancy based in Dubai, is urging applicants to collect their documents to catch the next filing window in December. To educate as many families as possible and to help them in achieving their goal of immigrating to the United States, The American Legal Center continuously hosts live seminars in Dubai and across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to educate the market on the EB-5 program.

The American Legal Center is hosting its next seminar in Doha, Qatar on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the Mandarin Oriental . The seminar will be divided into three sessions (1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm). The seminar will cover topics such as the latest news in the EB-5 industry, the documents required to prove the legitimacy of your funds, and tips to pick the right project, among other pertinent topics. The seminar will be followed by a Q&A session during which you can ask questions from Shai Zamanian and his team regarding your specific circumstances. To reserve your spots for the upcoming seminar in Doha, you can RSVP by contacting +971524466095 or silu.ntshangase@america.ae.

The article Attend This Seminar on the United States EB-5 Golden Visa to Start Your Immigration Journey appeared first on Arabian Post.

The global increase in demand for immigration to countries with economic and political stability has made the United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor program more attractive to residents of the United Arab Emirates and neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The EB-5 program affords families the opportunity to obtain U.S. residency and Green Cards with an investment of $500,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the United States which covers the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 years of age. In contrast to other investment immigration programs such as that of Canada which requires a certain level of language skills and professional experience, the EB-5 program is more flexible and only requires that an investor’s source of funds be lawful and that the investment create 10 jobs for U.S. persons.

Prior to the lapse of the EB-5 program due to a failure by the U.S. Congress to provide reauthorization on 30 June 2021, many families were able to file their EB-5 applications during the June rush. “We filed the most EB-5 applications out of the UAE in the June rush because we had educated the market about the deadline and had prepared our clients’ files to stay ahead of the curve,” says Shai Zamanian , the Legal Director of The American Legal Center. For the families that missed the opportunity to file their EB-5 applications during the June rush, there will soon be one final opportunity to apply in 2021 when the program is reauthorized on December 3rd. “We are once again actively educating the market about the upcoming December rush to ensure that all interested families are able to take advantage of the short window of opportunity before a price increase is implemented,” says Zamanian.

As a thought leader in the industry, The American Legal Center  hosts biweekly seminars on the latest happenings in the EB-5 program. Their upcoming seminar will take place on Saturday, 20 November 2021. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about and speak with their team of U.S. licensed lawyers about the upcoming changes to the program and what investors can do to be prepared for the imminent December rush. The seminar will also provide insight on the basics of the program, including timeline, required documents, and processes, as well as the benefits and latest trends. Zamanian will be unpacking the various ways in which investors can ensure that their applications are successful, while also shedding light on topics such as choosing the right project to invest in, the current processing times, knowing which questions to ask to ensure the success of the application, amongst others.

The seminar will take place at the Address Skyview in Downtown Dubai and will be divided into two sessions, one at 1:00 pm and another at 3:00 pm. To start your migration journey to the United States and to learn more about the EB-5 program, you can RSVP by contacting +971 52 446 6095 or silu.ntshangase@america.ae. To reach a Farsi-speaking consultant, you may contact +971 52 112 3786 to learn more about the program and reserve your spot for the upcoming seminar.

Upcoming Seminar Dates

November 20, 2021 Dubai

November 27, 2021 Doha

December 11, 2021 Abu Dhabi

December 18, 2021 Dubai

The article Top United States EB-5 Golden Visa Consultancy Holds Free Seminar in Dubai appeared first on Arabian Post.

The population size and diversity of immigrants in the United States has increased over the years. In 2018, it was reported that immigrants living in the U.S. accounted for 13.7% of the U.S. population. In the last few years there has been an increased focus on immigration, particularly looking at whether foreign nationals burden or strengthen the country’s economy. This highlighted interest in immigrants and their contribution to the U.S. economy is largely due to the vast immigration policy changes the U.S. witnessed under the Trump Administration.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 immigrants made up 17.4% of the U.S. labor force. These foreign nationals occupied various managerial and service-based occupations in the U.S. The data further indicated that immigrants with a college degree held jobs that were pertinent to the U.S. economy and communities. For foreign nationals without a college degree, it is said that they contribute to the economy through their employment in service industries, to name a few industries; farming, landscaping, and plumbing. Therefore they add value to the U.S. economy through their hard work and dedication.

Foreign nationals have continuously assisted in filling key gaps in the U.S. economy. In a research report by the National Academy of Sciences, it was determined that the economic contributions of immigrants would be hard to replace as they are not only seen holding high level positions, but also serve as low-skilled laborers. Foreign nationals increase the competitiveness of jobs and at times create a surplus in the labor supply through their entrepreneurial impact in the U.S. This was proven through a study conducted by the Center for American Entrepreneurship which stated that 43% of companies in the 2017 Fortune 500 were founded and co-founded by an immigrant or the child of an immigrant.

There has been a long held notion by some U.S. citizens that immigrants take jobs from U.S. persons. This misconception has deterred U.S. citizens from looking at the situation holistically. The assumption that foreign nationals take jobs alludes to the notion that there are a fixed number of jobs available. For example, the EB-5 immigrant investor program requires $500,000 capital investment and that the investment must generate a minimum of 10 jobs for U.S. persons. The program requires the direct injection of capital into the U.S. economy and the addition of jobs to the U.S. labor market. This program alone provides secure employment for U.S. citizens with the help of capital obtained from foreign nationals.

Albeit, not all foreign nationals enter the U.S. via the EB-5 immigrant investor program therefore not all are required to fulfil the EB-5 program requirements. However, all immigrants are subject to the U.S. tax laws. Foreign nationals working and residing in the U.S. are required to pay U.S. taxes. The immigrant workforce pays taxes into Social Security and Medicare which support the nation’s senior population.

The economic benefits of immigrants are long lasting and evidently contribute to the growth of the U.S. economy. Immigration should not be seen as a hindering factor to the growth of the U.S. economy but as a stimulation and a tool for the economy to remain a superpower. Thus the relationship between the U.S. economy and foreign nationals is mutually beneficial and holistically works towards creating a better future for the country.

The Biden Administration evidently sees the value and contributions of foreign nationals into the U.S. economy with their plans and policies to make the U.S. more accessible. Programs such as the E2- Treaty visa, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program and the Immigrant Entrepreneur program are innovative ways to ensure that there is a constant injection of capital into the U.S. economy without costing the U.S. taxpayers.

The American Legal Center, a team of U.S. licensed lawyers are the leading EB-5 experts in the Middle East Region. They constantly hold monthly seminars that educate investors on the EB-5 program and how foreign nationals that are looking to invest in the U.S. can participate in the program.

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Many residents in the United Arab Emirates are interested in obtaining the United States Green Card for themselves and their family members to take advantage of the various benefits offered. For the past 30 years, the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program has been popular amongst residents in the region given both the ease of applying and the low requirements relative to other immigration by investment programs, such as minimum professional experience and language level requirements. In short, the EB-5 program requires that an investment of $500,000 be made with clean funds into a new commercial enterprise in the United States with which a minimum of 10 jobs must be created for U.S. persons. By virtue of the investment, the applicant along with the applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 will have the opportunity to obtain their U.S. Green Cards.

Following a rush of applications in June 2021, the EB-5 Regional Center Program lapsed due to a lack of reauthorization by the U.S. Congress. Therefore, UAE residents considering immigrating to the United States are not able to file their EB-5 applications at the moment. That said, EB-5 industry experts and stakeholders expect that the program will shortly be reauthorized in early December 2021 following which there will be a huge rush of applications. Given the short timeline, families interested in applying for their Green Cards must act fast to stay ahead of the curve as soon as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) once again begins accepting applications.

Here are the top three steps in ensuring that you beat the December 2021 EB-5 rush:

1. Collecting the necessary documentation to prove your source of funds.

An investor’s source and path of funds for the investment must both be lawful. Failure to show sufficient documentation will place your application at risk of denial. Your consulting and legal team will provide you with a list of documents to begin collecting in preparation for your application.

2. Choose the right EB-5 project.

Choosing the right project is important because if the project does not meet the requirements set forth by USCIS, your EB-5 application is at risk of denial.  The right project must have the correct documentation in place, including but not limited to a business plan, economic analysis report, job creation reports, and an offering memorandum. Other considerations with respect to choosing the right project include the existence of transparency for the investor with respect to the project, such as whether the project site has a camera that would allow for the monitoring of the entire construction and whether quarterly financial and construction reporting is available for investors.

3. Engage with the right EB-5 advisors.

For a successful application, it is imperative that you engage the services of a top immigration consultant to assist you through the entire EB-5 process. Consultants act as a liaison between the client, attorney of record, and the regional center which sponsors the project. Consultants will be responsible for overseeing the application, including conducting source of funds analysis, introducing the client to the right regional center, assisting the client in choosing an optimal project, and regularly communicating with the attorney of record to ensure the timely filing of the application. You should feel a sense of ease with your advisors as the EB-5 process takes a few years to complete and you will develop many questions along the way.

The American Legal Center is a top immigration consultancy in Dubai and is laser-focused on the EB-5 program. Its team of U.S. licensed lawyers and professionals have years of experience in helping individuals and families apply for U.S. residency via the EB-5 program. As one of the best advisors in the region, they will be able to readily assist you in ensuring that you swiftly manage the upcoming December rush and file your application as soon as the program reopens. Contact The American Legal Center today for a free consultation.

The article UAE Residents Considering Immigration to the United States appeared first on Arabian Post.

One of the many reasons for participating in the United States EB-5 immigrant investor program is to unlock the various education benefits that having a U.S. Green Card provides. The U.S. offers the best quality higher education in the world. Half of the top ten best universities in the world are U.S. institutions. The EB-5 program increases the chance for students to obtain their degrees at top U.S. universities. “Having a degree from a U.S. institution is an invaluable tool that unboxes many career opportunities for a fresh graduate,” says Shai Zamanian, a U.S. educated and licensed lawyer and Legal Director of The American Legal Center, a top immigration consultancy firm in Dubai specializing in the EB-5 program. Becoming a Green Card holder through the EB-5 program provides students and their parents with a plethora of benefits.

Free Education for School Children

All children in the United States have access to free public education. Participating in the EB-5 program gives you the opportunity to live in the United States, which means that your children can enjoy the benefits of receiving free public education.

Higher University Acceptance Rates

Universities in the United States often have self-imposed quotas on the number of international students that they accept. Because of this, the chance of being accepted into a college or university is lower for an international student as compared to a domestic student. Therefore, if you have the U.S. Green Card, you will have a higher chance of being accepted into a U.S. college or university.

Lower University Tuition Costs

The tuition fees for colleges and universities in the United States are drastically higher for international students as compared to domestic students. International students pay up to three times more than domestic U.S. students for public higher education. As an example, the tuition cost for one semester for an undergraduate resident at The University of California – Berkeley is approximately $8,967.25 compared to the substantial amount of approximately $23,844.25 for an international student. Additionally, it is significantly more difficult for international students to secure financial aid or student loans. Green Card holders may attend U.S. colleges and universities at the same cost as citizens and may qualify for merit-based benefits reserved only for U.S. citizens.

Access to Government Grants and Scholarships

As a U.S. citizen, students are given the opportunity to reduce their tuition fees. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  is a form completed by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for providing them with loans or grants they can use throughout the year. Through obtaining Green Cards, students can apply to take advantage of using such services to further reduce their tuition fees which may cover the cost of their courses, books, accommodation, and transportation.

Paid Internship and Research Opportunities

American universities often partner with companies to help students find paid internships and research opportunities. They also provide their students with on campus interviews which can guarantee them a job upon graduation. Even though most companies may take on non-U.S. citizen interns, the chances that they will get hired on a full-time basis is slim.

More Job Opportunities

U.S. companies will often filter applications that require sponsorship and eliminate these candidates at the initial stages. Most U.S. companies steer away from interviewing international candidates as a result of the burdens that they must go through in order to hire international students, which include, but are not limited to, the extra time and cost associated with obtaining work authorization and visa approvals. Furthermore, it is less profitable for a company to invest in the training of an employee who will most likely only be able to stay at the company for a short period of time, given the low probability of obtaining H1B visa approvals. Therefore, it is the preference of companies in the United States to hire U.S. persons and to invest in their training as opposed to international students. Having a Green Card means that you will be considered as a U.S. person and as such you will have a higher chance of receiving job interviews and offers. Furthermore, you will not have to apply for work authorizations, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which are required for international students.

Therefore, by having a U.S. Green Card, students considering pursuing higher studies in the United States can not only increase their chances of acceptance into a U.S. university, but they can also increase their chances of finding internship and job opportunities after graduation. The EB-5 program provides one of the most efficient and easiest ways to obtain the U.S. Green Card. That said, given the importance of accuracy in filling out the required forms and the provision of the necessary documentation, the engagement of the right consultants in applying for the EB-5 program is key in successfully obtaining the U.S. Green Card.

Contributed by the American Legal Center of Dubai

The article Unlocking Education Benefits by Obtaining a U.S. Green Card Through the EB-5 Program appeared first on Arabian Post.

For the many families that missed the June 30, filing deadline for the U.S. EB-5 immigrant investor visa, there is still a chance to submit your application and capture the $500,000 rules this September. The EB-5 immigrant investor visa allows for a prospective investor to obtain U.S. residency ahd Green Card for their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.

Since June 30, 2021 the Regional Center pilot program has been suspended by Congress and prospective investors who could not file in the week between 22 June and 30 June were left in disappointment at missing the filing date and possibly missing the opportunity to file under the $500,000 rules. According to various industry leaders the program is set to be reauthorized by September 30, 2021, however, after the reauthorization foreign nationals will only have a short window of opportunity to file under the $500,000 rules. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Federal Agency still retains the powers to introduce policies that could either increase the investment amount back to $900,000 or stagger the increments to try and meet current inflation rates.

Comparing the program with other national visa programs in various other countries there is an evident trend to increase the investment amount based on the inflation rate at the time. The U.S. EB-5 program has been consistent for almost 3 decades and therefore economically it is justifiable that the Federal agency would fight for the increment of the required capital investment.

Shai Zamanian of the American Legal Center urges investors to seek assistance from experienced EB-5 specialists that will guide them in ensuring that they do not miss this last chance to file under the $500,000 rules. On 11 September 2021 at the Skyview Address Hotel, Shai Zamanian, U.S. licensed lawyer and top EB-5 consultant will be hosting an educational seminar for prospective investors that want to learn more about their filing options. He will cover various topics regarding the EB-5 program and will have an opportunity to ask him one on one questions after the seminar. To RSVP contact The American Legal Center today.

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The time has come for investors that are interested in the U.S. EB-5 investment migration program to collect their documents, consult an experienced EB-5 expert and have everything ready for immediate submission in September. Currently the popular U.S. permanent residency program has been placed on hold until the U.S. Congress reauthorizes the continuation of the program. It must be noted that the program in its entirety has not been suspended, it is only the Regional Center route that has been placed on hold. This means that investors that want to participate in the program under the Regional Center route must wait until the program has been reauthorized. Based on the industry trends and statistics the Regional Center route is the most popular route for investors as it provides a more stable investment option and ensures that their immigration meets all the government requirements.

The U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor program allows for an investor, his/her spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 years to obtain U.S. residency and Green Card. After residing in the U.S. for a few years the family will be eligible to apply for their U.S. passport. For families that missed the June deadline there is a short window of opportunity to file under the $500,000 rules this September.

How to get your application ready?

The first step for prospective investors is to ensure that they consult with a qualified EB-5 consultant. It is pertinent for the success of their applications to obtain quality advice that will help steer the application towards the right direction. The EB-5 consultant will inform the investor on the required documents needed to complete their file, provide the investor with project options to invest in, and be the intermediary between the immigration attorney and the investor.

Once the prospective investor has an experienced EB-5 consultant they must go through the available projects and conduct their own due diligence. While the EB-5 consultant would have vetted the projects they present, the onerous is on the investor to ensure that the project is right for them and their family. Additionally, the EB-5 consultant is by law not allowed to choose a project for the investor. For it to be a true investment the investor must conclude on their own merit.

The last stage is preparing a detailed source of funds declaration for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The source of funds declaration is a statement to USCIS that explains the origins of the capital investment amount and how the investor acquired the funds. Under the program the investor must prove that the funds were obtained legally and that they rightfully belong to him/her. It is thus a cumulative effort between the investor and the EB-5 consultant to ensure that the documents submitted reflect truthfully the investors path of funds.

Source of funds

The USCIS provides a clear directive as to how capital investment will be qualified as legal under the EB-5 program.

1. Gift – The investor can use funds obtained from a friend or family member as a gift. The funds will have to be tracked and traced that they legally belonged to the friend or family member prior to them gifting the investor. The gift will also be an irrevocable gift and both the investor and gifter would need to complete and sign a gift affidavit which expressly lists the terms and conditions of the gift.
2. Unsecured loan – The case of Huashan Zhang v. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, No. 19-5021 (D.C. Cir. 2020) provided the precedent that unsecured loans are an acceptable source of funds. This means that an investor can obtain a personal loan based on their existing assets as collateral and use the funds to pay for their EB-5 investment.
3. Salary Savings – The prospective investor can use salary earnings as a source of funds. They would need to provide salary certificates, employment contracts and bonus letters if applicable.
4. Business dividends or earnings – Business owners can use funds obtained from the business or shareholder dividends as a source of funds.
5. Investment dissolution – Investments in stock, cryptocurrency, real estate can be used as a source of funds so long as the prospective investor can accurately account for where they obtained the original funds used to start the investment portfolio.

September 2021 application rush 

There is a short window of opportunity for prospective investors that missed the June 30 deadline. According to industry thought leader Shahriar Zamanian (known as Shai Zamanian) the EB-5 Regional Center program will be reauthorized by September 30, 2021. After the reauthorization families will have a very short window to capture the $500,000 window before USCIS makes a final decision as to the future of the capital investment amount. It is thus imperative for prospective investors to act quickly before the program is reauthorized so that they have sufficient time to collect the documents, choose the right project and ensure that their capital investment is ready for immediate transfer.

Contributed by the American Legal Center www.america.ae

The article Filing EB-5 Application Under $500,000 Rules  appeared first on Arabian Post.

Investing in the U.S.

Investing in the United States via the EB-5 immigrant investor program is about more than investing for financial benefit, it is about creating an avenue for families to have access to the U.S. In terms of economic growth and standard of living, the U.S. has continuously proven to be a dominant player and that is one of the main reasons people relocate to the U.S., it’s a multigenerational benefit.  Other reasons why people relocate to the United States include but are not limited to are (1) access to a better  healthcare system, (2) access to the best academic institutions providing top quality education, (3) enjoyment of economic stability as the U.S. has the strongest economy in the world, (4) access to excellent career opportunities, and (5) the ability to travel to and enjoy different locations, with 50 different states in the country.

The U.S. provides the best quality of higher education in the world as evident by the fact that 16 out of the top 20 best universities are U.S. institutions. The EB-5 immigrant investor program provides investors and their immediate family members with a green card. As a green card holder, investors and their qualifying dependents can take advantage of the same educational benefits as that of a U.S. citizen. In line with its public policy, the U.S. government endeavours to ensure that every student has access to education irrespective of their socioeconomic status. As such, the U.S. government provides student loans, grants, and scholarships to its students to ensure that they have the means to fulfil their studies.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme (known as the EB-5 programme) provides an opportunity for investors and their qualifying dependents to obtain U.S. permanent resident status with a minimum investment of $500,000 in the United States, which must create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

The program is designed for the mutual benefit of both the U.S. and the prospective investor. While the foundation of the program is simple to understand, determining eligibility and fulfilling requirements is a very intricate process. According to Shahriar Zamanian (known in the industry as Shai Zamanian) it is imperative that prospective investors seek a qualified EB-5 program consultant to assist with the application process.

An advisor will assist in providing a number of investment options for the foreign national. Once a qualifying project is chosen, the investor will proceed with transferring the investment amount and required fees to the project. The advisor will simultaneously be working on collating the required documents from the investor and putting together the application to be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Washington, District of Columbia (DC). The application that will be submitted to Washington, DC is known as the I-526 petition. There are many intricacies involved in completing and submitting the I-526 petition and therefore the assistance of an experienced advisor is greatly valuable throughout this process. Especially from The Middle East, the applications look quite different as many jurisdictions operate under no income taxes or tax free altogether. These nuances that pertain specifically to The Middle East can confuse officers reviewing the petition in Washington D.C., thus certain templates and legal documents would need to be provided.

Once the investor’s I-526 approval comes through from Washington, DC, the investor will either apply for a visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy, such as the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, or apply for adjustment of status if they are already in the U.S. at the time of I-526 approval. The investor will thereafter receive their green card and will be considered a U.S. person.

 Changes in the EB-5 Program

On 22 June 2021 the U.S. Federal courts of North Carolina vacated the old EB-5 program rules that required $900,00 capital investment. This ruling required that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revert back to the old rules of $500,000 investment requirement. This monumental change brought with a surge of EB-5 applications in a short period of time. “At the time of announcement the EB-5 program was facing a June 30 deadline of reauthorization. This  meant that all investors that wanted to capture the short window had to act fast and submit all documentation before the final date of the program” says Zamanian, Legal Director of the American Legal Center.

Program Reauthorization

The EB-5 program has not yet been reauthorized since the lapse of the statutory authorization on June 30 2021. The section of the program that has lapsed is the option that allows for Regional Center investment, which makes up the majority of the EB-5 applications. However, industry leaders believe that the program will be reauthorized by September 30, 2021. Once the reauthorization is finalised there will be another surge of applications from investors looking to capitalize on the $500,000 capital investment window. Therefore it is imperative for prospective investors to contact an EB-5 consultant and start the process of getting their application ready for submission before the reauthorization of the program.

The article Investing in the U.S. through EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program appeared first on Arabian Post.

Every few years governments review their national immigration programs to determine whether the program is still aligned with their set out objects. In most cases the government responds by increasing the program investment requirement in an effort to keep up with the rising inflation rate and demand. This can be evidenced by looking at the United Kingdom’s golden visa. However, the EB-5 program was at $500,000 for almost three decades and regardless of the increase in demand and rising inflation rate the program remained at $500,000, up until November 2019 where the program briefly operated under the new rules requiring $900,000 capital investment.

On 22 June 2021 the monumental Behring case verdict allowed for the dramatic decrease in the investment threshold for the United States golden visa, namely EB-5. The case ruling allows a foreign investor to invest  $500,000 as opposed to $900,000 . However, looking at the primary objectives of Congress when the EB-5 program was initially established in 1990, Congress stated that the program must be kept within the inflation rate for it to be a truly viable contribution to the United States economy. Under the $900,000 rules the program maintains its primary objective and is in line with the current inflation rate, yet too expensive and   unreachable for the middle class families, and as such fails to provide the economic investment injection it was designed to achieve.

So what is the solution?

As  the top EB-5 consultants in the Middle East with the highest number of EB-5 filings, I can provide some insights. I can attest to the fact the program fails to perform successfully under the $900,000 capital requirements rule. While the demand for the program can be ascertained, it is the affordability that becomes an issue for prospective investors. The EB-5 immigrant investor program is a pivotal tool for the United States labour market and economy. According to statistics provided by Invest in USA, between 2008 and 2015 the EB-5 Regional Center program, under the $500,000 rules, injected $20,6 billion dollars in foriegn direct investment.. This is a clear indication that the program works and there is a demand for it. Therefore the government ought to maintain the program at $500,000 for a few more years and allow people to truly recover from the dilapidating financial effects of the pandemic before reintroducing the $900,000 investment capital requirement.

Future Projections

I, along with various industry leaders believe that the program will be reinstated by September 30th, 2021. There may be a chance that the program will be reauthorized prior to September 30th, however unrealistic as Congress tends to prioritize other issues that pertain to battling the pandemic or refugees immigrants stuck between borders. Where it will be once again coupled with the Omnibus Spending Bill and would thus prevent the  requirement of future reauthorization. Once reauthorized, investors will once again have a short window of opportunity to file petitions under the current $500,000 rules before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services make their final decision on the required capital investment going forward.

Securing your application under the $500,000 rule.

Prospective investors must utilize this opportunity to collect their documents, and conduct their due diligence on the projects available. Once the program is reauthorized there will still be a short window for investors to submit their petitions, however only the investors that have their documents ready will be able to capture the $500,000 opportunity. Contact the American Legal Center today to obtain a free consultation with a U.S. licensed lawyer and find out what the next steps are to ensure your application is ready for immediate filing.

Benefits EB-5 Program 

The EB-5 program is primarily suitable for families that are looking to relocate to the United States to access better resources and opportunities. It is a multigenerational investment that seeks to improve the lives of all people involved. Under the program, investors can obtain U.S. Green Card and residency for themselves, spouse and children under the age of 21. After completion of the program and they have their permanent Green Cards and passports, they are able to apply for various other family petitions to sponsor other family members.

Contributed by the American Legal Center www.america.ae

The article Analysing the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program appeared first on Arabian Post.

The United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor program reached its sunset date on June 30, 2021. The national immigrant investor program that has been a pivotal tool for the U.S. economy and labour market has failed to be reauthorized by Congress. This means that as of 1 July, 2021, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cannot accept new investor petitions into the EB-5 Regional Center Program. It must be noted that only the Regional Center investment option has not been reauthorized and if investors wish to undergo what is called a direct investment, they can still participate with an investment requirement of $1 million. However, as most individuals invest in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center program there is growing concern on the future of the program.

Recent changes to the EB-5 program

June 22, 2021 the EB-5 industry witnessed a monumental structural change in the program policy. The U.S. Federal Courts vacated the EB-5 Modernization rule of November 2019 and allowed for the program to reverse several changes which were made by USCIS. One of the major changes was to increase the investment capital requirement from $500,000 to $900,000. The reason behind the increase of the required capital was due to inflation and ensuring the program keeps with the current inflation rate. Financially, increasing the program to keep up with inflation rate makes sense. The program has remained at $500,000 for over three decades, which is longer than other national immigration programs and at some point it will need to be increased for it to continue to be beneficial to the U.S. economy.

Reauthorization of the EB-5 program 

As an EB-5 specialist, who has been working in this industry for over 10 years, myself and other industry leaders strongly believe that the program will be reauthorized and will continue to operate. The question is rather when will it be reauthorized and if the $500,000 rules would still be in effect after reauthorization. Based on many discussions with various industry leaders we envision that the program will be reauthorized by September 2021. Once Congress has reauthorized the program, USCIS will then be able to advise on whether the program will continue at $500,000 or stay at $900,000.

There are strong arguments for both options. Under $900,000 rules the program keeps up with inflation and as such injects sufficient capital into the U.S. economy that will assist the country’s recovery from the impacts of the global pandemic. However, staying at $900,000 makes the program unreachable for the middle class families, and as such leads to greater economic impact as there are less investors injecting funds into the economy.

Can investors still capitalize on $500,000?

There is still a short window of opportunity for those that missed the June 30 government deadline. The time between Congress reauthorization and USCIS making their final decision will afford prospective investors a short window to capture the $500,000 rules. This does mean that prospective investors must act fast by ensuring that their documents are collated and ready for submission, their investment funds are ready for sending to the Regional Center’s Escrow account, and they must have completed their project selection due diligence.

Contributed by the American Legal Center of Dubai. www.america.ae

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