I am currently in the U.S. with an F-1 visa. I just won the lottery here and the winnings are enough to cover the required investment amount of EB-5. Can I use the lottery prize for my EB-5 case? If so, what documents do I need to provide as proof for the source of funds?
Answers
BoBi Ahn
Immigration attorneysYes, you may use the lottery winnings as long as you can document your ownership of the winning. For instance, a letter from the lottery commission attesting to your win, copy of the check received and your bank account showing funds transferred. The lottery win is a lawful source of funds.
Bernard P Wolfsdorf
Immigration attorneysProvided you were in the U.S. lawfully, you can use lottery winnings as your source of funds. The documents would be a copy of your winning ticket and the check from the state.
Fredrick W Voigtmann
Immigration attorneysYes; you may use lottery winnings as your source of funds for the EB-5 investment. You will need paperwork verifying that you were the lottery winner along with copies of your bank statement(s) showing the deposit of the funds from the lottery organization into your personal bank account.
Michael A Harris, Esq
Immigration attorneysYes, you can use lottery winnings. For example, in the state of Florida, the Florida Lottery says that lottery games can be played and won by adults 18 years of age or older, regardless of age, citizenship, race or financial status. The State of Florida, as possibly other states, would require documentation from you, which you should have such as your passport. Once you have your lottery earnings, your immigration attorney will collect documentation from the state government that issued you the prize.
A Olusanjo Omoniyi
Immigration attorneysYes, you can use your lottery win to apply for an EB-5 petition. You will need to present any document relating to evidence of playing and winning the lottery game and paying necessary associated taxes. Advisably, consult with an EB-5 attorney to make sure that all the necessary documentation is completed.
Lynne Feldman
Immigration attorneysYes, this is doable and should not be a problem to show the lawful source of funds with the lottery winnings.
Daniel B Lundy
Immigration attorneysThis is actually a very simple source of funds. However, please be sure you hire an accountant and pay any applicable taxes, or you could be denied. I would open a brand new U.S. bank account to receive the proceeds into, and keep that money separate from other money. You will need to save any transfer notices, tax filings, communications with the lottery.
Salvatore Picataggio
Immigration attorneysYes. Any and all correspondence from the Lottery organization may be necessary. Otherwise, you need to prove the path of obtaining and investment too.
Stephen Berman
Immigration attorneysYes. I am sure you have some document showing you won the lottery, and you can show your deposits and perhaps 1099 or other tax forms.
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