Questions & Answers

How do I start the EB-5 Program application?

How do I start the EB-5 application? How do I transfer money? My brother is from Iran and is interested in the EB5 visa. Who invests in it? How can I help him? I have been a U.S. citizen for 30 years.

Answers

• Stephen Berman

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  You could give him the money and he can invest it.

• Larry J Behar, Esq

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  The EB 5 process is complex and can be lengthy depending on the selection of the project and the perception of the USCIS toward that project. You are best to conduct a full due diligence on the project first and then engage the services of a qualified attorney who not only has immigration law experience but specifically in EB 5 experience. This is NOT a solicitation.

• Boyd Campbell

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  You can help your brother by helping him find a qualified immigration lawyer to assist him in navigating the EB-5 Program.

• Charles Raether

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  You need to speak with an attorney before you start doing things like transferring money. There''s a very specific order and procedure for doing this. If you do anything wrong, you go all the way back to "Start." If this is for your brother, you''re not the one to be transferring the money if he''s going to be the investor. Talk to a qualified EB-5 attorney before doing anything.

• Neville M Leslie

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  You need to hire an immigration lawyer to start the process. The money can be gifted to your brother from you.

• Randall Sidlosca

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  This is complicated, your brother needs an OFAC license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury before he can invest.

• Jinhee Wilde

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  Since your brother is from Iran, all the investments from Iran falls under Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and thus, he will need to obtain an exemption from that sanction to qualify to invest. After your brother obtains the OFAC exemption, then you could consult a competent immigration lawyer who focuses on EB-5 work to documents the source of fund trail for EB-5 application process. This work should be reviewed before investing in any particular regional center for EB-5 application.

• Lei Jiang

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  First your brother needs to have at least $500,000 investment fund for this program. Next your brother should select a regional center and contact the center for this purpose. Meanwhile, you can help your brother to select the center and go through the application. It is also wise to retain an immigration attorney who specializes in this area.

• Clem Turner

  Securities Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  The EB5 Visa is invested in by non US Citizens, who are interested in obtaining a permanent residency in the US. I would research immigration lawyers, meet with them until you find someone you prefer. This lawyer should be able to answer all your questions regarding the EB5 process.

• Daniel A Zeft

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  You would benefit from a consultation appointment with an immigration attorney who is experienced with EB-5 matters. Please call my office at 312-360-0959 to schedule a consultation appointment with me.

• Charles H Kuck

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  You can gift your brother the money or he can invest himself. There are MANY options available. Please call me to discuss the process and the options.

• Marisa Casablanca

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  The first step is to decide where to make the investment. The second step is a feasibility study regarding the target employment area. If you wish further information, I have more than 25 years of experience in Immigration Law and am the most active attorney in Southern USA regarding representing individuals for EB5 green cards and I would be happy to explain this further. I am not able to give a full explanation by email because there are many variables, such as the type of investment and source of funds.

• Anthony Ravani

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  I have done many Iranians that have come via EB-5. It is much more difficult with Iranians (because of Sanctions). Please make sure the attorney you select has experience with Iranians and Iranian laws. You start with calling an attorney that is expert in this area. We provide free initial consultation, please feel free to call us.

• Taher Kameli

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 14, 2012

  Make sure to talk to an attorney who has done a lot of cases with Iranian clients. Sending money from Iran has to be done based on local and international laws. You may contact one of our Farsi speaking attorneys.

• Kristina Rost

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 13, 2012

  I think your best bet is to consult an EB5 attorney who is familiar with Iranian investors as your brother would first need to obtain an OFAC license in order to transfer capital to a US bank. The EB5 process is extremely detailed and individual-oriented, and it is highly recommended to obtain requisite information by consulting a professional successfully practicing in the field of investment immigration. Thank you for your attention.

• Reza Rahbaran

  Immigration Attorney

  Answered on December 13, 2012

  Iranian EB-5 investor petitions require specialist knowledge for funds transfers and sourcing of funds as they involve hawala payments. Please contact Rahbaran & Associates for further information.