I just found out about the EB-5 visa program option from the extension news and now I'm considering it for myself. Can you clarify when I first need to hire my attorney? Should I hire one now to help me understand the program basics or is the attorney supposed to just help with the immigration paperwork?
It is best to have the professional advice and legal representation of an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney before you sign any agreements or make any decisions about your immigration options.
You should hire an immigration attorney whenever you feel ready to begin your EB-5 investment. Note that the process of gathering your documentation, finding a project, and filing your immigration petition often takes several months; keep that in mind when figuring out your timeline.
Right now. Today. Yesterday? As soon as possible. Every decision you will make is for the purpose of immigration, and will have immigration consequences, so retaining immigration counsel NOW is very important.
For such an significant decision in your life, it would be important to find an experienced immigration attorney, hopefully Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law, but more importantly, with good experience over a period of several years or longer in representing both EB-5 individual investors as well as regional centers as well as the job creating entity. You should consult with the attorney at the outset to make sure that EB-5 is the best legal option, whether or not you should invest in a regional center versus a direct investment, issues regarding visa availability and your eligibility for the EB-5 program overall in terms of your historic record and a source of funds. The attorney is not an investment advisor and cannot give you investment advice, but can at least tell you which regional centers have been in business for a long time and provide valuable information regarding experienced developers and related matters. The attorney might be able to warn you that certain regional centers or EB-5 projects could have potential problems. Thus, I would hire an experienced attorney at the beginning of the process.
It''s best to hire an attorney from the first. The attorney can guide you toward quality projects and developers.
An immigration attorney is necessary to help in so many ways - from all the immigration paperwork, to ensuring proper filings and that your rights are protected throughout the process. It is important that you retain counsel from the very start.
It is highly recommended that you hire an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney at the inception of your case. An attorney will help guide you through the EB-5 program requirements and determine if you are eligible to apply, analyze project offering documentation for compliance, and properly prepare your I-526 petition and file same with USCIS.
A good immigration attorney will review all your options and guide you through each aspect of the case. Hiring a good lawyer is the starting point.
The immigration attorney cannot choose an investment for you, but can be available to review documentation from a program selected before making a decision.
It is best to have an experienced EB-5 attorney at every stage, especially at the beginning to guide you through the process. It generally costs no more, since most EB-5 lawyers charge a flat fee per case.
Of course when asking a slate of EB-5 attorneys this question, you are likely to hear a chorus of answers saying "immediately!" Many attorneys offer complimentary initial consultations to discuss the program and determine eligibility at first glance. Such a conversation may serve you well as you embark on your immigration journey.
It is always a good idea to hire an immigration attorney to guide you through the entire process, including educating you about the EB-5 laws. This will help you avoid any possible issues in the future. Many attorneys provide the first consultation for free.
I would recommend you consult with an investment immigration attorney now to fully understand the program. Additionally, with the possible changes on December 9, I would recommend the sooner the better. Many experienced investment immigration attorneys will consult with you at no fee.
If you have decided to proceed with EB-5, then as early as possible in the process.
You need an immigration attorney who also works with a securities attorney to look over your deal documents, assist in your due diligence and handle your paperwork in a proper manner. You should not just hire an immigration attorney, but a firm with an immigration attorney and a securities attorney.
You should at least speak with an immigration attorney now to discuss what your best options are for utilizing the EB-5 immigrant investor program or alternative processing.
