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US Immigration Lawyer in India

US Business Immigration Visas

– Five options –

EB – 5 Investor Visa

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L1 Intra Company Transfer Visa

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EB1 (c) Multinational Executives Green Card

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E2 Treaty Investor Visa

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USA Start-up Visa

Business Visa Programs of USA:

 

EB-5 Investor Visa (Immigrant visa)

US investor visa or business visa is also popularly known as EB-5 visa which originally started in the early 1990s. Our EB 5 immigration lawyer assists foreign investors to seamlessly obtain EB-5 visa. This visa allows investors to get a US green card and eventually apply for US citizenship through a well experienced

 US immigration attorney in India.

 This program is also one of the oldest programs in the area of residency and citizenship by investment. As of 15th March 2022, the investment amount is US$ 800,000 for businesses located in RC or where there is a high unemployment rate. In all other areas, the investment amount is US$ 1,050,000. The investor must invest this amount in a new commercial enterprise which will create 10 full-time jobs for local people. After creating at least 10 new full-time jobs either directly or indirectly through the capital investment. As per USCIS, An EB-5 regional centre is an economic unit, public or private, in the United States that is involved with promoting economic growth. Regional centres are designated by USCIS for participation in the Immigrant Investor Program.

However, apart from the EB-5 visa for investors,

 EB 5 immigration lawyer

 explains three other types of business visas that businesspeople may consider to do business in the US and may decide to stay permanently in the business.

 

According to

  EB 5 visa consultant in Ahmedabad

, the following three categories are also important

 

E-2 Treaty Investors: The E-2 non-immigrant visa allows a national of a treaty country to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business under the

 US citizenship by investment

 program. Certain employees of such a person or of a qualifying organization may also be eligible for this classification.

L-1 Visa Non-immigrant: L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Managers and L-1B Intracompany Transferee specialized knowledge This visa allows a US employer to transfer an employee(s) from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States.

EB-1 ( C ) Immigrant – Certain Multinational managers or executives can apply under this class if they are employed outside the United States for at least 1 year in the 3 years preceding the petition or the most recent lawful non immigrant admission if you are already working for the U.S. petitioning employer.

To get in-depth knowledge and help with the processes, you can contact an

 EB 5 visa lawyer in Ahmedabad

.

Find your eligibility

    EB-5 Investor Visa Program: (June 2021 Updates)

    The US government introduced the Residency by Investment program in 1991. The USA Immigrant Investor Program (USA IIP) or more commonly known as the EB-5 visa or the million-dollar Green Card is an easy and quick way of obtaining a Green Card based on US investment. The fifth employment based visa preference category, created by Congress in 1990, is available to immigrants seeking to enter the United States in order to invest in a new commercial enterprise that will benefit the US economy and create at least 10 full-time jobs.  There are two ways to invest within the EB-5 category and they are :

    • Creating a NEW commercial enterprise or
    • Investing in a troubled business

    As per the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services website, “entrepreneurs (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years) who make an investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States and who plan to create or preserve ten permanent full time jobs for qualified United States workers, are eligible to apply for a Green Card (permanent residence).

    Up to 10,000 visas may be authorized each fiscal year for eligible entrepreneurs.

    An applicant must invest US$1,050,000 (1.05 million) or at least US$800,000 in a targeted employment area (high unemployment or low populated rural area). In return, USCIS may grant conditional permanent residence to the individual, his/her spouse and children under the age of 21 years.

    (Changes implemented as of 15st March, 2022)

    Who can qualify?

    There are three ways within the EB-5 category which can qualify an applicant for a Green Card and they are:

    • Creating a new commercial enterprise or
    • Investing in a troubled business or
    • Investing in a regional centre

    New Business Enterprise:

    To qualify, the applicant must:

    1. Invest or be in the process of investing at least US$1,050,000. If the investment is in a designated targeted employment area (discussed further below) then the minimum investment requirement is US$800,000.
    2. Benefit the US economy by providing goods or services to US markets.
    3. Create full-time employment for at least 10 US workers. This includes US citizens, Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents) and other individuals lawfully authorized to work in the US (however it does not include the applicant, his/her spouse, sons or daughters).
    4. Be involved in the day-to-day management of the new business or directly manage it through formulating business policy – for example as a corporate officer or board member.

    Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is defined by law as, “a rural area or an area in USA that has experienced high unemployment of at least 150% of the national average.”

    This TEA was previously decided by the concerned state government. Under the new rules, it will be now decided by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).

    Troubled Business:

    To qualify, the applicant must:

    1. Invest in a business that has existed for at least two years.
    2. Invest in a business that has incurred a net loss, based on generally accepted accounting principles, for the 12 to 24 month period before the applicant filed the Form I-526 Immigrant Petition by an Alien Entrepreneur.
    3. The loss for the 12 to 24 month period must be at least equal to 20% of the business’s net worth before the loss.
    4. Maintain the number of jobs at no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least two years.
    5. Be involved in the day-to-day management of the troubled business or directly manage it through formulating business policy. For example, as a corporate officer or board member.
    6. The same investment requirements of the new commercial enterprise investment apply to a troubled business investment (US$1,050,000 or US$800,000 in a targeted employment area).
    7. Regional Centre Pilot Program: (A majority of investors apply under this program):

    To qualify, the applicant must:

    1. Invest at least US$1,050,000 or US$800,000 in a regional centre affiliated to a new commercial enterprise or a troubled business located within the area of the USCIS designated Regional Centre (RC).
    2. Create at least 10 new full-time jobs either directly or indirectly through the capital investment.

    Of the 10,000 investor visas (i.e. EB-5 visas) available annually, 5,000 are set aside for those who apply under a pilot program involving an INS-designated “Regional Centre.”

    Benefits:

    • Relatively smaller amount of investment as compared to many European countries
    • Applicants directly obtain permanent residency in lieu of temporary residency as is the case with many European Residency by Investment programs
    • Wider choice of investment options available to applicants – There are many regional centres to choose from across the country hence many options available to investors with respect to the type of project and location
    • Applicants and their dependents can live, study and work in USA right from day one
    • Visa free travel to over 172 countries around the world after obtaining American citizenship

    Get the best consulting to implement these ways with a

    US immigration lawyer in Ahmedabad

    (ii) L1 Intra Company Transfer Visa

    United States has a very open economy and has allowed foreign companies to enter in to the USA to conduct business in variety of ways – Opening a new company in USA, taking over an established business or entering into a joint venture with an American company.

    When a foreign company enters in to the U.S. market, the requirement to bring its key personnel into USA may arise. This transfer of key persons, who are working for the foreign company, to work in USA is called Intra Company Transfer and the visa issued to such persons is called L1 visa.

    There are 2 different types of L-1 visas and each has its own set of requirements:

    • L-1A is for managers or executives
    • L-1B is for workers/employees with specialized knowledge

    There are also two different procedures to obtain L-1 visa – Regular and Blanket.

    Regular L-1 visas need to be approved by USCIS individually (on a case-by-case basis) Blanket L-1 visas do not need to be approved individually and are made available to employers that meet certain criteria.

    L-1 Visa Requirements – Qualifying Employer Relationship between US company and Foreign company

    • The US company must have a relationship with the foreign company, which makes it eligible for this type of visa, such as an affiliate company, a branch or subsidiary.
    • The US company must also be, or will be, doing business as an employer in the United States and in at least one other country directly or through a qualifying organization for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay in the United States as a L-1 visa holder.
    • This does not mean though that this organization is doing international trade. Doing business in those terms mean positioning goods/services regularly in foreign grounds.

    The L-1 visa is not country specific, and it is a Dual Intent visa. Dual Intent means that beneficiaries are not required to maintain a foreign residence and may apply for a Green Card later.

    L-1A Visa Requirements – For employees

    Persons who wish to come to USA on a L1A visa must meet the following requirements:

    • The employee must have worked abroad for the overseas company for a continuous period of one year during the preceding three years before admission to the United States.
    • The employee must have been employed abroad in an executive or managerial position, otherwise known as a qualifying position.
    • The employee must be coming to the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial position. According to Federal law, executive capacity generally refers to the employee’s ability to make decisions of wide latitude without much oversight. Managerial capacity generally refers to the ability of the employee to supervise and control the work of professional employees and to manage the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the organization. It may also refer to the employee’s ability to manage an essential function of the organization at a high level, without direct supervision of others.
    • The employee must be qualified for the position by virtue of his or her prior education and experience.
    • The L-1A visa holder must intend to depart the United States upon completion of his or her authorized stay.

    L-1B Visa Requirements – For employees

    Persons who wish to come to USA on a L1B visa must meet the following requirements:

    • The employee must have worked abroad for the overseas company for a continuous period of one year during the preceding three years before admission to the United States.
    • The employee must be seeking to enter the United States to render services in a specialized knowledge capacity to a branch of the same employer or one of its qualifying organizations.
    • Specialized knowledge is beyond the ordinary and not commonplace within the industry or the petition organization. In other words, the employee must be more than simply skilled or familiar with the employer’s interests. This specialized knowledge can refer to the petitioning organization’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its application in international markets. Or, it could refer to an expertise in the organization’s processes and procedures.
    • The L-1B visa holder must intend to depart the United States upon completion of his or her authorized stay.
    • Following the 2004 Visa Reform Act, an L-1B non-immigrant will be in violation of status if they are stationed primarily at the worksite of an employer other than the petitioner, and if one of the following occurs:
    • The alien will be principally under the control and supervision of the unaffiliated employer, or
    • The placement at the non-affiliated worksite is “essentially an arrangement to provide labour for hire for the unaffiliated employer,” rather than placement in connection with the provision of a product or service for which specialized knowledge specific to the petitioning employer is necessary.

    L-1A Visa Requirements for Blanket L-1:

    • The company must already have an office in the United States that has been operating for at least one year.
    • The company must have at least threedomestic/foreign branches, affiliates or subsidiaries.
    • In addition, the company must meet oneof the following:
      • The company must have obtained a minimum of 10 L-1 approvals in the 12-month period prior to filing a blanket petition
      • The company and its U.S. subsidiary and affiliates must have combined annual sales of at least US$25 million.
      • The company has a workforce in the United States of at least 1,000 employees.

     

    L-1A Visa Requirements for a new company:

    All of the above, but instead of annual reports or tax returns, a business plan (including projected income statement, balance sheet and organizational chart) is required.

    L-1A & B Visa Requirements for an Extension / Renewal:

    All of the above, along with copies of the beneficiary’s three most recent pay checks.

    (iii) EB1 (c) Multinational Managers &Executives

    The EB-1 (c) visa allows certain multinational managers and executives to gain legal permanent residence in the USA. There is no investment requirement and these individuals are granted an unconditional Green Card (permanent residence of USA) if they meet the qualifying program requirements.

    Program requirements:

    • Applicant must have been employed outside the United States for at least 1 year in the 3 years preceding the petition or the most recent lawful non-immigrant admission if applicant is already working for the U.S. petitioning employer.
    • The U.S. petitioner must have been doing business for at least 1 year, have a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary or affiliated) to the entity the applicant has worked for outside the U.S., and intend to employ the applicant in a managerial or executive capacity.
    • There is no labour certification required.
    • Under this visa category, the applicant will obtain an unconditional Green card of USA, along with his/her dependent spouse and children under the age of 21 years.
    • Under this category, it is also possible for a foreign company to acquire an American entity or a business which is operating in the USA for more than 1 year and then transfer its managers or executives to the United States.There is no amount specified for the investment to be made in the USA.
    • There is no minimum age, education or language requirement to apply under this category.

    (iv) E2 Treaty Investor Visa

    The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows citizen of certain countries (with which the US government has signed a treaty, agreement or special commercial arrangement) to receive this non-immigrant visa provided they make a substantial amount of investment in the USA in a business. Certain employees of the investor’s company (in his/her home country) may qualify for an E2 visa and family members of the E-2 visa holder may also qualify for a dependent visa.

    There are more the 60 countries in the world who have signed a treaty with the US government and the residents and citizens of these countries can qualify for an E2 visa. However, countries like China and India are not on this list. If citizens of countries who are not on the list wish to apply for an E2 visa, they first need to acquire residency or citizenship of a treaty country. This may then qualify them for an E2 visa.

    Some of the countries where Indian citizens can get citizenship within a short period of time are Grenada and Turkey, which are E2 treaty countries. There are also other countries where applicants can apply to first obtain residency and/or citizenship and then subsequently apply for an E2 visa. These countries are: Canada, Latvia, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Ireland, Spain and many others (almost 60 in total).

    Residents and citizens of treaty countries who are visiting USA on a visitor visa may apply for an E2 visa by applying for adjustment of status.  If applicants (belonging to treaty countries) are not in the USA, they may apply at the nearest US embassy or consulate.

    In order to qualify for an E2 Treaty Investor Visa, investors must meet the following conditions:

    1. Be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation;
    2. Have invested, or be active in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide enterprise* in the United States; and
    3. Be seeking to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the investment enterprise. This is established by showing at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or possession of operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device.
    4. The investment should be in a commercial enterprise which is at risk and the object is to generate profit.
    5. Investment amount must not be obtained directly or indirectly from illegal and / or criminal activity.
    6. There is no age, qualification or language requirement.
    7. To welcome businesses of all sizes and shapes, no investment amount is suggested or provided by the USCIS.

    What is a substantial amount of capital?

    • Substantial in relationship to the total cost of either purchasing an established enterprise or establishing a new one
    • Sufficient to ensure the treaty investor’s financial commitment to the successful operation of the enterprise
    • Of a magnitude to support the likelihood that the treaty investor will successfully develop and direct the enterprise. The lower the cost of the enterprise, the higher, proportionately, the investment must be to be considered substantial.

    *A bona fide enterprise refers to a real, active, and operating commercial or entrepreneurial undertaking which produces services or goods for profit. It must meet applicable legal requirements for doing business within its jurisdiction.

    An E2 visa is granted for a period of two years and can be extended every two years provided the investor’s intention is to stay only temporarily in the USA.

    The main E-2 visa holder’s spouse and children under the age of 21 years may qualify for a dependent visa.

    In general, E-2 visa holders can work for only that company for which the visa has been granted.

    (v) International Entrepreneur Parole - Start-up Visa

    Introduced in May 2021, the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER), grants a period of authorized stay to foreign entrepreneurs who demonstrate that their stay in the United States would provide a significant public benefit through their business venture.

    Under this visa category, entrepreneurs who are granted parole will be eligible to work only for their start-up business. The spouses and children of the foreign entrepreneur may also be eligible for parole. While spouses may apply for work authorization once present in the United States as parolees, the children are not eligible to work. IER parole is granted for up to three entrepreneurs per start-up entity.

    In order to apply under the Start-Up Visa Program of the U.S., start-up founders need to meet the following requirements:

    A. Founder(s) must show themselves as entrepreneurs with a Qualifying Start-up Entity.

    Evidence and supporting documents that are filed with the petition must demonstrate that –

    (1) The founder(s) have a central and active role to play in the operations of a start-up entity, such that they are well-positioned, due to their knowledge, skills, or experience, to substantially assist the U.S. start-up entity with the growth and success of its business;

    (2) Possess at least a 10% ownership stake in the U.S. start-up entity, and that the entity:

    (a) Was recently formed (for example, created within the five years immediately preceding the filing of the petition) and has been lawfully doing business within the United States during any period of operation since its date of formation; and

    (b) Has substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation, evidenced by the receipt of significant capital investment, grants or awards

    B. Substantial Investment, Grant or Award.

    Founders may be considered for entrepreneur parole if they demonstrate that their start-up entity has received a minimum investment amount or qualified award or grant as described below:

    (1) The start-up entity has received a qualified investment, within 18 months immediately preceding the filing of the petition, of at least $250,000 US from one or more qualified investors;

    (2) The start-up entity has received, within 18 months immediately preceding the filing of the petition, an amount of $100,000 US or more through one or more qualified government awards or grants; or

    (3) If the start-up entity partially meets one or more of the above criteria, founders may still be considered for entrepreneur parole by providing other reliable and compelling evidence of the start-up entity’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

    A lesser amount can be considered on a case by case basis if it can be shown that it is substantial.

    C. Investment must be from a ‘Qualified Investor’.

    The term ‘qualified investor’ for purpose of entrepreneur parole means an individual who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, or an organization that is located in the United States and operates through a legal entity organized under the laws of the United States or any state, that is majority owned and controlled, directly and indirectly, by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States, provided such individual or organization regularly makes substantial investments in start-up entities that subsequently exhibit substantial growth in terms of revenue generation or job creation.

    Such an individual or organization may be considered a ‘qualified investor’ if, during the preceding five years:

    (1) The individual or organization has made investments in start-up entities in exchange for convertible debt or other security convertible into equity commonly used in financing transactions within their respective industries comprising a total in such 5-year period of no less than $600,000 US; and

    (2) Subsequent to such investment by such individual or organization, at least 2 such entities have each created at least 5 qualified jobs or generated at least $500,000 US in revenue with average annualized revenue growth of at least 20%.

    D. Additional Supporting Evidence.

    Additional supporting evidence concerning the start-up entity’s business, its substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation as well as the founders’ day-to-day role in the business has to be submitted.

    If the start-up entity partially meets the qualified investment, government grant or award criteria, founders may be still considered for parole by providing other reliable and compelling evidence that the start-up entity has substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

    Such supporting evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following:

    (a) Evidence of rapid growth, such as – number of users or customers, revenue generated by the start-up entity, additional investments/fundraising, including crowd funding platforms

    (b) Social impact of the start-up entity

    (c) National scope of the start-up entity

    (d) Positive effects on the start-up entity’s locality or region

    (e) Any other reliable and compelling evidence that the start-up entity has substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

    US Investment Visa Consultant

    FAQ on new EB-5 rules effective 15thMarch, 2022 to 30th September, 2027. This is a very simplified FAQ for general understanding of the new EB-5 rules. You are advised to refer to the complete text of the ACT or consult a qualified attorney for more information.

    1. What are the new EB-5 rules that came into effect in March 2022?

    Ans: Under new EB-5 rules, the investment amount has increased from US$500,000 to US $800,000 for rural area, high unemployment areaor an infra-structure project. The amount has been increased from US$1,000,000 to US $1,050,000 for any other area and any other project /business. In either case, investment must be made into a new business entity and must create at least 10 jobs for Americans.

    2. For what period of time will this new rule be applicable?

    Ans: The new rules are effective for a period of five years, that is, until 30th September, 2027.

    3. How will this new rule affect my pending EB-5 petition?

    Ans: The new EB-5 rules provide for grand fathering of pending petitions, meaning that all pending EB-5 petitions will not be affected by these new rules. The EB-5 program is reauthorized until September 30th, 2027. The pending petitions will continue to be processed even after this date in the event the outcome of the petition is not decided.

    4. What is a rural area?

    Ans: In general, an area with a population of less than 20,000 people as per the latest US census is termed as a rural area.

    5. What is a high unemployment area?

    Ans: An area is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security as a high unemployment area when unemployment is 150 percentage of the national average unemployment rate.

    6. Is there any quota for EB-5 based Green Card of USA?

    Ans: Yes, there is an annual quota of 10,000 Green Cards per year. From this quota, 20% is reserved for rural area, 10% for high unemployment area and 2% for infrastructure projects.

    7. Who decides if an area is a high unemployment area?

    Ans: Only the Secretary of Homeland Security or a designee of the Secretary can determine if an area can be designated as high unemployment area. The federal, state or local government does not have the authority to designate a high unemployment area.

    8. What is an infrastructure project and who determineswhich projects are infrastructure projects?

    Ans: An ‘infrastructure project’ means a capital investment project in a filed or approved business plan, which is administered by a governmental entity (such as a Federal, State, or local agency or authority). The Secretary of Homeland Security or a designee of the Secretary will determine if a project is an infrastructure project or not.

    9. Will there be a rise in the EB-5 investment amount in the near future?

    Ans: Under new rules, EB-5 investment amount will increase every five years as per the consumer price index. The next revision will be on or after 1st January,2027.

    10. I am in the US on a legal status, so when can I file for an EB-5 petition (I 526) and adjustment of status (I 485) petition?

    Ans: Under the new rules, any foreign national who is on a legal visa status may file petition for EB-5 and adjustment of status at the same time. In other words, you can file for I 526 and I 485 at the same time.

    11. Under new rules how will “indirect job creation” be calculated”?

    Ans: Under new rules, only 90% of the estimated indirect job creation will be considered for job creation and if it is indirect job creation in a real estate project,then only 75% of the estimated jobs will be considered for job creation.

     

    12. Is there record keeping and audits for regional centres under the new rules?

    Ans: Yes, under the new rules,regional centresare required to keep a record for a period five years after the last transaction is made and also undergo an audit every five years.

    13. Are projects promoted by regional centres approved by the US government?

    Ans: Under new rules,each regional centre must pre-approve its project before it raisesfunds andbefore investors file an I-526 petition. Under the old rules, it was voluntary for the regional centres to obtain pre-approval of the project.

    14. Who can own, run, manage and operate a regional centre?

    Ans: Only Green Card holders and American citizens can get involved in owning, managing and operating a regional centre provided- the person has a clean criminal record, does not have any on goingcriminal cases pending against him/her, has never been convicted of any crime such as securities law violations, illegal trafficking of contraband substances and such other violations. Additionally, no foreign government or entity can get involved in a regional centre.

     

    15. Are persona working for and affiliated with a regional centre subject to any law?

    Ans: Under new laws, not only owners, but also promoters, directors, managers, employees, associates, marketing agents and other associated personnel of a regional centre must remain in compliance with SEC regulations and other regulations made in this regard.

     

    16. What is EB–5 INTEGRITY FUND under the new rules?

    Ans: Each regional centre is required to pay US$20,000 and US$10,000 (if the regional centre has less than 20 investors per year) in the EB–5 INTEGRITY FUND. An additional fee of US$1,000 per investor which is required to be paid in addition to I -526 petition fees.  This fund will be used for the purpose of management, audit, investigation, site visits, investor awareness, maintaining the integrity of the program and monitoring compliance with the requirements under section 107 of the EB–5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.

    17.Do EB-5 direct and third party promoters (migration agent overseas) need to meet any compliance requirement with USCIS and/or SEC?

    Ans: Each regional centre will be required to register their marketing agents, migration agents and such other affiliates with USCIS with their contact details, any signed agreement and fees contract. Promoterswill also be required to certify that they are in compliance with the guidelines for third party promoters; promoting the EB-5 project in compliance with guidelines provided for the project and also for the visa process.

    18. Are there any changes to the source of fund requirement?

    Ans: Under new rules, the investor must demonstrate a legitimate source of fund not only for the investment amount but also for any administrative fees paid to the regional centre.

    19. What if my regional centre does not comply with the US regulations and is sanctioned or closed down?

    Ans: Under the new rules, if the foreign investor has made an investment in good faith in a regional centre and for any reason the regional centre is TERMINATED OR DEBARRED, it will not have an effect on the EB-5 petition of the foreign investor. The investor will not lose the priority date if the amendment to the business plan and removal of conditions is filed within 180 days of the notification received from the government for the termination of RC.

    20. How will my money be invested in an EB-5 project?

    Ans: The investment amount will be transferred to a separate account maintained by the regional centre. It will be transferred to the project only when it is certified by designated FUND MANAGERS (such asa public accountant, attorney, broker-dealer, investment advisors, etc.)

    21. What is direct or standalone EB-5 investment?

    Ans: The investment made in any news business without a regional center is called a direct or standalone EB-5 investment. In one new business, only one EB-5 investor can make an investment. This new business must create 10 Full-time jobs for American Citizens or Green card holders.

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