USCIS updated its EB-2 NIW policy guidance on January 15, 2025. The changes clarify how evaluators assess whether your exceptional ability relates to your proposed endeavor and whether your work has national importance. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a green card pathway that affords applicants the ability to self-petition without employer sponsorship or...Read More
The EB-5 green card program lets foreign investors obtain U.S. permanent residency by investing $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Created by the Immigration Act of 1990, the program allocates approximately 10,000 visas annually for immigrant investors and their families. The minimum investment drops to $800,000 if...Read More
The EB-5 visa program lets foreign nationals invest in U.S. businesses in exchange for permanent residency. Congress created it in 1990 to stimulate economic growth through job creation and foreign capital. For NYC-based investors, the EB-5 visa NYC path typically runs through regional centers — USCIS-approved entities that pool investor capital into commercial projects across...Read More
The EB-1A visa, the Employment-Based First Preference for Individuals of Extraordinary Ability, is a more expedited path to U.S. permanent residency for foreign nationals at the very top of their field. Unlike other employment-based green cards, it requires no U.S. employer sponsor and no labor certification. The approval standard, however, is deliberately high. USCIS uses...Read More
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (also known as the EB-5 Reform Act) reauthorized the regional center program for five years, raised the minimum investment to $800,000 for qualifying projects, and created dedicated visa reserves that remain current for all nationalities, including investors born in China and India. Since enactment on March 15, 2022, EB-5 investment has...Read More
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 introduced mandatory five-year audits for every designated EB-5 regional center. USCIS now reviews documentation, tracks capital flows, and applies Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards to ensure compliance. This changes the risk profile for investors. A regional center that looked stable in 2021 may not pass scrutiny under...Read More
President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation on Friday night that will impose a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications set to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025. This has left employers and highly skilled professionals with more questions than answers. Because of the urgency and importance of this...Read More
The E-2 Visa represents a crucial opportunity for entrepreneurs from various countries wishing to invest in the US. This visa facilitates the establishment and operation of a business within the United States, unlocking a multitude of possibilities for growth and expansion. However, many applicants often find the process to be intricate and challenging. Understanding the...Read More
Navigating the world of visas can be complex, especially for the E2 visa, a nonimmigrant visa for investors from E2 treaty countries. Understanding the process for E2 visa renewal is crucial for those seeking to maintain their status. The E2 visa allows individuals to live and work in the United States. It is available to...Read More
The journey from an H1B visa to a Green Card involves several steps and processing times. The H-1B is a nonimmigrant visa with dual intent, allowing holders to work temporarily in the U.S. while also pursuing permanent residency. If the ultimate goal is to obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card), understanding each phase assists...Read More