NYC Investment-Based Green Card Lawyers (Brooklyn, Manhattan)

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    If you’re in a position to make a substantial investment in a United States business and expect to create jobs through that company, you may in an ideal position to earn conditional approval for residency in the country. An investment green card is an ideal way to get your foot in the door and pave the way for you and your family to become U.S. citizens if that’s your goal. An experienced immigration attorney gives you the best chance of approval for an investor green card. Call Kats Immigration Law to set up a virtual consultation or an in-person meeting.

    What Is an Investment-Based Green Card?

    The investment-based green card program was created in 1990 as way for foreign investors to get green cards by making a financial contribution to the United States economy. This program doesn’t provide immigration waivers, which means it’s a requirement in this program for all the participants to meet the investment criteria as well as job creation criteria completely. There’s an annual quota for getting a U.S. green card by investment; in 2024, it was about 10,000.

    Through this program, you receive permanent residency in the U.S. by investing at least $1.8 million in a commercial enterprise, preferably a new business. The investment should create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Successful applicants get conditional permanent residency, which later may be converted to permanent residency status. The most common investment-based green cards include:

    Because of the various options for investing in new American businesses and the nuances involved with each, you should rely on an experienced immigration investment green card attorney. Alina Kats at Kats Immigration Law specializes in getting a green card for investors and other immigration matters, such as applying for citizenship asylum, non-immigrant visas and deportation and removal proceedings.

    How Does the Investment-Based Green Card Work?

    To secure a green card through investment, you first must invest in a new business in the U.S. and either directly or indirectly generate at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. It’s initially granted for two years. Investment-based visa programs come with requirements that need to be followed strictly, including:

    • Investing at least $1.8 million or $900,000 in areas targeted for employment
    • Proving that the funds you invested are legal
    • Taking part in actively managing the entire business or the formation of policies
    • Receiving conditional permanent residency

    The process can take years as it involves several steps. The initial application form takes from 18 to 24 months to get processed and costs close to $6,000, though fees are always subject to change. The annual cap for this category makes it an attractive option for you compared to the overcrowded H-1B visa.

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    How Can I Apply for an Investor Green Card?

    To apply for an investor green card, you must first select a business project in the U.S. that qualifies and then work with your New York-based attorney to decide which investment option is best for you and your situation. The next steps then include:

    • Preparing your documents, showing a lawful source of your funds, details of the business plans and personal identification documents
    • Filing Form I-526 and petitioning to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing that your investment meets the criteria and how it creates jobs
    • Applying for consular processing if you’re outside of the U.S. or for adjustment of status if you’re already in the country
    • Submitting form I-829 to the USCIS to remove conditions on your residency within the 90 days before the two-year conditional residency expires

    Hiring a professional immigration attorney for your investor green card process makes an enormous difference on the journey. Your attorney guides you through the requirements and eligibility criteria of the category, so nothing is missed. Your attorney may assist you in other ways as well, such as:

    • Preparing an error-free visa application to avoid delays
    • Gathering all required data, such as the source of your funds, details of the business plan and personal identification documents
    • Resolving legal concerns, such as document errors or eligibility challenges
    • Assisting you in communicating with U.S. immigration authorities and presenting your case in court if necessary
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    What Are the Benefits of Getting a Green Card Through Investment?

    This process of getting a green card for investors introduces investors to several benefits. It allows investors to choose where you want to invest. If approved, you can bring your children under 21 and spouses to gain conditional residency, which may lead to permanent residency. This opportunity gives you a chance for an excellent education and medical care for you and your family. On the other hand, your investment also generates many financial returns and business opportunities in the U.S.

    If your visa application is denied for any reason, your attorney helps you understand the reasons, which may be as simple as a missed deadline or an error on your paperwork. Some common reasons for rejection include:

    • Not enough funds
    • An issue with the source of funds
    • Unmet requirements for job creation
    • Failure to maintain investment requirement
    • Problems with eligibility
    • Errors on application forms or documents

    You avoid most of the simple errors when you rely on an experienced immigration attorney to handle your documentation from the beginning of the process. And if your visa application is rejected, your lawyer guides you through the immigration appeals process or reapplication. Contact Kats Immigration Law for a virtual consultation with Alina Kats to understand the benefits of green cards for investors.

    Kats Immigration Law

    2365 Nostrand Avenue,
    Suites 106, 107,
    Brooklyn, NY 11210
    (973) 626-1177

    Updated on Oct 11, 2024 by Alina Kats (Immigratioon Lawyer) of Kats Immigration Law