Moving to the U.S.

America is called the Land of Opportunity for a reason. In this country, you can rise on your merits and build the life you’ve always wanted. However, you have to get into the country first. That’s where AmLaw Group comes in.

Our immigration team is dedicated to helping foreigners and giving them a shot at living the American Dream. If you want to move to the USA, there are many programs to choose from. However, with all the factors involved, it may be challenging to find the best choice. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits and requirements of each program, the steps you should take, and other pertinent information.

This article covers the following topics:

• Advantages of Green Card
• EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
• E-2 Treaty Investors
• L-1 Visa for Managers
• EB-1C Supervisor’s Visa
• H-1B Nonimmigrant Specialist Visa
• EB-2/EB-3 Specialist Visa
• EB-2 National Interest Waiver
• O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability
• EB-1A For People with Outstanding Ability
• Why hire an immigration attorney

If you have any more questions, our line is open for you. Call AmLaw Group today to discuss your case!

What Are The Advantages Of A Green Card?

• Get Your Family into the United States. If you get a green card, you have the chance to sponsor your spouse and your children under 21 for permanent residency.
• Tuition Discounts. Your children can get significant discounts on American public universities. It usually is 3-4 times lower for residents than non-residents.
• Better Financial Tools. Permanent residents can access more favorable loan and mortgage terms. They also have a wide range of investment products to choose from.
• Receive Benefits on Par with a US Citizen. You can get medical care, social benefits, insurance, and protection of the law as much as any US citizen.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

An EB-5 visa can grant you and your family the opportunity to get a green card if you invest USD 800,000 in your business in the US or a Regional Center Project.

AmLaw group has a 99% approval rate for EB-5 petitions they have prepared. If you want to get into the US this way, contact our experienced Miami immigration attorneys. We can help you get a shot at the American Dream.

Regional Center Project

Regional centers are private companies that promote the growth of the US economy using the EB-5 program. What happens is the Regional Centers have EB-5 visas reserved for investors who put money into selected investment projects.

Here are the benefits of investing in a regional center project:

• This is a passive investment opportunity if you want to join a multimillion-dollar project.
• The project has a great chance to succeed because of the participation of reliable developers, banks, and other parties vested in ensuring its success.
• Dividends are paid throughout the entire investment period. You can expect a return on investment on average after five years.

Timeline for Applying for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

• 1 month: Select a regional center and a project worth investing USD 800,000. You also need to file your Petition I-526.
• 2-3 years: Petition approval of I-526
• 2.5-3+ years: Conditional green card validity for two years
• 4.5-6 years: Filing of I-829 petition for a permanent green card
• 5-6 years: Return of invested funds
• 6+ years: Receive permanent Green Card
• 7-8 years: Get a US citizenship

Advantages of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

• It’s the most reliable way to get a US green card for your whole family
• There are no other requirements aside from having legal funds for investment.
• You can have both passive and active investments.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Requirements

• Source of funds. You need to prove that you have legal access to a source of funds.
• Jobs. You have to submit a business plan that shows the creation of 10 jobs within 2.5 years from the date of investment. If you’re investing in a Regional Center project, they’ll be the ones to handle this.
• Investment. You have to invest USD 800,000 or USD 1,050,000. If the project is in a high unemployment zone or a rural area, the requirement becomes the lower of the two.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Documents

• Statements or receipts showing currency exchange and the corresponding currency in connection with the investment in the EB-5 project
• Bank account statements confirming receipt and movement of funds from the investor’s personal account to the escrow account
• Your personal income tax returns for the past 5 years
• Company tax returns for the past five years (where the company is the source of income)
• Proof of legal access to a source of funds. These can be dividends from your company, salary, income from the sale of real estate, bank loan with collateral, secured loan from a legal entity/individual, inheritance funds, or donations.

AmLaw Group has years of experience helping EB-5 Investors obtain permanent residency. If you want an in-depth guide to the intricacies of the EB-5 program, you can read this Expert Guide for EB-5 Investors by our founder, Charles Raether. This guide highlights the key points of the EB-5 program, debunks myths, and gives useful tips to proceed with your application.

E-2 Treaty Investors

This classification provides investors from treaty countries a way to enter the country as long as they invest money into an American business. In other words, it grants you the right to temporary residence in the United States if you own at least 50% of the company you’re investing in.

The most common businesses for an E-2 visa category are:

• Beauty salons
• Restaurants and cafes
• Franchises
• Truck businesses

If you fall into one of the treaty countries, call our Miami immigration law office. Our skilled attorneys at AmLaw group can help you enter the country with little delay!

Stages of Applying for an E-2 Visa

Here is what you should expect to happen if you apply for an E-2 visa:

1. Choose a business to invest in. This involves registering a new business and a tax number, where applicable. You also need to obtain the licenses and permits for office registration.
2. Prepare the necessary documents. These include:

• • 5-year business plan
  • Personal documents and accompanying forms
  • Depositing money to a company account in the USA
  • Confirmation that these funds are at risk
  • Send the full package to USCIS or the consulate.

Advantages of Applying for an E-2 Visa

• You only need a relatively small investment (around USD 100,000)
• No need for a certain work experience or a company in your home country.
• You can extend an E-2 visa indefinitely as long as your company is active and turning a profit.
• No need to create jobs in the US.
• Low denial rate for applications in this category.

Requirements for Applying for an E-2 Visa

To get an E-2 visa, you need the following:

• Citizenship in a country currently in an E-2 treaty with the United States.
• A 5-year business plan showing that the business can generate profit.
• Proof of the legality of the source of funds.
• Proof of existing investments in an active US commercial enterprise.
• Ownership of a controlling stake in the company.

One of the key requirements for an E-2 visa is that the money must be spent or be under monetary obligations before submitting the petition. There are two ways you can meet this requirement:
The funds must be spent on operating expenses BEFORE submitting the petition.
The funds must be under monetary obligations. For example, they must be signed under a lease agreement, a contract agreement, an employment contract, etc.

Grenada Citizenship and E-2 Visa

Grenadian citizenship gives you the opportunity to get an E-2 visa. Getting a Grenadian passport should take around 4-6 months. Once you have one, you can apply for an E-2 visa.

There are two ways to apply for Grenadian citizenship:

• An irrevocable state contribution of USD 150,000.00
• An investment in an accredited property of at least USD 220,000.00

The main advantage of entering the US this way is that you need a significantly lower investment. However, an E-2 visa does not let you get a green card.

Should You Buy a Franchise or a Private Business?

Here are the pros and cons of each option.

Private Businesses

• There are always offers in different branches of business.
• You have control over the management and development of the company.
• You have no strategic and tactical support.
• The only way to exit is to sell the business at the risk of losing time and finances.

Franchises

• The choice is limited to current offers on the market
• Management relies on brand history and experience
• Chance of a passive investment. The franchisor may handle all the company’s management and development.
• There are ways to exit if you want to withdraw from the franchise.

Acquiring a franchise while having management may be tempting. You can acquire 51%-100% of the franchise shares. The franchisor then buys into a stake or a management agreement with you. The franchisor can get either a profit cut or a fixed amount for the latter option.

This option has minimal business risks, as you can expect that the franchisor knows how to handle the company’s business affairs. You still have the option to manage the business at your discretion.

If you have questions about the E-2 visa, you can call our Miami immigration office. Our experienced attorneys are available to help you with all your concerns. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

L-1 Nonimmigrant Visa for Managers

This category is for executives and top managers of foreign companies who temporarily move to the United States to manage an affiliate. To do this, you must register a new company or acquire an existing one in the selected state. Affiliation with a foreign company is established through an individual or a legal entity.

The most common businesses for obtaining an L-1 visa are:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Small production
• Franchises
• Construction

The L-1 category may be your best option if you want to enter the US. Consult with our phenomenal Philadelphia immigration attorneys to discuss your choices.

Stages for Applying for an L-1 Nonimmigrant Visa (Managers)

Here are the main stages of obtaining an L-1 visa

• Open an affiliate in the USA. This involves renting an office or other commercial premises for the company’s activities.
• Prepare the necessary documents.
  • Documents for a foreign company
  • 5-year business plan
  • Personal documents and accompanying forms
  • Depositing money into a company account in the USA
  • Proof of sufficient funds available in the company account
• Send the full package of documents to USCIS or the consulate.

Advantages of Applying for an L-1 Nonimmigrant Visa

• You only need a relatively small investment, which starts at around USD 80,000.00
• If you have the means to pay additional fees, you can speed up your petition in 15 days.
• You can switch to an EB-1C green card a year after the company opens in the USA.

Requirements for Applying for an L-1 Nonimmigrant Visa

If you come from a foreign company, here are the requirements:

• You must have held a management position in the company for at least a year within the past three years.
• The company must have at least ten employees at the time of filing.
• The company must be a well-established, functioning, and financially sound business. In other words, dormant enterprises or those with low turnover are not eligible in this category.
• The company must exist and continue operations for the entire validity period of the L-1 visa.

For a US-affiliated company, here are the requirements:

• You should invest around USD 80,000.00 in the company.
• The company must have an office where it can carry out its operations.
• You should submit a 5-year business plan demonstrating the company’s ability to generate profit and create jobs.

Extending an L-1 Visa

One benefit of an L-1 visa is that you can extend its validity period. To qualify for the extension, you must have achieved the following by the end of your first year working with an American company:

• Created at least six jobs with two levels of subordination
• Demonstrated the active commercial activity of the company and its ability to turn a profit

You can extend your L-1 visa for two years. Then, if you meet the requirements, you can extend for a total of three times. With an L-1 visa, you can stay in the US for a maximum of seven years.

EB-1C Supervisor’s Visa

An EB-1C visa lets managers from foreign companies transfer into the US to manage an existing affiliate on a permanent basis. This category gives you the right to receive a US green card.

Should you want to apply for a Supervisor’s visa, you should hire the best attorneys to help with your application. Call the AmLaw group to discuss your case with an experienced immigration lawyer.

Advantages of Applying for an EB-1C Supervisor’s Visa

The benefits of an EB-1C visa are as follows:

• You don’t need to prove the legality of your source of funds.
• You can get permanent residency in 8-9 months.
• If you undergo an adjustment of status in the United States, you get a work and travel permit while your petition is pending.
• Your family also receives green cards. This only applies to your spouse and unmarried children under 21.

Requirements for Applying for an EB-1C SuperVisor’s Visa

Here are the requirements for a foreign company.

• The company must have at least 8-10 employees at the time of the filing.
• The company must be a well-established, functioning, and financially sound business. In other words, dormant enterprises or those with low turnover are not eligible in this category.
• The foreign company must continue operations until the applicant receives the green card.

For a US-affiliated company, here are the requirements.

• The foreign company must acquire a company in the US that has been active for at least a year.
• The company must have at least ten employees with a two-tier management structure.
• The net annual profit of the company must be around USD 60,000.00

An EB-1C visa can help you get permanent residence and, eventually, US citizenship. If you want to apply under this category, call us. Our trusted Miami immigration attorneys will review your petition to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Call our Florida office today to schedule a consultation!

H-1B Nonimmigrant Specialist Visa

This category is for foreign specialists who hold a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) and a job offer from an American company. An H-1B visa allows you to work in the USA for up to six years!

If you’re qualified for an H-1B visa, call us. Our respected immigration attorneys from AmLaw Group can assist you with getting into the USA. Contact our Florida law office to schedule a consultation!

Advantages of Applying for an H-1B Visa

Here are the pros of an H-1B visa:

• As it is a work visa, you don’t need any investments.
• You don’t need to acquire labor certification.
• You can speed up the consideration of your petition for an additional fee.

Requirements for Applying for an H-1B Visa

To qualify under the H-1B category, you need the following:

• Higher education is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree. Otherwise, a substantial and relevant work experience in the specialty could suffice.
• An available US employer and a job offer from them.

The job offer has to be classified as a profession. In other words, it must require specialized education and training.

You can talk to us if you need help with your H-1B application. You want your application to go right the first time. Our experienced Miami attorneys can review your petition to maximize your chances of getting accepted. Call us today for a consultation!

EB-2/EB-3 Specialist Visa

These categories are for foreign specialists with professional skills and specialized knowledge, along with a US job offer. EB-2 and EB-3 visas allow you to apply for a green card.

Advantages of Applying for an EB-2 or EB-3 Specialist Visa

Here are the advantages of these categories:

• As these are work visas, you don’t need any investments
• You and your family can receive green cards. This only covers your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
• You don’t need to have particularly outstanding achievements in your profession, only a high-quality education.

Requirements for Applying for an EB-2 or EB-3 Specialist Visa

• To be eligible for EB-2 and EB-3, you need:
• To be a higher-education degree holder or have long and relevant work experience in the specialty.
• A job offer from a US employer
• To pass the labor certification procedure as approved by the US Department of Labor

Once you qualify, then your employer must:

• Perform a recruitment campaign and prove that there are no suitable candidates in the US labor market
• Have enough funds to pay the applicant’s salary, as the US Department of Labor set.

Our reliable immigration attorneys can help you qualify for an EB-2 or EB-3 visa. Call AmLaw Group today to find out how!

EB-2 National Interest Waiver

EB-2 visa applications typically require a United States employer to sponsor you. However, the National Interest Waiver offers an exception as long as you prove that your skills and knowledge are valuable to America’s national interest. You can also receive a green card if you qualify under this category.

AmLaw Group has the relevant experience to help you apply for a National Interest Waiver. Take your first step at achieving the American Dream by calling our experienced immigration attorney today!

Advantages of Applying for NIW

The NIW has many benefits. These include:

• You do not need to make any investments as it is categorized as a work visa.
• The NIW exempts you from looking for a US employer.
• You and your family can get green cards. This benefit applies only to your spouse and any unmarried children aged 21 or lower.

Requirements for Applying for NIW

To qualify for a National Interest Waiver, you need either:

• A degree of higher education and work experience in your specialization. The degree can be a Master’s
• degree or higher or a Bachelor’s with at least five years of progressive work experience in your area of specialization.
• Exceptional ability in your field where you do not need higher education. There are seven criteria for this, but you only need to satisfy three.

To improve your chances, here are additional requirements you can submit:

• Evidence that approval of your petition significantly benefits the US economy.
• Proof of plans to work in your specialty once you arrive in the USA.

A National Interest Waiver gives knowledgeable individuals a ticket into the USA. If you think you qualify for an NIW, talk to us. Our esteemed Miami immigration lawyers can help you prepare your application so you can be closer to achieving your dreams.

O-1 For People with Extraordinary Abilities

This visa category gives temporary US residence to foreigners with extraordinary abilities in certain fields. To prove this ability, you need to have national or regional acclaim.

Advantages of Applying for an O-1 Visa

If you apply under the O-1 visa category, you can expect the following benefits:

• No need to invest money
• You can pay a premium fee to have USCIS process your petition in 15 days.
• You can indefinitely extend your visa as long as you meet certain requirements.
• The achievements you need to prove are lower than an EB-1A visa.

Requirements for Applying for an O-1 Visa

To qualify for an O-1 extraordinary ability visa, you need the following:

To demonstrate your abilities through national, regional, or international recognition.

A written opinion from an appropriate industry organization in the United States

A valid job offer from an American company in the area of your achievements.

EB-1A For People with Outstanding Abilities

This option is for individuals with national or international acclaim in science, art, education, business, sports, and others. Examples of recognition include the Nobel Prize, an Oscar, or a Fields Medal.

An internationally recognized ability can be your way to enter the US of A. Call AmLaw Group to get help from professional immigration attorneys. We can help you take a step at living the American Dream. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

Advantages of Applying for an EB-1A Visa

Here’s what makes an EB-1A visa a great option to enter the US:

1. No need to invest money or have a US employer.
2. You can enter and leave the US as you please while your petition is adjudicated.
3. You can live and work in the US while USCIS processes your petition.
4. You have the option to speed up the process to only 15 days if you pay the fees.

Requirements for Applying for an EB-1A Visa

If you’re considering an EB-1A visa, here are the requirements to keep in mind:
You need to show that you will continue to work in the field of your outstanding ability.
You can file your petition without needing a US employer
You need to show your outstanding abilities with proven national or international recognition.

Your outstanding ability can be your way into America. Talk to our experienced Miami immigration attorneys today to see how we can help you.

Why Should I Hire a Miami Immigration Attorney?

The American Dream is elusive, and not everyone can hope to achieve it. Your visa petition can be the ticket to living the life you’ve always wanted. However, if you miss anything in your application, it can delay your dreams. The wait periods for immigration are already notoriously long. At worse, your efforts could be wasted if your petition gets rejected.

AmLaw Group is an American law firm based in Miami, Florida. Our services cover the fields of immigration and business across the United States. We have worked with many clients over the years and helped get them into the US. The services of our immigration attorneys can be the difference in the successful approval of your petition.

Here are some of the benefits of working with AmLaw Group:

• Our partners have an exemplary reputation
• We have an impressive 98% approval rate for green card petitions
• We can communicate in your language
• Our turnkey services include selecting and buying a business and applying for a visa, residency, or citizenship.

We’re not exaggerating when we say we are the best lawyers to ensure the success of your petition. Our high approval rate and years of experience prove that we are more than capable of handling your case. Call our Miami immigration law office today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case!