EB-5 Investor Green Card Benefits
EB-5 Investor Green Card Program is a fast track path to getting your U.S. green card within 18 months. It has the highest U.S. Immigration approval, more than the Tourist Visa, Student Visa, and Employment based green cards, and Marriage Visa. U.S. Congress designated 10,000 visas to individuals in the EB-5 Category and each year thousands go unused. With a secure investment of $500,000 into a State certified project in the U.S. you and your family will be able to qualify for a U.S. green card with all the benefits of a resident.
You Can Live Anywhere in the U.S.
If you have always dreamt of living next to the beach in Hawaii or the coast of California, you can do so. If you prefer the lights and sounds of Las Vegas or New York, then the option is available. No matter where you want to live in the U.S., the EB-5 Green Card gives you the ability to choose where you can set up your business in a completely different state than where you live.
Travel to U.S. Hassle Free Anytime
The freedom to travel back home when you please. Once you have a Green Card in the U.S., you can return to your home country and then back to your new home anytime you wish. If you have an emergency in your home country or need to return to the U.S. immediately, just board a plane and leave without having to apply for a visa.
U.S. Education at Citizen Rates
Access to education at resident prices. As a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. you can afford to get higher education while paying the same money citizens pay. The same can be said for family that moves here with you, which includes any children under age 21. If you have always wanted the best education for you and your children, you can have it now with the EB-5 Green Card.
Be An American Citizen in 5 years
Fast track to becoming a U.S. citizen. You might think you will never become an American citizen, but it is possible to obtain your U.S. citizenship 5 years after your Green Card is approved. You need an experienced immigration attorney to process the file smoothly, however, the INA clearly allows citizenship application if you meet all the requirements. Once you have your citizenship, you can never lose it and do not even have to travel back to the U.S. to maintain it.
Own A Business
Owning your own business. Many people will never have the satisfaction of working for themselves, but with one initial investment, you can achieve that dream. The investment does not require you to be involved in daily operations if you apply at a Regional Center. You can be as involved in the business as you want, and you get to choose what you do with your time and money. This is a luxury many people in most countries do not have.
Secure Investment Earning Interest
Investment with a projected return on investment. By working with our EB-5 Investor Green Card Program, your investment money is secure and will earn interest higher than at a traditional U.S. bank.
High Immigration Approval Rate Than Any Other Visa
High U.S. immigration approval rate. In 2009, 85% of EB-5 Investor Green Card petitions were approved by U.S. immigration. This is a much higher rate than student visas, tourist visas, and marriage visas.
EB-5 Investor Green Card Program
EB-5 Investor Green Card Program is a fast track path to getting your U.S. green card within 18 months. It has the highest U.S. Immigration approval, more than the Tourist Visa, Student Visa, and Employment based green cards, and Marriage Visa. U.S. Congress designated 10,000 visas to individuals in the EB-5 Category and each year thousands go unused. With a secure investment of $500,000 into a State certified project in the U.S. you and your family will be able to qualify for a U.S. green card with all the benefits of a resident.
If you are a foreign investor from any country looking to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, then the EB5 investor Green Card Program is the way to go. High net worth individuals are able to make an investment which creates 10 jobs and obtain their Green Cards as fast as one who marries a U.S. citizen. Other relative petitions take 5-15 years and employment based Green Cards 3-8 years.
Consider the following advantages this program has over other visa programs. The EB-5 Investor Green Card process takes approximately 18 months before you have your Green Card, and qualifying family members are approved at the same time. Here are the five top reasons the EB-5 Investor Green Card Program is ideal for foreign investors.
- Live and work anywhere in the U.S. that you choose
- Work or conduct any type of legitimate business in the U.S. that you choose
- Your children can attend school as a U.S. premanent resident and with lower tuition
- You can travel in and out of the U.S. as many times as you wih
- You can apply for U.S. Citizenship within five (5) years of getting your EB-5 Investor Green Card.
To learn more about this, please contact us or click here.
Who Qualifies for an EB-5 Investor Green Card?
There are no limits as to who can qualify for an EB-5 Investor Green Card as long as they can meet the three requirements. Some examples are student visa holders who want to get a green card without having to marry, retirees who want to be able to live and receive some benefits in the U.S., entrepreneurs who do not qualify for E visas, and families with young children who want the benefits of a U.S. school system.
To learn more about this, please contact us or click here.
Our Full Service EB-5 Investor Green Card Program
For one fee, we will provide you with experienced, professional law office to prepare and submit all necessary papers to the U.S. Immigration and the U.S. Consulate. We have American attorneys on the ground at the U.S. Consulate to assist you with your case, assistance and consultation for the U.S. Consulate interview. All translation and notary services in your country and in the U.S. Setting up all business documents, bank accounts, tax identification numbers. Upon arrival to the U.S., we will provide you with airport pick up, assistance with housing (purchase or rental), consultations for school for children, drivers’ license and identification applications. Additionally, we can provide assistance in applying for social security numbers, and insurance.
The EB-5 Green Card law firm of CTR & Associates Ltd. is available to help you pursue your goal of becoming a U.S. permanent resident through an EB-5 Investor Green Card Program.
There are two EB-5 programs, the Regular Program and the Regional Center Program, and CTR & Associates offer legal assistance with both.
To find out more about the services we provide, please contact us or click here.
US Ending Ban on Travel for Foreign Nationals Infected with HIV
The only disease singled out in the US immigration law for exclusion will be revoked imminently. Gay rights advocates are applauding this move as a step closer to ending the discriminatory ban which has been in effect since 1987.
Washington Post full article may be found here. |
Tourist Visa B2 to the USA
Visitors traveling to the United States temporarily for business and pleasure, usually come as tourists or to visit family and friends. Others come for specific purposes, such as medical treatment, a conference, business meeting, or certain types of training.
Some tourists from certain countries, traveling for visitor visa purposes for 90 days or less, and who meet all the requirements, can travel to the United States for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program.
Additionally, certain citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa to visit the U.S.
Many of these temporary visitors, traveling for the business and pleasure purposes explained above, need visitor visas to enter the United States. The type of visa you must have is defined by immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. Please note: If you want to travel to the United States to study or to work, you will need a different kind of visa.
The U.S. government made some changes in visa procedures after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The changes in various procedures to make sure that both U.S. citizens and visitors are safe. Advance planning by travelers is essential, for them to have their visa when they need it to come to the U.S. For most visa applicants, an interview is required as a standard part of visa processing. Visa applications are evaluated very carefully and take more time now than in the past. Some applications require additional security screening. Improved and automated procedures have considerably sped up visa clearance procedures.
Obtaining a visitor visa, or tourist visa, may not be as straighforward as it seems if you’re basing it on the information on the US Embassy websites. In reality, depending on your nationality and purpose of your trip, combined with your person documentation to prove strong community ties to your home country, obtaining a tourist visa to the US may be a confounding process. Simply, you need to show more than that the fact that you want to visit Disney Land, or that you have a friend you haven’t seen in 20 years, you need to show that once you arrive in the US you will not reside their or attempt to find work and overstay your visa, or worse yet, violate the terms of your visa.
Before heading to the embassy with your application in hand, be prepared and review your documents. Ask yourself these questions:
Do I have proof that I have strong ties to my home country, such as a business, dependants, employment, or family to substantiate my desire to return to my home country after my visit to the US?
Do I have enough financial proof that I will be able to support myself during my stay wtihout having to resort to public funds or public assistance?
Do I have a letter from the friend, company, or person sponsoring my trip to the US so to demonstrate that that person or organization would be responsible for me while I’m there?
Do I have the time and patient to sit through an interview and respond honestly to the questions the interviewing officer will pose?
Once you have considered these questions, go to the US Embassy website in your home country and start the process.
Contact us in Bangkok!
Bangkok, Thailand +66 (0)8 4724 3192
Skype: FrontierLegal
Email: Info@Frontierlegal.com
Student Visas
The U.S. attracts many foreign nationals to its diverse and strong institutions of learning. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows one to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at an accredited (U.S. government- approved) college or university. The student must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) is issued to students who want to pursue non-academic programs (health care technician, machinist, dental hygienist, etc) in an established institution. The J-1 Visa (Exchange Student) is for students pursuing graduate / post-graduate studies, visiting scholars, medical doctors undergoing training, etc.
How We Can Help with US Student Visas
Our office in Bangkok, Thailand, can assist both first-time student visa applicants and returning students and their dependent family members with the visa application process at consulates in Thailand.
We can analyze your background and advise you on how best to provide the required evidence of ties to your home country and your ability to bear the cost of your U.S. education, as well as discuss all viable options and paperwork required in each particular circumstance. We are also available to advise students already in the United States and to discuss matters with the International Student Advisor at the college or school on behalf of the foreign student, if necessary. As appropriate, we will submit the petitions and documents for your visa at the consulate or with the USCIS for change of status or extension of stay.
Contact Us for F-1 Student Visa Application
We can put you in contact with world-class institutions within your specific criteria. We can ease the complexities of international travel and communication barriers by vetting our sources to ensure professional integrity and quality care.
Contact us for your personal consultation.
Overview of F-1 Student Visa Denied
The F-1 student status is for the primary purpose of full-time study at a school or college in the United States. (For trade and vocational schools, there is another type of student visa, known as an M-1; however, a student in language school is generally F-1.) Full-time study, in most cases, means at least 12 credit hours per semester. An F-1 must have nonimmigrant intent, meaning that s/he should not be planning to permanently remain in the U.S. upon entry in F-1 status.
Limits under the 1996 law, state that an F-1 student in elementary or secondary public school, or the family of such a student, has to reimburse the government for the cost of the education.
The F-1 student status does not entitle a student to work in the United States without prior authorization. Generally, a student must demonstrate sufficient financial support to pursue studies without the need for employment. During the first academic year, employment is restricted to on-campus work. After the first year, permission may be granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), based on the recommendations of the Designated School Official (DSO), for off-campus work, under certain narrow circumstances. For example, a student who suddenly loses his or her source of financial support may request the school’s foreign student advisor to approve employment. Should the school official concur, the student would file for a work permit with the USCIS. There is also a work program for internships with international organizations.
A student is admitted for “duration of status,” which is the period of time needed to complete the school program. The school official enters an estimate of the time needed on the Form I-20 that the school completes. This form is submitted to the USCIS or the consulate when the student applies for a change of status from within the U.S. or for a visa from a consulate abroad, respectively. In most cases a student does not need to apply for an extension of stay. Generally, a student does not need to apply to stay in the United States as long as s/he is maintaining student status and making normal progress toward completion of the course of academic study.
If the coursework will not be completed by the estimated date on the Form I-21, the student and DSO should complete the Form I-538 to submit to the USCIS at least 30 days before the end date on the Form I-20. This submission should include compelling academic or medical reasons for needing the extension. DSOs must help students ensure that their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data is up to date at all times.
A student may work in the United States using the practical training option. There are two types of practical training: curricular practical training (CPT), which is required by the course of study, and optional practical training (OPT), which is work that is related to the subject studied.
Practical Training can be used either during the academic program or after completion of the program. Students who have been granted permission for CPT may work up to 20 hours during the school year, and full time during vacations and holidays. Full-time OPT, after completion of the academic program, enables the recent graduate to work for up to a year in a job related to the field of study.
Overview of J-1 Visa Denied
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant status for an exchange visitor wishing to stay temporarily in the U.S. Within the J-1 category, there are a number of different programs. These include: Trainee, student, professor or research scholar, short-term scholar, non-academic specialist, foreign physician, international visitor, teacher, government visitor, camp counselor, au pair, and summer student in travel / work program.
The foreign visitor must be entering the U.S. to take part in an exchange visitor program that has been designated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
There is a requirement that the ‘J-1’ applicant be fluent in English and maintain sufficient funds and adequate medical insurance.
Student Visa Duration of Status
The applicant needs to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor, Form IAP-66, from the program sponsor. On admission to the U.S., the applicant will receive a Form I-94 that is marked for ‘Duration of Status’ (D/S). The program sponsor, not the INS, has the responsibility to ensure that the ‘J-1’ holder maintains a valid Form IAP-66.
‘Duration of Status’ is defined as the completion of the J program plus 30 days. The total length of time that a ‘J-1’ holder is permitted to stay in the U.S. depends on the exchange visitor program. These duration requirements are set forth below:
- Post-Secondary Student : length of stay is time needed to complete the degree plus 18 months practical training
- Post-Doctoral Degree : length of stay is the degree plus 36 months practical training
- Business / Industrial Trainees : length of stay is 18 months
- Professors / Scholars : length of stay is 3 years maximum. Extension of 3 years only in exceptional or unusual circumstances
- Short-term Scholars : length of stay is 4 months
- Flight School Trainees : length of stay is 24 months
- Summer Work / Travel : length of stay is 4 months
- A ‘J-1’ holder must extend status by completing Form IAP-66 through a responsible representative of the program. INS Form I-539 is not required.
Certain J-1 holders are subject to the two-year home residency requirement (HRR), and if one is subject to the HRR, s/he must return to the home country for two years before being eligible to return to the U.S. The exception to this would be a case in which one is eligible for and obtains approval of a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement. A person in J-1 status, if subject to the two-year HRR, is not eligible to change or adjust his/her status from within the U.S. (other than to A or G status) until the two-year requirement is met or waived.Included in the category of individuals who are subject to the home-residency requirements are medical doctors. If you do not go home or intend to return home for the residency then most likely they will deny your student visa application.
What We Can Do For You: Waiver of J-1 Visa
If a J-1 exchange visitor subject to the HRR finds that a waiver is needed, there are many options available. There is no guarantee, however, that any waiver will be approved. Some waiver applications require that no other waiver applications be filed for the applicant. Most waivers have additional requirements that must be met to avoid cancellation of the waiver. It is important that a person seeking a waiver carefully choose the option/s right for her/him in order to maximize the likelihood of success.
Our office can assess waiver applicants and submit the appropriate waivers for the applicants’ particular situation. We will analyze your background and advise you on how best to provide the required evidence of hardship to your US citizen or lawful permanent residence status spouse or child. We will assess and discuss all viable options and paperwork required in each particular circumstance.
We are available to advise students wanting to return to the US on a different educational curriculum discuss matters with the International Student Advisor at the college or school on behalf of the foreign student, if necessary. As appropriate, attorneys at our firm can help with submitting the waiver forms and documents for your visa at the consulate or with the USCIS for change of status or extension of stay.
Legal Services in Thailand
Thailand Corporate Services- Company Registration
- Contract Review
- International & Local Contract Drafting
- Liquidation & Dissolution
- Labor Compliance
- Thailand Board of Investment
- Company Registration/ Work Permits/ Visas
Business Organization, Formation & Structure
Sole Proprietorship is a business owned by a sole natiuural person whose liability is unlimited. A sole proprietor can engage in virtually any lawful business, unless there is a special law to the contrary. Generally, a sole proprietor may not engage in finance or insurance business these are restrict to limited companies.
Ordinary (unregistered) Partnerships consist of two or more persons who join together for a business purpose. Although an ordinary partnership may include a company as a partner, such partnerships are referred as “joint ventures.” The Foreign Business Act limits the use of the ordinary partnership business organization for foreigners.
Registered ordinary partnerships (ROP) form of business organization requires that the partnership contract, including the details of capital contributions, management and objects be in writing and registered with the Ministry of Commerce.
Limited Partnerships (LP) is a form of registered partnership in which there are one or more managing partners who manage the business and who are personally liable for the partnership’s debts, and one or more partners who are not normally personally liable for the partnership’s debts, except for their undelivered or withdrawn capital contributions. The partnership agreement is filed with the Ministry of Commerce in the same manner as a registered ordinary partnership.
Private limited companies form of business organization is most popular with foreigners because there is flexibility, especially in joint venture situations, in formulating how the company may be controlled and managed.
The United States – Thailand Treaty of Amity: Under this Treaty, American and Thai citizens and corporations are granted special preferential rights concerning ownership of businesses in each other’s countries. Since the United States allows Thai citizens and companies to have majority Thai ownership of an American company, Thailand in return grants American citizens and companies the right to have majority ownership of a Thai company. The Treaty does NOT confer any special rights in relation to ownership of land in Thailand.
Work permits are required of all foreigners wishing to work in Thailand. Non-immigrant B visa is common for the business travelers and required for work permits. Non-immigrant visas are normally for 1 year and may be extended.
