EB-5 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EB-5 visa for?

The EB-5 visa is for foreign investors and their immediate families who want to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) in the U.S. by making a qualifying investment in a U.S. enterprise.

What are the main requirements for the EB-5 visa?

The primary requirements for the EB-5 visa include:

Making a qualifying investment of at least $1.8 million in a new commercial enterprise (or $800,000 in a targeted employment area).

Creating or preserving at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years of the investor’s admission as a conditional permanent resident.

What is a "targeted employment area" (TEA)?

A TEA is a rural area or an area with high unemployment designated by the state government or USCIS. Investments made in TEAs qualify for the lower investment threshold of $800,000.

Can I include my family members in the EB-5 application?

Yes, you can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 in your EB-5 application. They can obtain green cards as derivative beneficiaries.

How long does the EB-5 visa application process take?

Processing times can vary significantly based on factors such as the complexity of the investment project, background checks, and the government’s workload. It generally takes several years to complete the entire process.

Can I apply for permanent residency (a green card) directly with the EB-5 visa?

Yes, the EB-5 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category that leads to lawful permanent residency (a green card) for the investor, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21.

What is the "conditional" green card for EB-5 investors?

Initially, EB-5 investors receive a conditional green card valid for two years. 90 days prior to the expiration of the two-year period, they must file a petition to remove the conditions and demonstrate that they have met the job creation and investment requirements.

Can I invest in any type of business to qualify for an EB-5 visa?

While the choice of business can vary, it can must be a commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.

Can I invest in a troubled business to qualify for an EB-5 visa?

Yes, investing in a troubled business can qualify for the EB-5 program under certain conditions, but additional requirements apply.

What happens if my EB-5 investment project fails?

If your EB-5 investment project fails and the required jobs are not created or preserved, you may not be able to remove the conditions on your green card, and your permanent residency could be at risk.
Tilak
Tilak
Davidson Law Group has been exceptional in handling my L1-A visa process. Jennifer has been meticulous in gathering the required documents and processing the file. Leyla has thorough knowledge and expertise on immigration laws and can help with any of the concerns. Overall it has been an outstanding experience. Thanks
Ross Gregory
Ross Gregory
Tony Montana
Tony Montana
I recently used the services of Davidson Law Group and I must say, they are truly exceptional! 😊The team, especially Jennifer, was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the process 🌟Their efficiency and online system saved me a lot of time and energy, making everything much more convenient as I didn't need to visit the office often 🙏I'm deeply grateful for all the support and guidance they provided! And I 100% recommend Davidson Law Group to anyone in need of legal services 👍Thank you, Davidson Law Group, for making my experience so positive!!! 🎉🎉🎉
Vishnu Prashanth
Vishnu Prashanth
My deepest gratitude for the outstanding support and guidance I received during the visa extension and stamping process. Davidson Law Group team, and particularly Leyla, went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and successful experience.Navigating visa-related matters can be daunting, but with Leyla's assistance and the overall support from your firm, I felt confident and well-informed throughout. Leyla provided tremendous support at every step, answering my queries promptly and offering valuable insights that significantly eased the process. The meticulous attention to detail and personalized service I received have left a lasting impression.I am truly grateful for the exceptional service provided by the Davidson Law Group. The team's commitment to client satisfaction and expertise in immigration matters have undoubtedly made a significant impact on my journey.Thank you once again for your invaluable assistance. I look forward to recommending your services to others in need of legal guidance.
Harsimran Kaur
Harsimran Kaur
Aadia Mujawar
Aadia Mujawar
Davidson Law group is absolutely the best at what they do! They are able to handle the nuances of every different case with such ease. Leyla, Stephanie and Dana were very prompt, cooperative and patient with all my questions and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking immigration help!!
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Dana Davidson - Full Bio

Dana T. Davidson holds degrees from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and State University of New York at Stony Brook and has been practicing immigration law since 2003 in New York and nationwide. She represents corporations, individuals, and families in a broad range of immigration matters. Attorney Davidson has offices in New York City and Glen Cove.
 

Education

  • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, New York, New York
  • Juris Doctor – 1988
  • Honors: Moot Court Board, Member, Judge
  • State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York
  • Bachelor of Arts – 1982
  • Major: Political Science
  • Concentration: Business


Pro-Bono Activities

  • Safe Passage Project, Volunteer Attorney, 2013-Present
  • Educating the Educators, Founder, 2012-Present
  • Momentum Project, Board Member, 1991-1994 Bar Admission
  • New York, Eastern District
  • New York, Southern District
  • Washington, D.C.

Speaking Engagements
 
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Spring Conference 2018, Berlin, Germany, Speaker on “Public Charge” panel
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Fall Conference 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa, Speaker: “Practice Management in the New Age” panel
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Spring Conference 2018, Madrid, Spain, Speaker: “El Traje de Luces: Self-Sponsored Petitions – EB-1A and NIW”  AILA RDC-EMEA Spring Conference 2017, Brussels, Belgium, Speaker: “Continuing Blanket L Challenges”
  • Safe Passage Project, March 2017, Speaker: “Representing Unaccompanied Minors: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and the Effects of President Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration”
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Fall Conference 2016, Speaker: “It’s Not About Money: I-864”
  • AILA RDC-EMEA Spring Conference 2016, Vienna, Austria, Speaker: “K-Visa: Differences Between K-1 and I-130 Processing”
  • New York Institute of Technology’s Center for Entrepreneurship, January 2016, Entrepreneur/Executive-in-Residence
  • AILA Fall Conference 2015, London, UK, Speaker: Impact of joint sponsors on family-based cases
  • Goldman-Sachs 10,000 Small Business Education Program, October 2014, “What is required to grow a business?”
  • Dowling College, May 2013, Keynote Speaker at the first annual Latino Summit at Dowling College
  • International Taxation Conference, 2010