¿Centro regional o inversión directa para su solicitud EB-5?
Kyle Huffman • August 15, 2024
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A medida que los efectos de la Ley de Reforma e Integridad del EB-5 de 2022 continúan desarrollándose, esta categoría de visado de inmigrante ha experimentado un aumento vertiginoso de popularidad en los últimos meses. Antes de 2022, muchas personas de alto poder adquisitivo evitaban por completo la categoría EB-5, debido a la incertidumbre generalizada en torno al programa. No es ningún secreto que la categoría EB-5 es cara, y ¿quién podría culpar a un inversor por dudar a la hora de invertir una suma tan importante de capital en un vehículo de inversión con una supervisión o transparencia limitadas? Con la gran mayoría de las preocupaciones en torno al programa que se han aliviado a través de las disposiciones de la Reforma EB-5 y la Ley de Integridad de 2022, lo que permite una mayor supervisión reglamentaria, el aumento de los umbrales de inversión, la transparencia, e incluso la eliminación de capas de trámites burocráticos, los inversores están una vez más deseosos de participar en este programa altamente beneficioso.
Si está considerando realizar una inversión financiera significativa en los Estados Unidos, el programa EB-5 es una excelente oportunidad no sólo para realizar la inversión, sino para asegurar la residencia permanente, y eventualmente la ciudadanía, en los Estados Unidos por esas contribuciones. La idea que subyace al programa EB-5 es generar un estímulo económico para Estados Unidos, lo que incluye la creación de un número significativo de oportunidades de empleo para trabajadores estadounidenses. Los umbrales de inversión para los importes mínimos de inversión admisibles se diseñaron sobre la base de que la inversión de capital alcanzara un nivel suficiente de estímulo económico. Sin embargo, con un amplio margen entre los dos umbrales de inversión admisibles, y una amplia gama de posibles proyectos en los que invertir, muchos inversores se preguntan cuál es la vía EB-5 más adecuada para ellos.
En sentido amplio, hay dos tipos de inversión EB-5: Inversión directa, o Inversión a través de un centro regional aprobado por el USCIS. El mejor camino para cada caso potencial depende de las prioridades de cada individuo que solicita.
Para la inversión directa, la petición se presenta con el formulario I-526, Petición de Inmigrante como Inversor Independiente. Un inversor que presenta una Petición de Inversión Directa EB-5 tiene la oportunidad de invertir en una empresa responsable de la creación de al menos 10 puestos de trabajo a tiempo completo. Siempre que la organización pueda verificar la creación real y la existencia de estos puestos de trabajo, estas peticiones tienen una excelente oportunidad de ser aprobadas. Estas peticiones pueden ser especialmente beneficiosas para un inversor que crea firmemente en el éxito de una nueva empresa o concepto y desee que la mayor parte de su inversión se centre directamente en la empresa creadora de empleo.
Para una inversión en un centro regional, la petición se presenta con el formulario I-526E, Petición de inmigrante como inversor en un centro regional. Estos centros regionales se crean con el propósito expreso de facilitar la inversión EB-5. Cada centro regional debe solicitarlo debidamente al USCIS, y recibir su aprobación, antes de que pueda ser incluido por el USCIS en la lista de Centros Regionales Aprobados para Inversores Inmigrantes EB-5. Uno de los principales beneficios de invertir a través de un centro regional es la facilitación del proceso de solicitud, ya que los centros regionales proporcionarán una parte sustancial de la documentación requerida. Sin embargo, esto también suele dar lugar a un menor nivel de control sobre los fondos de inversión, en comparación con una inversión directa.
FPara ambos tipos de EB-5, el umbral de inversión viene determinado por factores geográficos y económicos dentro de Estados Unidos. Dado que el programa está diseñado para estimular la economía estadounidense, existe una amplia preferencia por invertir en lo que se conoce como "Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)". Se trata de zonas rurales u otras zonas con una elevada tasa de desempleo, definida como una tasa de desempleo al menos un 50% superior a la media nacional de Estados Unidos. El importe mínimo de inversión admisible para una zona de empleo específica es de sólo 900.000 dólares, frente a un umbral mínimo de 1,8 millones de dólares para una inversión fuera de una zona de empleo específica. Sin embargo, para los inversores que confían en un proyecto de inversión concreto y están motivados principalmente por los beneficios potenciales, puede merecer la pena invertir directamente en la organización con mayor potencial, independientemente de la ubicación geográfica dentro de EE.UU. en la que se vaya a centrar la inversión.
En última instancia, la decisión sobre cuál es la mejor vía EB-5 es una determinación que debe tomar cada inversor individual y cambia en función de cada caso. Sin embargo, con una suma tan grande normalmente en juego, cada inversor quiere tener la confianza de que están eligiendo el mejor camino para sí mismos para lograr sus objetivos individuales. Si usted está considerando la posibilidad de realizar una inversión EB-5, y le gustaría discutir las preguntas o inquietudes que pueda tener acerca de qué camino EB-5 es el adecuado para usted, le animo a programar una consulta con uno de nuestros abogados expertos.
Este blog no pretende ser asesoramiento jurídico y nada de lo aquí expuesto debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Por favor, programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información leída aquí.
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.
In January 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the Laken Riley Act , marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement policy. The Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for theft-related offenses such as burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Under this Act, the Department of Homeland Security must detain an individual who: (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The Act also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. It authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a: Decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody; Failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; Failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; Violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or Failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States. The Act's stringent detention requirements may lead to increased fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Individuals who are merely accused of certain crimes could face mandatory detention. The Act may also affect legal immigration processes. Increased detention and deportation efforts could strain resources, potentially leading to delays in processing visas and asylum applications. Given the evolving legal landscape: Stay Informed and/or Seek Legal Counsel - Consult with your immigration attorney to understand how new laws and policies may affect your situation and if you or someone you know is facing immigration-related legal issues. Know Your Rights - Familiarize yourself with your legal rights, especially concerning interactions with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Community Engagement - Participate in community organizations that provide support and resources for immigrants, fostering a network of assistance and advocacy. If you have any questions or would like to consult with an experienced immigration attorney, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
In a renewed wave of enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started sending formal alerts to certain F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), flagging that their records reflect over 90 days without any reported employment. These students have been advised to update their employment status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 15 days. Failure to take timely corrective action may lead to the termination of the student's SEVIS record, effectively marking them as out of status, and may ultimately trigger removal proceedings. The notices are intended as a warning that students who do not comply with OPT reporting obligations are at risk of serious immigration consequences. Understanding OPT and Its Unemployment Limits Optional Practical Training (commonly referred to as “OPT”) is a work authorization benefit that allows eligible F-1 international students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. Students may apply for pre-completion OPT (while still in school) or post-completion OPT (after graduation), typically for up to 12 months. Those with degrees in qualifying STEM fields may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. To maintain valid F-1 status while on OPT, students must remain actively employed in a position related to their field of study. The amount of time a student may remain in the United States while on OPT without being properly employed is capped at: 90 days during the standard 12-month post-completion OPT, and 150 days for those on the STEM OPT extension, which includes any days of unemployment accrued during the initial OPT period. These unemployment limits are cumulative and enforced strictly through SEVIS monitoring. What Should F-1 Students Do? If you are an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT and receive a warning or are unsure about your compliance status, act quickly: Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to review and, if necessary, update your SEVIS record. Ensure all employment is properly documented and reported through your school’s international office. Do not ignore warning notices, as failure to respond may lead to SEVIS termination and potentially the initiation of removal proceedings. It is also advisable to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore available options and understand how enforcement actions may affect your status or future immigration plans. If you received a notice or have questions about your F-1 status, our attorneys are here to help you take the right steps to protect your future in the United States. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
