Descripción general del proceso EB-5
Kyle Huffman • April 25, 2024
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Embarcarse en el viaje de inmigración EB-5 es tanto un profundo esfuerzo personal como una decisión estratégica de inversión. Para las personas que buscan hacer de los Estados Unidos su nuevo hogar al tiempo que contribuyen a su panorama económico, el Programa EB-5 para Inmigrantes Inversores ofrece una vía como ninguna otra. Este programa, establecido por el gobierno estadounidense en 1990, ofrece a los inversores extranjeros la oportunidad de obtener la residencia permanente en Estados Unidos invirtiendo en empresas creadoras de empleo. Sin embargo, navegar por las complejidades del proceso EB-5 requiere un conocimiento profundo de sus complejidades, requisitos y posibles escollos. En esta guía, ofrecemos una breve descripción general de los pasos y documentos que intervienen en el proceso de inmigración EB-5, arrojando luz sobre sus componentes clave, los criterios de elegibilidad, las opciones de inversión y los pasos del procedimiento, dotando a los posibles inversores de los conocimientos necesarios para embarcarse en este viaje transformador con confianza.
Antes de seleccionar un proyecto y realizar la inversión, es importante que un inversor EB-5 consulte con una firma jurídica de inmigración para elaborar una estrategia para la solicitud. Es necesario demostrar al Servicio de Inmigración (USCIS) que todos los fondos utilizados en la inversión se obtuvieron y retuvieron legalmente, por lo que su abogado querrá saber de dónde procede el dinero para la inversión y dónde se ha retenido desde que se obtuvo.
Una vez satisfecho con la procedencia y el rastreo de los fondos, el inversor puede seleccionar un proyecto en el que invertir. Tras la aprobación de la Ley de Reforma e Integridad del EB-5, algunos proyectos de inversión ya han sido preaprobados por USCIS mediante la presentación del formulario I-956 y la designación como Centro Regional de Inversión. Por defecto, la inversión mínima requerida es de 1.050.000 dólares; sin embargo, esta cantidad se reduce a 800.000 dólares para los centros de inversión situados en "zonas de empleo específicas".
Después de presentar la inversión al centro regional, el inversor trabajará con su abogado para crear la petición I-526. En esta etapa del caso, es el momento de mostrar USCIS la fuente y el rastreo de todos los fondos utilizados para la inversión. Los tipos de documentación necesarios para demostrar el origen lícito y el rastreo de los fondos son extremadamente amplios y dependen en gran medida de la procedencia del dinero en cada caso particular, pero los documentos más comunes incluyen formularios de impuestos W-2 o 1099, declaraciones de impuestos federales y estatales, extractos de cuentas bancarias, contratos de compraventa de bienes inmuebles, certificados de acciones, contratos de préstamo, documentos de herencia y registros de transferencias bancarias, entre otras muchas posibilidades.
Los solicitantes del EB-5 pueden tramitar su Green Card
a través de USCIS presentando una solicitud I-485 de Ajuste de Estatus, o bien tramitarla a través del consulado de su país de origen. Si ya se encuentra en los Estados Unidos con otro estatus válido, la solicitud de Ajuste de Estatus puede presentarse simultáneamente con la petición I-526. Si se tramita a través de un consulado en el extranjero, el inversor tendrá que esperar hasta que se apruebe la I-526 antes de iniciar el proceso consular. El solicitante principal, junto con su cónyuge y sus hijos solteros menores de 21 años pueden obtener la residencia permanente a través del proceso EB-5.
Al término de cualquiera de los dos procesos, ya sea solicitando la Green Card dentro de los Estados Unidos o buscando la entrada a través de un consulado, USCIS emitirá Green Cards condicionales, con una validez de dos años. En los últimos tres meses antes de que expire la Green Card condicional, el inversor y su familia tendrán que presentar una solicitud I-829 para la eliminación de las condiciones de la tarjeta verde. En esta fase, casi dos años después de realizada la inversión, USCIS confirma si la inversión se mantiene en el proyecto y se han creado los 10 puestos de trabajo requeridos. Tras la aprobación del formulario I-829, el inversor y su familia recibirán la Green Card permanente, con una validez de 10 años.
El inversor y su familia podrán solicitar la nacionalidad estadounidense cinco años después de la expedición de la tarjeta de residencia inicial. La Green Card condicional cuenta a estos efectos, por lo que la ciudadanía será una posibilidad aproximadamente 3 años después de que se expidan las Green Cards permanentes.
En conclusión, el Programa EB-5 para Inmigrantes Inversores constituye una vía única para que personas de todo el mundo hagan realidad sus aspiraciones de vivir y prosperar en Estados Unidos. Mediante la inversión estratégica y la dedicación a la creación de empleo, los participantes no sólo obtienen la residencia permanente, sino que también contribuyen al crecimiento económico y la prosperidad del país. Sin embargo, es crucial que los futuros inversores aborden el proceso EB-5 con una planificación meticulosa, una investigación exhaustiva y una orientación experta para sortear con éxito sus complejidades. Al comprender los requisitos del programa, explorar las opciones de inversión y cumplir las directrices de procedimiento, los aspirantes a inmigrantes pueden embarcarse en su viaje EB-5 con claridad y confianza. En última instancia, el programa EB-5 representa algo más que una vía para obtener la residencia: encarna el espíritu emprendedor, la innovación y la oportunidad que definen el sueño americano.
Si usted cree que puede calificar para el programa EB-5 o si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor programe una consulta con uno de nuestros abogados expertos y estaremos más que encantados de ayudarle.
Este blog no pretende ser un consejo legal y nada aquí 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.
If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing your culinary artistry to the United States —whether as a chef in a high-end kitchen, a pastry artisan designing edible masterpieces, or a baker introducing centuries-old family recipes to American diners—there may be a visa that fits you as well as your favorite apron. In the vibrant world of U.S. immigration, two options shine particularly bright for culinary professionals: the O-1B and the P-3 visa. While many assume these are only for Hollywood stars or folk musicians, the reality is that they’ve opened doors for creative professionals across fields—including those whose medium is flavor. Let’s start with the O-1B visa . This visa is for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in the arts, which USCIS defines as someone who has achieved distinction through national or international acclaim. Think of it as a spotlight on your achievements—whether you’ve been featured in culinary magazines, headlined food festivals, worked in renowned kitchens, or garnered praise from respected critics and chefs. You don’t need a Michelin star (though it doesn’t hurt)—you just need to prove that your skill and reputation put you in a class above the rest. With this visa, you can work in the U.S. for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions if you're still cooking up success. Now, if your passion lies in preserving and sharing your cultural heritage through cuisine, the P-3 visa may be the better fit. Designed for artists and entertainers coming to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach as part of a “culturally unique” program, the P-3 visa is perfect for chefs trained in traditional methods who want to introduce authentic ethnic flavors to American tables. For example, a Japanese sushi master teaching regional techniques at culinary schools, a French chef recreating the rustic dishes of Provence in a farm-to-table restaurant in California, or an Italian baker bringing regional specialties like Sicilian cassata or Roman maritozzi to a bakery in Brooklyn. According to USCIS, the program must aim to “further the understanding or development of your art form,” and can be commercial or noncommercial in nature. The visa lasts for one year, with extensions available. So why are these options such a win for culinary professionals? For one, they bypass the long timelines and complexities of labor certification. They’re faster, more affordable, and allow your talent—or your tradition—to speak for itself. In an era where Americans are increasingly craving authentic global flavors, having a native expert in the kitchen isn’t just a trend—it’s an experience. And the U.S. immigration system is catching on. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we’ve helped countless culinary professionals find the right visa to match their dreams. Whether your story is written in saffron and smoke or flour and sugar, we’re here to help you bring it to life in the United States. Ready to take your career stateside? Contact us to get started—because your next chapter may be just one visa away.
In recent months, the U.S. government has intensified its vetting procedures for individuals seeking entry into the United States, whether through visa applications abroad or inspection at ports of entry. This shift, prioritized by the current administration, is having a noticeable impact on immigrants, visa holders, and even lawful permanent residents (LPRs). At U.S. consulates worldwide, applicants are experiencing increased delays , often being placed into administrative processing under Section 221(g) or referred for Security Advisory Opinions (SAOs) , which can significantly prolong visa issuance. Officers are now engaging in deeper reviews of applicants' backgrounds, including their t ravel histories, social media accounts, and foreign ties . This scrutiny applies to a wide range of visa categories, from visitor visas to employment-based petitions. Importantly, officers are exercising broader discretion when deciding who qualifies for a visa, making the process more unpredictable, even for applicants with strong cases. This enhanced vetting does not end at the consulate. Individuals entering the U.S. — even those with valid visas or green cards — are increasingly subject to prolonged secondary inspections by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Officers may ask detailed questions about prior immigration history, travel patterns, and social media activity. In some cases, travelers are asked to provide access to their electronic devices for further inspection. There are also growing reports of travelers being referred to deferred inspection or even issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for removal proceedings, despite previously lawful entries. While some of these practices have existed in the past, the current administration has formalized and expanded them. Experts warn that additional travel restrictions or targeted bans could also emerge as part of the administration’s enforcement priorities. For employment-based applicants, these delays and complications can severely impact U.S. businesses and foreign nationals who contribute critical skills to the U.S. economy. It is more important than ever to be well-prepared before attending a visa interview or traveling internationally. Understanding your rights and preparing thoroughly can help you navigate this uncertain landscape. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C. , our immigration attorneys are ready to guide you through this evolving process and ensure you are informed, supported, and protected. Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance.
On March 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a policy update that limits gender marker selections on all immigration forms and systems to two biological sexes: male and female. This change eliminates the option for applicants to select a non-binary or “X” gender marker—an option that had previously been permitted on some forms. While USCIS emphasizes that this update does not change who qualifies for immigration benefits, it may significantly impact how certain applications—particularly asylum claims based on gender identity-related persecution—are understood and evaluated. What Has Changed? Under the revised policy, applicants may now only choose “Male” or “Female” when completing USCIS forms. The ability to select a non-binary or third-gender option is no longer available. Applicants may still request to change their gender marker with USCIS, but only within the male/female binary. Supporting documentation, such as medical or legal records, is not required to make the change. This means that transgender individuals can still align their gender marker with their identity—if it falls within the two binary categories—but non-binary individuals are no longer represented. The change follows guidance issued by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which called for greater consistency in the collection of sex and gender data across federal agencies. Impact on Asylum Applicants This policy update is especially important for individuals applying for asylum based on persecution related to their gender identity. Under U.S. immigration law, asylum is available to people who have suffered persecution—or fear future persecution—based on their membership in a “particular social group.” This includes people targeted for being transgender, gender non-conforming, or otherwise not aligning with socially expected gender roles in their home country. Although the legal standard for asylum remains unchanged, the removal of the non-binary gender marker could make it harder for some applicants to clearly present and document their identity. In asylum cases, credibility and clarity are crucial. The ability to accurately reflect one’s gender identity on official forms can play an important role in establishing the foundation of a persecution claim. Now, applicants who identify as non-binary or outside the traditional male/female categories may be forced to select a gender that does not align with their lived experience. This could lead to confusion in their case file or require additional explanation during interviews or hearings. This policy could weaken the strength of some asylum claims—not because the underlying facts have changed, but because the official forms now fail to reflect the applicant’s true identity. For example: A non-binary person applying for asylum after being targeted in their home country may now have to select “Male” or “Female” on their asylum application, despite not identifying as either. This mismatch may lead adjudicators to question the applicant’s identity, possibly weakening the strength of the claim or requiring added clarification and documentation. In defensive asylum cases—where applicants are in removal proceedings—such inconsistencies could create unnecessary hurdles and complicate the evidentiary presentation. What Can Applicants Do? Despite the change, individuals can still pursue asylum based on gender identity. The underlying eligibility criteria remain the same. However, applicants should be prepared to clearly explain any differences between their stated identity and the gender marker required on USCIS forms. Applicants are encouraged to: Include a personal declaration explaining their gender identity in detail and how it relates to their fear of persecution. Provide evidence such as affidavits, country condition reports, or expert testimony that supports the claim. Work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help present the claim effectively and prepare for any questions that might arise from the new form limitations. The new USCIS policy on gender markers may seem like a technical update, but for asylum seekers fleeing gender-based persecution, it has real implications. While individuals are still legally eligible to seek protection, the limitation to binary gender options could make it more difficult to fully and clearly present their case. If you or someone you know is facing immigration challenges related to gender identity—or is concerned about how this policy may impact an asylum claim—please contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We’re here to help ensure your voice is heard and your case is handled with the care and expertise it deserves.
