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.
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.
