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.
Family-based immigration remains one of the most common paths to lawful permanent residency in the United States. It offers a lifeline to families hoping to reunite across borders, but the process is far from simple. The outcome of the applications can be delayed as a result of potential missteps while preparing the applications. Here are some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them: Incomplete or Inaccurate Forms One frequent mistake is submitting incomplete or inaccurate information on the forms like the I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and the I-485 (Adjustment of Status). Even minor errors such as misspelled names, missing signatures, or incorrect dates—can result in Requests for Evidence. To avoid this misstep, double-check all entries, cross-reference documents, and consult with an attorney before submission. Remember, immigration forms are legal documents so accuracy matters. Insufficient Supporting Evidence Proving a genuine familial relationship is the basis of family-based petitions. For spousal cases, USCIS looks closely at evidence of a bona fide marriage. Little or no supporting documents and evidence may lead to Requests for Evidence and even skepticism from USCIS. To establish a bona fide marriage, include documentation to show shared finances and liabilities. Filing Under the Wrong Category or Preference There are different immigration paths depending on whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and whether the beneficiary is a spouse, child, sibling, or parent. Each category has different processing times and visa availability. It is critical that before applying, you understand which preference category applies to your case. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21) generally receive faster processing and are not subject to annual visa caps. Not Disclosing Past Immigration or Criminal History Many applicants fail to account for past immigration violations such as visa overstays, unauthorized work, or prior removal orders. Similarly, if you fail to disclose past criminal history and these issues surface later in the process they can affect the outcome of the case. Disclose everything to your attorney, no matter how minor or old the issue seems. Prior violations don’t always mean denial but not disclosing them may lead to serious consequences. If you're considering filing a family-based petition, consult with an experienced immigration attorney at our office. Our office is committed to helping families navigate this complex process with clarity and confidence.
When applying for a green card or seeking admission into the United States, one of the legal hurdles many applicants may face is the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This test evaluates whether someone is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support. But what exactly does that mean—and what types of public benefits can trigger this issue? In this article, we’ll break down what “public charge” really means, who is affected, what types of public benefits are considered, and what immigrants should be mindful of when making decisions about public programs like Medi-Cal and Medicaid. What Is the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility? The public charge rule applies to individuals applying for a visa, green card (adjustment of status), or entry into the U.S., unless they fall into an exempt category. Under this rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must determine whether the applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. This typically refers to receiving: Public cash assistance for income maintenance (such as SSI or TANF), or Long-term institutional care at government expense. This determination is based on the "totality of circumstances," including age, health, financial resources, education, skills, and whether a sponsor has submitted a valid Affidavit of Support. Who Is Exempt from the Public Charge Rule? Many categories of immigrants are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility. These include: Asylees and refugees Special immigrant juveniles Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners T and U visa applicants Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants Importantly, even if someone later adjusts status through a different pathway that is subject to public charge, any benefits they received while in an exempt category will not be held against them. What Public Benefits Are Not Considered in the Public Charge Test? It is a common and harmful myth that using any public benefit will jeopardize your immigration status. In fact, most non-cash benefits do not count against you in a public charge determination. According to USCIS and DHS guidance, the following types of assistance (current as of July 1, 2025) are not considered: Health-Related Benefits Medi-Cal/Medicaid, except for long-term institutional care Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, including subsidies COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment Community health services, crisis counseling, and short-term shelters Food and Nutrition SNAP (Food Stamps) WIC School meal programs Food banks and emergency food assistance Housing and Energy Emergency shelter Rental assistance (e.g., McKinney-Vento programs) Energy assistance (e.g., LIHEAP) Education and Childcare Public schooling Head Start Childcare subsidies (e.g., CCDF) Educational grants and scholarships Federal Cash and Tax Benefits Earned income tax credit (EITC) Child Tax Credit (CTC) Stimulus checks Unemployment insurance Social Security and veteran’s benefits Disaster and pandemic-related cash aid In short, just because a benefit is public or government-funded doesn’t automatically make it count against you. A Word of Caution About Medi-Cal and Medicaid, in Particular As of today (07/01/2025), standard use of Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid) or Medicaid for most health-related services is not considered in a public charge determination. This includes preventative care, emergency services, pregnancy-related services, and short-term care. However, if Medicaid is used for long-term institutionalization, such as in a nursing home or psychiatric facility, that does count under the public charge test. Despite current guidance, we are seeing political shifts and changes in tone from the current administration that suggest public charge policies may become more restrictive in the future. This includes renewed interest in expanding the types of public benefits that may be considered, particularly around medical assistance. For that reason, we generally recommend that individuals who are applying for adjustment of status, or who may be subject to the public charge ground in the future, avoid enrolling in Medi-Cal or Medicaid at this time, unless absolutely necessary. Final Thoughts Immigration law is complex, and the rules surrounding public charge can feel confusing or even frightening. But it’s important to understand that using most public benefits—especially for food, education, and healthcare—will not automatically jeopardize your green card or visa application. Still, because policy can change quickly, we urge individuals to consult with an immigration attorney before applying for any public assistance—especially healthcare programs like Medi-Cal or Medicaid. If you have questions or concerns about how public benefits might impact your immigration case, our office is here to help. We are committed to providing up-to-date, personalized guidance to keep your immigration journey on track. Disclaimer The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and the application of the public charge rule may vary depending on your specific situation. If you believe this topic may apply to you or you need individualized legal guidance, we encourage you to contact one of our highly-qualified legal professionals for a consultation and assistance tailored to your circumstances. Resources: USCIS Public Charge Resources ILRC Medi-Cal and Public Charge Alert (2024) California Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQ
As an immigration law firm, we regularly assist highly skilled professionals working in the U.S. on temporary work visas such as H-1B who are seeking a path to permanent residency. For many of these individuals, the EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card categories are the most pursued—and frequently misunderstood—routes . While both are viable pathways to permanent residency, they differ in meaningful ways that can significantly impact the timing, eligibility, and overall strategy of your case. The EB-2 category is intended for individuals who either hold an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in their field . Most applicants qualify by having a master’s degree (or higher), or a bachelor’s degree accompanied by at least five years of progressive experience in their profession. There is also a subcategory within EB-2 known as the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows qualified individuals to self-petition without employer sponsorship if their work substantially benefits the United States. This route is especially relevant for researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in high national interest or mission-critical fields. In contrast, the EB-3 category includes professionals with a bachelor’s degree as well as skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience . While the educational threshold for EB-3 may appear less rigorous, the process itself is equally structured. One key distinction between EB-2 and EB-3 lies in the requirements of the job being offered, not just the applicant’s own credentials. For example, if a position requires only a bachelor’s degree, even a highly qualified candidate with a master’s degree may still fall under EB-3. Regardless of which category applies, most employment-based green card cases begin with the PERM labor certification process . This is a formal procedure overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor, in which the employer must test the labor market and demonstrate that there are no able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers for the position. The employer must also agree to pay the prevailing wage as determined by the Department of Labor. This step is both mandatory and highly detail-sensitive; inaccuracies in the job description, recruitment steps, or wage determination can lead to significant delays or even denials. Once PERM certification is approved, the employer files Form I-140 , the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This petition confirms that the employee meets the requirements for the offered position under either EB-2 or EB-3, and that the employer is financially capable of providing the job as described. If the employee’s priority date—which is based on the date the PERM was filed—is current according to the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, the individual may then file Form I-485 to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident. One of the more nuanced aspects of this process involves understanding how priority dates and visa backlogs affect the timeline. For applicants from countries with high demand, such as India or China, significant delays are common—particularly under EB-2. Paradoxically, there are times when the EB-3 category moves faster, prompting some applicants to file a second I-140 under EB-3 while retaining the original priority date. This strategy can be effective but requires careful legal planning to ensure it’s done correctly. Another strategic factor is portability. If your I-485 application has been pending for at least 180 days and your I-140 has been approved, you may be eligible to change employers under the AC21 portability provisions, so long as the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification. This flexibility can be critical for employees who experience job changes or promotions during the often lengthy green card process. Ultimately, the choice between EB-2 and EB-3 isn’t about prestige —it’s about aligning your qualifications, the job requirements, and your immigration history with current legal standards and market conditions. The right strategy depends not only on your education and experience, but also on your long-term career goals and country of origin. At our firm, we work closely with both employers and employees to develop individualized immigration strategies that streamline the process and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Whether you're a corporate professional evaluating your green card options or an employer preparing to sponsor a key team member, we offer the insight and experience to move your case forward with confidence.
