What to expect…

Basically a business acquisition for immigration purposes consists of two parts.

The first is structuring the transaction to qualify for the INS program. This includes the purchase and sale agreement, business plans, INS compliance, and fund transfers.

The second part is the application to the INS for the EB-5 visa, which includes the petition and visa issuance, removal of conditions, and adjustment of status, and emigrating with family members. As soon as a visa is secured, and a business is purchased and the individual and his family can come to the US.

To help process the paperwork, immigrant needs to contact one of the attorneys to assist with the paperwork and other legalities. The attorneys can be involved in both parts or only the immigration process. They prefer to be involved from the beginning, as they can make sure that the applicant and paperwork will comply with the rules so that nothing has to be redone later. If all the conditions are met, it is possible to secure a visa in a few days.

Generally, once the prospect has been selected, the investing immigrant pays $5,000 to $10,000 (plus filing fees) for the immigration and consulting work to the attorney. Attorney fees can also be worked out on a percentage basis or part cash and part percentage of the purchase price.