The Law Offices of Yuri Tsyganov, P.L.

E-2 Visa: A great alternative to EB-5

admin — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 09:15:49 +0000

Today I met with a gentlemen from Canada. He is of middle age and has done very well in his professional life. His main goal is to travel to and from Canada to the U.S. without the dealing with the “friendly” treatment by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Although he can certainly afford the $500,000 USD EB-5 visa investment, we both decided that the E-Visa is his best choice.

For those not interested in permanent residency in the U.S. For those who’s children are grown up and have left the parental nest. For those who simply want to own their business and stay busy. Try the E-2.

There are about 57 countries around the world that qualify for the E-2. The investment amount is proportionate to the type of business you are investing in. There is no “magic” number when it comes to the EB-5. However, the more you invest the better.

The investment can be in a new or existing business, but you must own at least 50% of the entity.

The process does not take a long time to finish and the USCIS looks very favorably on to this type of visa.

My client will most likely invest in a smoothie and soft served yogurt franchise in South Florida, which is an excellent choice.

To find out more about the E-2 visa, go to http://www.tsyganovlaw.com/practice-areas/fort-lauderdale-immigration-attorney/investor-visas/e12-treaty-investor-visas

Loan as a Source of EB-5 Investment Funds: Investors Get Creative

admin — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 09:20:57 +0000

One of the most important aspects of the EB-5 visa application process is the sourcing of the investment funds. In other words, the investor must prove that the money invested was earned legally. Whether it is the sale of a property, inheritance, sale of stocks or any other securities, sale of precious metals, or perhaps money from a legal victory, or a gift: It is the job of the immigration attorney to make sure the USCIS adjudicator has a clear understanding of how, when, and where the money was made.

Recently I have been noticing a shift towards the use of the loan structure as a way of investing in the EB-5 visa. Mainly clients from Russia and Africa are starting to turn to their financial institutions for a loan. According to the USCIS, the loan must be collateralized with personal assets in order to be accepted by immigration adjudicators. I have seen some Clients use their stock portfolio or a second home to guarantee repayment on the loan. Some even pledge their own funds, which are held at the bank which is issuing the loan, as loan collateral.

Yes it is true that most financial institutions will charge an annual fee for such a services. But in most case it seems that such fees are only a small price to pay in comparison to the expenses associated with liquidating assets and or converting foreign currency in to U.S. dollars in order to make a qualifying EB-5 investment. After all, the U.S. dollar is still one of the strongest currencies in the world and not all EB-5 investors hold their assets in U.S. dollars.

The way of the loan may be exactly what many potential investors have been searching for!

Learn more at http://eb5investgreencard.com/eb-5-for-investors/

Everyone needs a Plan B: EB-5 Visa

admin — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 09:39:31 +0000

Mikhail Khodorkovsky has beenpardoned by Vladimir Putin after a ten year prison sentence. The U.S. media has interpreted this recent development as a way for Putin to win favor with the international community ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games. Although Khodorkovsky has promised not to get involved in Russian politics, he did mention that his return to Russia is imminent and that he will take part in attempts to release other political/economic prisoners.

The fact that Khodorkovsky has been pardoned does not change the brutal reality of the Russian economic/political chess game. If you refuse to play ball by the rules, you may find yourself not playing at all and spending your days in a prison cell.

One must have a plan B. A plan which ensures the safety for one’s family and capital.

In the last two years I have worked with a number of Russian and EX-Soviet EB-5 Visa investors whose intuition and understanding of the state of things on the “ground level” at home has led them to seek U.S. residency abroad. I think that the number of new EB-5 investors from Russia and its neighboring countries will only increase in the coming year. Russians are starting to realize that the EB-5 program is not a scam and that there are a number of EB-5 Regional Centers out there that have produced great results for Russian and Eastern European clients.

It is extremely rewarding to see a Client receive their Green Card in the mail after going through the EB-5 application and adjustment of status process. The expressions on their faces say it all: Now we have a plan.

Please visit my website to learn more about the process: http://eb5investgreencard.com/

The US State Department Calls for Record EB-5 Visa Growth

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:06:58 +0000

EB-5 Visa growth is at an all time high, and President Barrack Obama is calling for even more growth in the entrepreneurial-focused visa program. In fact, the United States Center for Immigration Services might just bring in $2 billion from international investors this year through the twenty year old program. As if that weren’t enough incentive, the US State Department has called for an increase in EB-5 Visa growth through more aggressive processing.

EB-5 Visa Growth and Opportunity

Currently, US policy allows up to 10,000 visas issued through the EB-5 program. Although this number has never been reached, last year did see the highest number of successful applications. The entire process is quite difficult to navigate, but increasing private sector services such as The Law Offices of Yuri Tsyganov, P.L. have allowed more individuals and families to enter the program. With the US seeking new revenue avenues, now might be the perfect time to consider relocating to the US.

Since the State Department is planning on increasing focus on EB-5 Visa growth, procedures for obtaining such visas are becoming more streamlined. Although it still takes 10 months to process paperwork, services that focus in the area are able to increase the success rates of applicants. The minimum investment is quite high, but the return on that investment is priceless.

EB-5 Visa Growth and Potential

In just seven years, the EB-5 Visa program has added over 95,000 jobs to the US and raised approximately $6 billion for US economic stimulus. Each individual who applies for the program is committing to a $500,000 to $1 million dollar investment along with creating 10 jobs within two years The details of the requirements are more specific than that, but the right law firm or service is capable of explaining everything involved in the EB-5 Visa program.

The success of the program is seeing some scrutiny from some politicians in Washington, but most see the program as a success. Influx of capital to the US is solidifying the EB-5 Visa growth more each and every year. Finding a way into the US through entrepreneurial immigration programs like the EB-5 Visa program is not only possible, but with a bit of investment is even likely.

The Road to Citizenship: The IIUSA , EB-5 Pro, and the EB-5 Visa Program

admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:04:45 +0000

The US is going through a significant amount of growing pains. The EB-5 Visa Program is, however, a bright spot in both immigration policy and economic recovery. EB-5 Visa is a policy that allows entrepreneurial internationals to invest in US job growth with the opportunity to receive a Visa, a green card, and even citizenship within five years.

EB-5 Visa Program and the IIUSA

The IIUSA, or the Association to Invest in the USA, is dedicated to drawing in investors from around the globe to the US. As major advocates of the EB-5 program, the IIUSA strives to keep the program alive as well as to open and maintain Regional Centers. Regional Centers make up around 95 percent of all money that the program produces.

The money gleaned each year from the program is no small amount. Approximately $2 billion will be raised this year thanks to the success of the program. Although there is a limit on visa issues allowable for the program each year, the number has not yet been reached. This program provides a road to citizenship in the US for job creators.

Services Focused on the EB-5 Visa Program

As the program grows, those navigating the visa opportunities are increasingly in need of advisement. Businesses such as EB-5 Pro are completely focused on getting the right paperwork filled out properly, and in a timely manner. With so much money at stake, individuals find that it pays to be extremely careful and detail oriented.

Understanding the costs involved, applying through the right avenues, and avoiding needs for amendments is essential in the venture to obtain an EB-5 Visa. Services that understand how to navigate the different application options are experienced in their fields. Even consulting someone for investment advice and counseling is advisable.

The EB-5 Visa program is seeing year after year growth and success. It is likely that this growth will eventually make the program quite competitive. For the time being, however, there are still a large number of visa slots available, providing those who go through the right channels with a Road to Citizenship in the United States of America.

If you need quality EB-5 Visa assistance, contact us right now.

The 3rd Annual IIUSA EB-5 International Investment and Economic Development Forum

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:52:20 +0000

Starting June 19^th, the IIUSA is holding its third annual international investment and economic development forum. Individual investors and economic development professionals from around the globe will be meeting together to discuss the EB-5 program, international investment in the US, and a myriad of other topics. The Association to Invest in America puts together this forum to answer questions, foster relationships, and increase effectiveness with authentic, person-to-person interaction.

Attending the EB-5 Event

The EB-5 event is held at different locations, and this years forum is taking place in Las Vegas, NV. In 2012, the forum was completely sold out due to increased interest in US investment and the EB-5 Visa program. With experts from across various financial sectors, it is no wonder that the event continually sells out of tickets.

Russell Cartwright, Tom Loeffler, Marc Audet and dozens of other businessmen from around the world will be speaking at the event. In order to attend the event and see all of the speakers at this year’s forum, visit the official IIUSA event page. The event is likely to sell out of tickets, so the earlier individual secure a spot at the forum the better.

Brief History of the IIUSA

In 2005, the IIUSA was founded as a national, member-based not-for-profit dedicated to increasing the exposure of American investment opportunities. The organization is specifically made up of EB-5 regional center workers and service providers. Each member has a significant stake in seeing the visa program expand and improve with time.

The IIUSA is made up of an interdisciplinary group of financial and business sector representatives from around the world. IIUA represents a total of 82 regional centers with more than 160 registered members. IIUA regional centers make up about 95 percent of all capital formation resulting from the dynamic visa program.

The event held by the IIUSA is designed to connect business leaders from around the globe in an authentic trade show atmosphere. Business leaders interested in the EB-5 Visa program are able to meet in a secure, fun environment once each year. This event is a popular affair, requiring individuals to register weeks ahead of time.

Five Essential Resources on EB-5 Visas

admin — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:43:34 +0000

Understanding the detailed EB-5 Visa program is no easy task. Eduction on how the program works and why it exists is essential in obtaining the proper Visa through the right channels. Forms, details, legal consultation, and more are all vital in the path to obtaining EB-5 Visas. The right sources allow interested individuals and families to make the right decision on investing and migrating to the US.

Resource Number 1: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Page from USCIS

The USCIS, otherwise known as US Citizenship and Immigration Services, provides a wide range of resources for perspective Visa holders. This site includes articles on why the program exists, how it works, and how individuals can make it work for them. Several detailed articles can be found through the main USCIS website.

Programs such as the EB-5 Visas program often require aid and clarification through a professional services. Legal advice and complete EB-5 services can be obtained through a variety of options. EB-5 Pro is one services that focuses on the EB-5 Green Card program.

Resource Number 2: Dhar Law’s Overview of Eligibility Paper

Those interested in a law firms point of view should check out the paper from Dhar Law firm at the law news website JDSupra Law News. The article explains, in detail, the various eligibility requirements of the EB-5 Visas program. Area specific information, different application options, and even fees are explained through the paper “The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa:

An Attorney and Service Provider’s Overview of Requirements for Eligibility and Implications under Different Areas of Law”

by Wassem M. Amin, Esq., M.B.A.

Resource Number 3: Stay Up to Date

Since the entire EB-5 program is designed to stimulate job growth in the US, it is helpful to stay up-to-date on everything the Jobs Council is doing. Recommendations by the Job Council appointed by the President of the US are taken quite seriously, and often affect programs such as the EB-5 Visa opportunity. Simply checking with the recommendations made helps educate individuals on the future of the program.

Resource Number 4: Whitehouse.Gov

Need information on everything pertaining to visas, green cards, and citizenship reform in the US? Whitehouse.Gov provides press releases, complete coverage, and political news pertaining to all areas of US government. The EB-5 Visas program takes center stage in many discussions on the efficacy of economic growth through immigration reform.

Resource Number 5: EB-5 Pro and other Services

Navigating the EB-5 Visa program can be almost impossible without the right help and advice. Professional services such as EB-5 Pro allow individuals to file their paperwork and invest with confidence. Teams of knowledgeable professionals are brought together to provide expert services that get things done. The right professional service is able to navigate the EB-5 program much more efficiently.

Those Who Don’t Work Don’t Eat: The Use of Franchises as an Alternative to the Regional Center Aproach

admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:24:38 +0000

The EB-5 world is a very unique market place. A foreign investor has the ability to become part of a large “pool” of investors in a USCIS approved Regional Center, make the qualified investment, and spend his days laying on the beach under a palm tree. For those who simply cannot sit still and favor having control in any business venture, there is the “stand-alone” or “direct” EB-5 option.

The legal and procedural requirements are the same for the “stand-alone” as they are for the Regional Center approach. The “stand-alone” also allows for the limited $500,000 investment if the job creating enterprise, the business itself, is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA). One major difference is that all jobs created as a result of the investment must be direct jobs (35 hours per week compliant with the State’s minimum wage). One may say that such a requirement makes it virtually impossible to draw a profit when a large chunk of the incoming funds are allocated to paying employees’ salaries.

Fear not, the franchise solution to making the “stand-alone” EB-5 concept profitable and USCIS compliant has arrived. Investors now have the option to work with globally recognized franchise brands in the U.S. This option allows the investor to use and rely on the franchise’s “know-how”, brand recognition, proven products & methods, as well as business techniques to satisfy the USCIS requirements while earning a sizable profit along the way.

When I walk in to almost any food-service based franchise, I can immediately count in excess of five (5) employees working at any given time. Some food service franchises require well over ten (10) or fifteen (15) employees to meet the demands of their customers. Thus, the dreaded job creation requirement now becomes a welcomed and necessary component of a profitable business.

In the next six to twelve months, banks will also significantly decrease the amount of funds that they will lend to perspective franchisees, thus creating a “perfect-storm” for foreign investors seeking to obtain immigration benefits through the use of the EB-5 visa. Bringing $500,000 to the table, may allow the EB-5 investors to combine their cash-infusion with a bank loan to “hedge” their investment and potentially work with a franchise which requires a larger sum of start-up capital.

The State of Florida is already considered to be the “mecca” of EB-5. Now it is becoming a haven for EB-5 based franchise projects. At the Law Offices of Yuri Tsyganov, PL we have worked with numerous Regional Center based franchise projects, as well as “direct” investors who have used the franchise based EB-5 model to obtain immigration benefits. Please visit our website http://eb5investgreencard.com/ to learn more about the EB-5 visa.

THOSE WHO DON’T WORK DON’T EAT: THE USE OF FRANCHISES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE REGIONAL CENTER APPROACH

admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:42:11 +0000

Banks use information about the failure/success rate of every franchise in the U.S. to determine whether or not to loan start-up capital to a new franchisee. A foreign investor has the ability to rely on the same data used by banks to determine which franchise opportunity presents the best option for job creation and profit margins. Of course, everyone’s appetite for risk is different, and that is why the investor can choose a franchise that has a low percentage of failure. In the next six to twelve months, banks will also significantly decrease the amount of funds that they will lend to perspective franchisees, thus creating a “perfect-storm” for foreign investors seeking to obtain immigration benefits through the use of the EB-5 visa. Bringing $500,000 to the table, may allow the EB-5 investors to combine their cash-infusion with a bank loan to “hedge” their investment and potentially work with a franchise which requires a larger sum of start-up capital.

The Dangers of L-1 Visa: Why EB-5 is the Premier Choice for Luxury Immigration

admin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:41:11 +0000

The Dangers of L-1 Visa: Why EB-5 is a the Premier Choice for Luxury Immigration If you are a high net worth individual from China or Russia and are considering immigration to the U.S. through the L-1A or the EB-5 Investor Visa, your choice just got a lot easier. Within the last year the number of L-1A visa denial has skyrocketed.

Cases that were being approved without even a simple Request for Evidence are now being scrutinized by the USCIS to the point where the L-1A is quickly becoming a dangerous choice for those looking for a quick and simple solution for immigration to the U.S. The USCIS has flooded the L-1 playing field with baseless FRE’s asking which seek information that has either been provided by the Petitioner on numerous occasions, or request documents which are simply not pertinent to the adjudication of an L-1.

Another danger of the L-1 visa has become the Consular Interview. Following successful approval by the USCIS inside the US, the Client’s often face tremendous challenges at the consular interview at the U.S. Embassy located in their home country. Specifically affected have been individuals from the China and The Russian Federation. Whether it is a politically driven message to the Russians and the Chinese, or a total indifference and a lack of care on the part of the Consular Officers in these countries, the results are the same. People are faced with lengthy administrative reviews lasting up to six months and a lack of communication during this stressful process.

Faced with such uncertainty, many are turning to the EB-5 visa. Our firm’s experience shows that If the client is able to prove the legal source of his or her invested funds, and is seeking the EB-5 visa through an establish Regional Center with a proven record for job creation, then the dangers of initial denial or administrative review are almost none-existent. It is sad to see honest and