EB-5: a Path to Permanent Residency for H1B Professionals, International Students and Entrepreneurs.

EB-5 Attorney Mitch Wexler participated in a virtual panel discussion titled “Obtaining Permanent Residency in the U.S. for H-1B Professionals, International Students, and Other Non-immigrant Visa Holders” on December 18, 2022.

The session, hosted by Golden Gate Global and Fragomen outlined how H1-B visa holders and foreign students can adjust their immigration status through the EB-5 program, how it differs from other immigration options, and more.

Currently employed or recently laid-off H-1B workers and international students in the U.S. can adjust their immigration status immediately upon an EB-5 filing.

Why now?
One of the biggest changes to the EB-5 Visa Program was the introduction of concurrent filing of an Application for Adjustment of Status along with an Application for an EB-5 Visa.

Pending Adjustment of Status application enables applicants to remain in the United States even if their underlying status (H1B, F1, etc.) expires. Additionally, applicants can apply for a work permit while waiting for their Green Card through their EB-5 Visa application.

Topics covered include:

• What is EB-5? How does it differ from other immigration options?
• Who is this program for?
• How to stay in the U.S. while waiting for the EB-5 conditional residency?
• Who is who in the regional center program?
• What is the role of the immigration attorney?
• What are the main considerations for investment?
• How would investors know that their funds and immigration process are safe?
• What is the next step for an investor who would like to begin the process?
• Questions and answers.

Moderated by Eren Cicekdagi, Managing Director at Golden Gate Global and IIUSA Board Member, our experienced panelists are Mitchell Wexler (Partner, Immigration Lawyer at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP) and Jeff DeCicco (Managing Director and Global Head of Business Development at Golden Gate Global).