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Visão Geral do Processo EB-5
Kyle Huffman • June 27, 2024
Click here to read this article in English
Embarcar na jornada de imigração EB-5 é tanto um esforço pessoal profundo quanto uma decisão de investimento estratégico. Para indivíduos que buscam fazer dos Estados Unidos sua nova casa enquanto contribuem para seu cenário econômico, o Programa de Investidor Imigrante EB-5 oferece um caminho único. Este programa, estabelecido pelo governo dos EUA em 1990, oferece aos investidores estrangeiros a oportunidade de obter residência permanente nos Estados Unidos, investindo em empreendimentos que criam empregos. No entanto, navegar pelas complexidades do processo EB-5 requer uma compreensão completa de suas nuances, requisitos e possíveis armadilhas. Neste guia, fornecemos uma visão geral dos passos e documentos envolvidos no processo de imigração EB-5, elucidando seus componentes principais, critérios de elegibilidade, opções de investimento e etapas processuais, capacitando os investidores potenciais com o conhecimento necessário para embarcar nesta jornada transformadora com confiança.
Antes de selecionar um projeto e fazer o investimento, é importante que um investidor EB-5 se consulte com um advogado de imigração para planejar a aplicação. É necessário mostrar ao Serviço de Imigração que todos os fundos utilizados no investimento foram obtidos e mantidos legalmente, portanto, seu advogado desejará entender de onde vem o dinheiro para o investimento e onde ele foi mantido desde que foi ganho.
Uma vez satisfeito com a origem e o rastreamento dos fundos, o investidor pode selecionar um projeto para investir. Após a aprovação da Lei de Reforma e Integridade EB-5, certos projetos de investimento já foram pré-aprovados pelo USCIS ao preencher o formulário I-956 e receber a designação como Centro de Investimento Regional. O investimento mínimo exigido é de $1.050.000 por padrão; no entanto, esse valor é reduzido para $800.000 para centros de investimento em "Áreas de Emprego Alvo".
Após submeter o investimento ao centro regional, o investidor trabalhará com seu advogado para criar a petição I-526. Nesta fase do caso, é hora de mostrar ao USCIS a origem e o rastreamento de todos os fundos utilizados para o investimento. Os tipos de documentação necessários para mostrar a origem legal e o rastreamento dos fundos são extremamente amplos e altamente dependentes de onde o dinheiro vem em cada caso específico, mas os documentos mais comuns incluem formulários de imposto W-2 ou 1099, declarações de impostos federais e estaduais, extratos de conta bancária, contratos de compra e venda de imóveis, certificados de ações, contratos de empréstimo, documentos de herança e registros de transferência bancária, entre muitas outras possibilidades.
Os candidatos EB-5 podem processar seus green cards através do USCIS ao preencher um pedido de Ajuste de Status I-485, ou processar através do consulado em seu país de origem. Se já estiver nos Estados Unidos com outro status válido, o pedido de Ajuste de Status pode ser submetido juntamente com a petição I-526. Se processar através de um consulado no exterior, o investidor terá que esperar até que a I-526 seja aprovada antes de iniciar o processo consular. O requerente principal, juntamente com um cônjuge e quaisquer filhos solteiros menores de 21 anos, podem receber residência permanente através do processo EB-5.
Ao final de qualquer um dos processos, seja solicitando o Green Card dentro dos Estados Unidos ou buscando entrada através de um consulado, o USCIS emitirá green cards condicionais, com validade de dois anos. Nos últimos três meses antes de o green card condicional expirar, o investidor e a família precisarão preencher um pedido I-829
para remoção das condições do green card. Nesta fase, quase dois anos após o investimento ter sido feito, o Serviço de Imigração terá confirmado se o investimento permanece no projeto e se os 10 empregos necessários foram criados. Após a aprovação do I-829, o investidor e sua família receberão green cards permanentes, com validade de 10 anos.
O investidor e a família poderão solicitar a cidadania dos Estados Unidos cinco anos após a emissão do green card inicial.
O green card condicional conta para este propósito, assim a cidadania se tornará uma possibilidade aproximadamente três anos após a emissão dos green cards permanentes.
Em conclusão, o Programa de Investidor Imigrante EB-5 se destaca como uma oportunidade única para indivíduos ao redor do mundo realizarem suas aspirações de viver e prosperar nos Estados Unidos. Através de investimentos estratégicos e dedicação à criação de empregos, os participantes não só garantem residência permanente, mas também contribuem para o crescimento e a prosperidade econômica do país. No entanto, é crucial que os investidores em potencial abordem o processo EB-5 com planejamento meticuloso, pesquisa aprofundada e orientação especializada para navegar com sucesso em suas complexidades. Ao compreender os requisitos do programa, explorar opções de investimento e aderir às diretrizes processuais, os imigrantes aspirantes podem embarcar em sua jornada EB-5 com clareza e confiança. Em última análise, o programa EB-5 representa mais do que apenas um caminho para a residência – ele incorpora o espírito de empreendedorismo, inovação e oportunidade que define o sonho americano.
Se você acredita que pode se qualificar para o programa EB-5 ou se tiver alguma dúvida, por favor, agende uma consulta com um de nossos advogados experientes e teremos o maior prazer em ajudá-lo.
Este blog não se destina a fornecer aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir com base em qualquer informação lida aqui.
For international business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade with the United States , the opportunity to expand operations and establish a physical presence in the U.S. may be more accessible than expected. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is specifically designed to facilitate this type of business activity and offers a strategic pathway for qualifying individuals to live and work in the United States while managing or developing trade relationships. While 2025 has brought a trend of changes in immigration policy, the E-1 visa continues to stand out as a viable and welcoming option . Despite increased scrutiny across various immigration categories, this visa remains suitable for those involved in consistent, qualifying trade with the U.S. Its structure and purpose align well with current business realities, making it a stable choice even amid policy shifts. The E-1 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States . To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in substantial trade—defined as a continuous flow of sizable international transactions—primarily between their home country and the U.S. Unlike investment-based visas, the E-1 visa does not require a fixed monetary threshold. Instead, it emphasizes active commercial exchange, such as the regular transfer of goods, services, or technology. This visa is applicable across a wide range of industries , including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, professional services, consulting, finance, tourism, and technology. If more than 50% of your international trade is with the United States, and the business activity is consistent and well-documented, the E-1 visa may be a strong fit for your current business model. In addition to its flexibility, the E-1 visa is renewable as long as the trade activity continues. It also extends benefits to eligible family members: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder, and spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, offering added support and financial opportunity for the family. This visa category is particularly well-suited for business professionals who are already operating in international markets and looking to formalize or expand their presence in the U.S. It rewards active engagement, proven commercial performance, and long-term trade partnerships. If you are currently engaged in trade with the United States and are considering expanding your business operations, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide a clear and effective route forward. Our attorneys at Santos Lloyd Law Firm are here to help you assess your qualifications and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
All people living in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain U.S. constitutional rights. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers come to your workplace, they must have either (1) a valid search warrant, or (2) consent from your employer to enter non-public areas. Non-public areas could include: staff break rooms, server rooms, mechanical rooms, HR department offices, private meeting rooms, etc. However, ICE can enter public areas of your workplace (lobby, reception area, parking lot etc.) without a warrant or consent from your employer. If you encounter ICE at your place of employment, it is important to stay calm . If an officer stops you, you may ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, walk away calmly. If they say no, stay where you are and do not attempt to leave. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to ICE, answer any questions, or show any documents . If asked about your place of birth, how you entered the United States, or your immigration status, you may refuse to answer or remain silent. If you choose to remain silent, say it out loud: “I choose to remain silent.” If officers ask you to stand in a group based on your immigration status, you do not have to move. Be prepared to assert your rights by downloading, printing, and carrying a "red card" (available at https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas ) that states you do not wish to speak, answer questions, or sign documents. You are not required to show immigration documents . You may refuse to show identity documents that reveal your nationality or citizenship. However, never show false documents or provide false information. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to contact a lawyer immediately . Even if you do not have a lawyer, you can tell immigration officers, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” If you have a lawyer, you have the right to speak to them and, if possible, provide proof of this relationship (such as a signed Form G-28) to an officer. If you do not have a lawyer, ask for a list of pro bono (free) or l ow bono (low-cost) lawyers. You do not have to sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. If you choose to sign any documents, make sure you fully understand what they mean, as signing may waive your rights or lead to deportation. If you believe your rights have been violated , write down what happened. Be sure to include specific details such as names, badge numbers, and exactly what was said and done. Report the violation to a lawyer or an immigrant rights organization as soon as possible. If you or someone you know may be impacted by this executive order, staying informed and understanding your rights is crucial. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our trusted immigration attorneys are available to provide guidance and support during this uncertain time. Please contact us if you need assistance.
If you’ve recently received the exciting news that your O-1 visa has been approved, congratulations! The O-1 is a prestigious visa, granted only to individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field — whether it’s O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics, or O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. Getting O-1 approval is no small feat, and it’s a true validation of your talent and hard work. But for many O-1 visa holders, that approval brings up the next big question — what’s the path to securing a green card? For those aiming to remain in the United States permanently, the EB-1A visa is often the natural next step. It’s also known as the green card for individuals of extraordinary ability, which makes it a close cousin to the O-1. Obtaining U.S. permanent residency through EB-1A involves two steps: 1) securing approval of the EB-1A immigration petition (Form 1-40) and 2) adjusting status to that of permanent resident or seeking consular processing. However, while these two categories share similarities, they are not identical. The EB-1A standard is significantly higher, and many O-1 holders underestimate just how much more evidence they need to present to qualify for permanent residency. The good news is, if you’re proactive and strategic about building your case, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Understanding the Difference Between O-1 and EB-1A Both the O-1 and EB-1A visas focus on individuals with extraordinary ability, but they serve different purposes. The O-1 is a temporary work visa that allows you to come to the U.S. to work on specific projects or for a particular employer. It requires a U.S. sponsor to file the petition on your behalf. The EB-1A, by contrast, is an immigrant visa — it is the first step toward obtaining permanent residency. Because the EB-1A leads to permanent residency, its eligibility standards are even higher. You must not only demonstrate extraordinary ability but also show that your recognition is sustained over time and that your work has had a lasting impact on your field. What Can You Reuse From Your O-1 Case? If you put together a strong O-1 petition, some of the evidence you submitted will still be valuable for EB-1A. This includes your awards, media coverage, expert letters, and proof of memberships in prestigious organizations. But the EB-1A demands more — you need to go beyond showing what you’ve accomplished and prove that your influence is ongoing, impactful, and recognized at a national or international level. How to Strengthen Your Case While on O-1 One of the smartest moves you can make is to use your time on the O-1 visa to actively strengthen your EB-1A profile. This means seeking out opportunities to get your work featured in top-tier media, publishing more original contributions, judging competitions, and taking leadership roles in your professional community. Every action you take to enhance your visibility and influence. Final Thoughts — The Path from O-1 to EB-1A is Achievable You may not be able to file your EB-1A today, but we can help you build your case step by step. Whether you need guidance on strengthening your profile, identifying the right evidence, or preparing a strategic filing plan, our team is here to support you. If you’re currently on an O-1 visa and you believe you may be eligible for an EB-1A visa in the future, we encourage you to contact our office. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless individuals successfully navigate this path, and we would be happy to review your case and create a personalized roadmap for your green card journey.
