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Arizona Immigration Attorney Announces Recent Legal Immigration Cases via K-1 and E-2 Investor Visas

Irena Juras, Phoenix, AZ based immigration lawyer assisted another two clients in finalizing their U.S. immigration cases.

Phoenix, AZ (September 9, 2014) – Citizens of countries outside the United States seek to immigrate to the U.S. for many reasons, often times financial, but others a matter of the heart. Recently, Irena Juras of Juras Law Firm assisted two clients who fell into those categories: a Canadian citizen who wanted to legally invest in a U.S. based company and a U.S. citizen who wanted to immigrate his Philippine born fianceé.

The first case involved a Canadian investor who wished to take advantage of the E-2 Treaty Visa, commonly an alternative to the EB-5 Investor Visa.  This type of visa allows a national of a treaty country to enter the United States to develop and direct a business in which (s)he invested, or in which (s)he is actively in the process of investing, a “substantial” amount of capital.  In this case, the gentleman sought to invest in an Arizona based retail business, his E-2 Investor Visa was approved by the U.S. Embassy in Toronto in late August.

Irena second case involved a young couple who sought to get married in the United States.  Irena’s client, a U.S. born citizen, engaged Juras Law Firm to help his fiancée in the Philippines acquire a fiancée (K-1) visa to the United States.  What’s notable about this case is the fact that the fiancée was able to get the visa in only two months, whereas the average processing time is normally five months.  The fiancée legally entered the U.S. and was married within 90 days.  Irena then filed the application to adjust status to a conditional resident status which was approved in three months.

“While most people see the negative headlines associated with immigration, I’m happy to highlight the many benefits of legal immigration to our country, whether it is for investment purposes or assisting two people who love each other in getting married,” commented Irena Juras.
About Juras Law Firm

Named a Top Immigration Lawyer by North Valley Magazine and Avvo, Irena Juras  is a highly respected attorney throughout the U.S. and overseas. As head of Juras Law Firm, an Immigration and Bankruptcy Law Firm in Phoenix, AZ, Irena is an immigrant herself from the Czech Republic, studying and practicing law in the Czech Republic before moving to the United States. Irena is currently licensed to practice law in both Arizona and New York. The firm has represented clients from over 100 countries and 6 continents in immigration matters and international transactions.  Irena has over 20 years experience in immigration law and bankruptcy.

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EB-5 Visa Helps Canadian Investors Thrive in Growing U.S. Economy

Irena Juras, top U.S. immigration lawyer, sees uptick in number of Canadians investing in the Southwest.

Phoenix, AZ (August 25, 2014) – Taking advantage of a burgeoning marketplace and a flourishing economy, especially in energy-rich states, many Canadian investors are choosing to take advantage of the EB-5 Visa program.

Foreigners with at least $500,000 [NOW $900,000] capital wishing to pursue permanent residency in the United States may apply for an EB-5 Visa.  The program, created by Congress, is a way to create more jobs and stimulate the economy. This program requires that foreigners invest at least $500,000 and create 10 full time jobs for U.S. employees within two years. The standard investment for an EB-5 visa is $1,000,000 [NOW $1.8 MILLION] or $500,000 [NOW $800,000] if the candidates invest in rural areas or targeted employment areas. When investing in commercial real estate, such as an apartment building, which doesn’t create at least 10 jobs, the investor has the option of obtaining an E-2 Visa.

“The affordable real estate market in the southwest combined with a lack of red tape to start a new corporation has really boosted the number of Canadians investing in the U.S.,” explained Irena Juras of the Juras Law Firm.

Demand among foreign investors is increasing, though there is a limit of 10,000 visas issued per year including spouses and dependents.  Of the 10,000 EB-5 visas which are available annually, 3,000 of the visas are reserved for investors of Regional Centers.   Regional Centers are economic units that promote job creation and investment in a specific region of the U.S.
About Juras Law Firm

Named a Top Immigration Lawyer by North Valley Magazine and Avvo, Irena Juras is a highly respected attorney throughout the U.S. and overseas. As head of Juras Law Firm, an Immigration and Bankruptcy Law Firm in Phoenix, AZ, Irena is an immigrant herself from the Czech Republic, studying and practicing law in the Czech Republic before moving to the United States. Irena is currently licensed to practice law in both Arizona and New York. The firm has represented clients from over 100 countries and 6 continents. in international transactions and immigration matters   Irena has over 20 years experience in immigration law and bankruptcy law.

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USCIS Processing Times for EB-5 Investor Visas (Green Cards) Released

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released an updated processing report for EB-5 investor visa applications.  EB-5 investor visas are permanent visas (green cards) for investors who invest $1.8 million (or $900,000 in targeted employment areas) and create 10 jobs.  The average processing time for an EB-5 investor visa application is now 32.5 – 49.5 months.  Once the application is approved, the investor receives a conditional permanent resident status for two years.  Then, within 90 days before the second anniversary of obtaining the conditional permanent resident status, the investor has to file a petition to remove conditions on his or her residence.  The average processing time to remove conditions on residence is 21 – 45.5 months.  The investors who do not want to be actively involved in directing their investment, can invest through one of the approved regional centers.  The processing time for an application to designate a regional center is 5.4 months.  If you would like to discuss the best way to obtain EB-5 investor visa (green card), CALL us TODAY at 480-425-2009 or contact us via our website, and experienced EB-5 investor visa attorney will help you!

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What Is the Difference Between an E-2 Visa and EB-5 Visa?

While E-2 investor visas are temporary visas always issued for a limited period of time (several years), EB-5 visas are permanent visas. E-2 visas are based on a treaty between the U.S. and the country of the investor’s citizenship. If there is no treaty between the U.S. and the country of the investor’s citizenship, the investor cannot get an E-2 visa. EB-5 visas are not limited to only investors from some countries. The investment amount for an EB-5 visa is $1.8 million or $900,000 in a Targeted Employment Area.

There is no dollar limit for an E-2 visa, but the investment amount has to be “substantial”. In order to qualify for an EB-5 visa, an investor has to create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. E-2 investor has to create at least one job for U.S. workers. For more information about E-2 and EB-5 visas from our law firm, call the Juras Law Firm, PLC office in Scottsdale, AZ to talk with an experienced attorney at 480-425-2009.