Investor Visa Program Proposes Better Processing Changes

Houston, TX (Law Firm Newswire) July 20, 2011 – The EB-5 visa program that attracts immigrants to invest and start businesses in the U.S. is proposing some changes that will help expedite applications. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services wants to improve its intake and review process and is examining the main things it can do to streamline the EB-5 program. A total of 10,000 visas per year are allotted for immigrant investors who create a business with a $1 million investment and 10 American jobs or who invest through USCIS regional centers. The investment can be lowered to $500,000 if the business is started in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood.

The proposed changes include:
• Faster application processing for investors who have businesses ready to implement
• A premium processing service whereby investors can get guaranteed processing in 15 days for an additional charge
• New intake teams that are experts in economic analysis and can resolve questions or issues directly with applicants to cut down processing time
• A Decision Board of an economist, business analyst, adjudicators, and legal counsel to decide on regional center applications

Experts are crucial to the EB-5 applicants as they review an investor’s business plans and ensure the program’s legal criteria are adhered to. “Sometimes the process is so complex, time consuming, and immigrant investors feel frustrated by all the challenges they are given with the EB-5 program,” says Houston immigration attorney Annie Banerjee. “The immigrant investors are ready to commit their time and money, but often feel they are getting caught in a never-ending loop.”

The USCIS is seeking to improve its process so that “shovel-ready” business projects can get the green light to get started and the investor can get the visa needed to begin contributing to the economy in the United States. The program’s proposed changes would take a typical five-month process down to two months, and premium processing down to 15 days.

The Law Offices of Annie Banerjee has more than 10 years of experience helping immigrant investors with all their immigration matters. She knows how to draft and review the EB-5 and business plan requirements so that the application and petition is clear, focused, and poised for the best chances of success. She is involved with the Indian Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, co-founded the Indian American Lawyers of Houston, and a member of the State Bar of Texas, College of the State Bar of Texas, American Immigration Lawyers Association, and American Bar Association.

The Law Offices of Annie Banerjee counsels biotech, IT, oil and gas, and multinational manufacturing companies throughout Houston and Texas. Houston immigration lawyer Annie Banerjee also helps small businesses and assists family members of H-1B applicants, too. Her expertise will help expedite the application, so the best chances for approval before the H-1B cap is reached can be met. To learn more, visit http://www.visatous.com.

Law Offices of Annie Banerjee
131 Brooks Street Suite #300
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Phone: (281) 242-9139

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