Can you buy your way in to America ?

[Allan Oakley]

I’m hearing of more and more Brit’s buying their way in to Florida by purchasing a franchise. As you know Americans love franchising almost everything. I went to a website that listed hundreds of potential franchises and discovered that most require very little money down but require a solid business plan and a portion of the gross profits. I saw one fast food restaurant that needed as little as $ 60 K and it is one of the hottest franchises here in Orlando. With the explosive growth in the 4 Corners and all those millions of tourists has anyone investigated this route as a way to move here ?
What type of VISA do you need to buy an American franchise ?

[floridapete]

It's no easier to 'buy' your way into America with a franchise, Alan, than any other business plan.

It will all still be judged by the Cosnular official on it's business merits, it's profit forecasts, it's potential to employ US citizens and it's potential to support not just the visa holder and family.

Fact is that some of the 'franchises' being offered to would-be UK emigrants to Florida are, shall we say, slightly 'trumped up' (maybe you would say 'fake' but I wouldn't be that bold). They may have very little (if any) business history as a Master Franchise and so they get thrown out by the inspector.

I have seen many of these 'schemes' before.

In any casem they will only figure for an E2 visa - unless the applicant has a substantial and existing UK business which would run in parallel in which case they might just get a L1a Intra Company Transfer visa.

But either way it's hardly an easy ride !

[JulieC]

You can get in with a franchise although $60000 is a low investment for E2 and you may have to put more into escrow to cover purchasing equipment etc. It is not unheard of though. I know people who have got E2 with Subway and Royal Maids franchises.

[Allan Oakley]

Peter;
I must agree there are many trumped up franchises.Management companies being the most incredible ones. I was talking about franchises recognized by everyone like Subway or Burger King or other names that are very well known. The reason I mentioned it was that in the 4 Corners area there are still so many opportunities that you see elsehwre in Central Florida but not here. Seen a donut shop or even a Starbucks ? Checking the websites of some of these major names I was startled to read how little money you need to put down. True, most of the good ones have been locked up already but not al of them.

[Susie]

Hi Folkes

Yes I suppose with enough money you can buy your way into the USA but you may not end up living where you would like to

To get a green card and buy your way in the investment must be exceptionally high, in an area of low growth and meet all sorts of critera.

To purchase a franchise, the visa as Peter says would be an E visa, and we all know the disadvantages with that type of visa

[JulieC]

With EB 5 visa leading to green card, there is always the option of investing $500,000 in a regional centre such as the industrial area of Seattle ( one commonly used) instead of actually buying a business for $1,000,000 or $500.000 in an area of low employment/low growth. The advantage of this over buying a business is because it is investment, you dont actually need to live in the area. This route is becoming increasingly popular.

[floridapete]

With EB 5 visa leading to green card, there is always the option of investing $500,000 in a regional centre such as the industrial area of Seattle ( one commonly used) instead of actually buying a business for $1,000,000 or $500.000 in an area of low employment/low growth. The advantage of this over buying a business is because it is investment, you dont actually need to live in the area. This route is becoming increasingly popular.

How do you know, Julie, that 'this route is becoming increasingly popular' ?

How many successful EB5 applicants do you know of ?

Yes, I keep on reading articles about it - but they are mostly 'sponsored' by a certain firm of immigration 'advisors' in London. But I am still waiting to see successful cases quoted with names and pictures of the actual successful applicants. And if there were that many I am quite sure that they would be very anxious to get them publicity as 'case histories' !

So is it a case of the Kings new clothes ? :)

[JulieC]

I do know of a couple of people already here on other visas doing this Pete. They are not going through the scheme you are referring to, by which I presume you you mean the package set up by a consultant who charges $50,000 to do it all for you. I do acknowledge that it is easier to do it yourself if you are here than doing it from the UK. It is only since this consultant started pushing the regional centers as a way of getting EB5 that people became aware of it as an option though it has existed for quite some time. Hence the people who are going this route are still early in the process, that is the reason why as you say so few people have yet got the green card.

[Karyn]

I also know a few people trying that route, in fact there are companies set up to guide you through the process. On franchises do be careful I know of one couple who went with a big realtor/property MC who cannot do anything other than what they signed up to do. They are not allowed to set up a similar company within 100 miles. As the franchise covers many areas of work they have cut out a large amount of business opp for themselves.

At least with an E2 you can have creative "company articles" which should allow you to grow in different business areas should you need to.

[JulieC]

The companies charge you to arrange it all, Karyn. You can save a fair bit doing it yourself. It is very possible we know the same people!!

[Allan Oakley]

Actually I would not have asked the question unless I heard that some individuals were succesfull here in Orlando using the assets they sold in the UK.

We have good friends that live in Surrey with a very succesfull business that is easy to sell. If they did they'd have much more then a million to invest in Florida buying another business. They reckoned between the business and their home they'd have close to $ 3 million US but they'd rather invest in to something substantial and still have half their monetary assets lef as a buffer.Under that scenario would one to two million not be a substantial enough purchase if they wanted to buy in to a major franchise ? Let's be honest, some individuals can sell their modest home in London and have more then a million dollars. So back to the original question? If you had enough money could you buy your way in to America ?

Incidently, the persons I mentioned at the outset bought in to a local company by investing 2 million.They got their green cards within 18 months and then sold their interest in that Orlando business to another British family using the same immigration lawyer who brought them here. Ironically, part of their plan was to sell their business in the UK but it still generates such a profit they decided to hold on to it for another couple of years.They live here 8 months of the year but commute back and forth to London where they keep a small flat. The wife lives here most of the time and it is the husband that is back and forth every other month.The $2 million came from their savings and their large home in west London. In conclusion , could you not buy your way in to America long enough to get your green card ? After that allowing you to do what you want . If this is truly possible why haven't more people pursued this method ? Especially when you can buy a franchise like Starbucks for just over one million dollars but only having to put 10 % down if you have enough other assets to assure that loan. There are owner over here with vacation homes worth hundreds of thousands and I'd guess on a milion dollar loan that would be more then enough collateral.

[casjon]

The EB5 is something that we were looking at too - but would prefer the $500k option.

Do I understand you correctly Julie in saying that your friends went over on an E2 and then are applying to convert to EB5? Is this a possibility even though the money that they made to invest has been earned in the US?

Alan are you saying that a loan can be considered as part of the investment? I was of the understanding that the investor had to put in 1 million of their own money?

[Allan Oakley]

The situation I encountered did allow the loan amount to be part of their million.The family used actual assets in the UK and their vacation home in Kissimmee as collateral. The put down $ 200,000 against a $ 1 million dollar quarter interest in a partnership to open a restaurant on I-Drive. The other partners are two other American investors. The last partner is the company that owns the franchise.One year later they were told the GC were going to be granted so they started the process to sell their interest to another British family. Four months later the GC's arrived and they sold out days later. There were legal costs that totalled $ 65 K but they felt for their family of 4 it was well worth it. As mentioned they still own their UK company as it is really turning a profit. Their plans are to sell out within two years and retire here in Florida.

Creative ? Certainly but it was allowed and totally legal. My conclusion is that a creative immigration solicitor can buy your way in to America. You need to make sure the franchise is profitable but that is easy enough to find. Especially in Orlando.

[JulieC]

They do investigate provenance of funds. Casjon, but are more interested in finding dirty money coming in from abroad. Remember most people going that route who are already here will sell a business or home here that was originally bought with funds brought over from abroad anyway. Not many people earn $500,000 as income from their US business!

[casjon]

Hi Julie

So you can change from E2 to EB5 then? Yes?

I wasn't sure if any of the money was allowed to be earned in the USA - didn't know if they expected you to bring it all in. Where as the scenario of owning an E2 for X number of years and then selling at a profit to reinvest into EB5 is do-able just as long as the money can have been earned whilst in the USA. I suppose our answer would be that if we are on E2 then we are not considered to be 'living' there anyway. Just being allowed temporary status to run the business - so technically the money is UK based.

Its good to know all of your options so you can weigh up the ODDS.

Thanks Julie

Caroline

[JulieC]

No you dont change as such, Casjon, it is a brand new visa application. But being on E2 previously isnt a bar to you applying.

[casjon]

Hi Julie

How would you stand with the E2 if you put in the new EB5 application. Would you have to relinquish it and move back to the UK whilst waiting approval.

If so I suppose if you were refused the EB5 then you would have no rights to continue to live in the US and trade.

C

[floridapete]

I have just received this today - it may of interest to any of you with the odd $500K to place at risk !

I will make no further comment !

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[JulieC]

I wonder why a ski resort would qualify as a regional center?? Interesting as I used to run a skiing holiday company once upon a time and in another life!

As I said before, no need to use one of these one stop companies, Pete, you can do it yourself and save the fees. Sure it is a risk but then again any business you buy here is a risk, I know of someone bought a bona fide business, got the E2 and has closed down and gone home in 7 months as the business wasnt as he thought and has ceased trading. Just because you get a few contracts with a business you buy doesnt make it a sure bet you will keep your money and be able to sell it for what you bought it for somewhere along the line. At least the EB5 schemes do pay you interest.

Casjon, that is a very technical question and one I cant answer for certain. I know when we changed status, if we hadnt got the new visa, we would still have had the old one, but this is slightly different. I will try and get you the name of the attorney people are using.

[casjon]

Thanks Julie

That would be great - I am currently trying to get a list of recommended attorneys who specialise in the different type of visa. As you know I am still figuring out which is the best route for us.

I have been given the names of two attorneys who deal with the 0 & E exceptional alien visas by two different people that were successful in gaining theirs.

I would like to get a few attorneys who have specialist knowledge of the EB5 too.

Thanks
Caroline

[Susie]

Hi


You are doing the correct thing in checking out immigration attorneys. Please read up on expats visiting immigration attorney Mr Carl Shusterman www.shusterman.com He is mentioned in The top 100 attorneys

Also try www.whoswholegal.com

and www.superlawyer.com

For the benefit of others would you explain the O visa?

Thanks

[JulieC]

Exceptional ability, you just need to be good in your field and be able to prove it.

[casjon]

O-1 Extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics

An O-1 classification applies to:

(1) An individual alien who has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and who is coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability; or

(2) An alien who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in motion picture and/or television productions and who is coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary achievement.


O-2 Alien's (support) accompanying O-1
Petition for an O-2 accompanying alien. --

(i) General. An O-2 accompanying alien provides essential support to an O-1 artist or athlete. Such aliens may not accompany O-1 aliens in the fields of science, business, or education. Although the O-2 alien must obtain his or her own classification, this classification does not entitle him or her to work separate and apart from the O-1 alien to whom he or she provides support. An O-2 alien must be petitioned for in conjunction with the services of the O-1 alien.

(ii) Evidentiary criteria for qualifying as an O-2 accompanying alien.--

(A) Alien accompanying an O-1 artist or athlete of extraordinary ability. To qualify as an O-2 accompanying alien, the alien must be coming to the United States to assist in the performance of the O-1 alien, be an integral part of the actual performance, and have critical skills and experience with the O-1 alien which are not of a general nature and which are not possessed by a U.S. worker.

(B) Alien accompanying an O-1 alien of extraordinary achievement. To qualify as an O-2 alien accompanying an O-1 alien involved in a motion picture or television production, the alien must have skills and experience with the O-1 alien which are not of a general nature and which are critical based on a pre-existing longstanding working relationship or, with respect to the specific production, because significant production (including pre- and post-production work) will take place both inside and outside the United States and the continuing participation of the alien is essential to the successful completion of the production.

(C) The evidence shall establish the current essentiality, critical skills, and experience of the O-2 alien with the O-1 alien and that the alien has substantial experience performing the critical skills and essential support services for the O-1 alien. In the case of a specific motion picture or television production, the evidence shall establish that significant production has taken place outside the United States, and will take place inside the United States, and that the continuing participation of the alien is essential to the successful completion of the production.


O-3 Spouse or child of O-1 or O-2

The spouse and unmarried minor children of the O-1 or O-2 alien beneficiary are entitled to O-3 nonimmigrant classification, subject to the same period of admission and limitations as the alien beneficiary, if they are accompanying or following to join the alien beneficiary in the United States. Neither the spouse nor a child of the alien beneficiary may accept employment unless he or she has been granted employment authorization.

[casjon]

All that said and done my husband is actually looking at the EB-1 visa because the O visa is a NonImmigrant visa but the EB visa is an Immigrant visa which leads to a Green Card. Also if you can get an EB-1 you do not need a job offer before applying. The entire family also get automatic Green Cards with EB too.

EB-1 First Preference
Priority Workers

Aliens with extraordinary ability are those with "extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation." You must be one of "that small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor," to be granted this classification. For example, if you receive a major internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, you will qualify for an EB-1 classification. Other awards may also qualify if you can document that the award is in the same class as a Nobel Prize. Since few workers receive this type of award, alternative evidence of EB-1 classification based on at least three of the types of evidence outlined below, is permitted. The worker may submit "other comparable evidence" if the following criteria do not apply:

1. Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence;

2. Membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members;

3. Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media;

4. Evidence that the alien has judged the work of others, either individually or on a panel;

5. Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field;

6. Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media;

7. Evidence that the alien's work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases;

8. Performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations;

9. Evidence that the alien commands a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field;

10. Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts.

Outstanding professors and researchers are recognized internationally for their outstanding academic achievements in a particular field. In addition, an outstanding professor or researcher must have at least three years experience in teaching or research in that academic area, and enter the U.S. in a tenure or tenure track teaching or comparable research position at a university or other institution of higher education. If the employer is a private company rather that a university or educational institution, the department, division, or institute of the private employer must employ at least three persons full time in research activities and have achieved documented accomplishments in an academic field.

Evidence that the professor or researcher is recognized as outstanding in the academic field must include documentation of at least two of the following:

1. Receipt of major prizes or awards for outstanding achievement;

2. Membership in associations that require their members to demonstrate outstanding achievements;

3. Published material in professional publications written by others about the alien's work in the academic field;

4. Participation, either on a panel or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or allied academic field;

5. Original scientific or scholarly research contributions in the field;

6. Authorship of scholarly books or articles (in scholarly journals with international circulation) in the field.

Some executives and managers of foreign companies who are transferred to the U.S. may qualify. A multinational manager or executive is eligible for priority worker status if he or she has been employed outside the U.S. in the three years preceding the petition for at least one year by a firm or corporation and seeks to enter the U.S to continue service to that firm or organization. The employment must have been outside the United States in a managerial or executive capacity and with the same employer, an affiliate, or a subsidiary of the employer.

The petitioner must be a U.S. employer, doing business for at least one year, that is an affiliate, a subsidiary, or the same employer as the firm, corporation or other legal entity that employed the foreign national abroad. Definitions of terms relevant to this EB-1 category are found in 8 CFR § 204.5.

Application Procedures
A USCIS Form I-140 (Petition for Alien Worker) is required. All I-140 petitions must be filed at the USCIS Regional Service Center that has jurisdiction over the place where the individual will work. The petition packet must include the required documentary evidence and should follow the specific filing guidelines of the Service Center. No labor certification is needed for EB-1 petitions.

While the EB-1 worker of extraordinary ability may petition for himself or herself, the employer must file the petition for an outstanding professor or researcher and a multinational executive or manager.

Forms are available by calling 1-800-870-3676, or by submitting a request through our forms by mail system. For further information on filing fees, please see USCIS filing fees, fee waiver request procedures, and the USCIS fee waiver policy memo. Please click here for more information on USCIS offices.

[casjon]

EB-2 Second Preference
Professionals with advanced degrees, and persons with exceptional ability
The EB-2 classification includes: aliens who are "members of the professions holding advanced degrees or their equivalent" and aliens "who because of their exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business will substantially benefit the national economy, cultural, or educational interests or welfare of the United States."

A petition for a foreign professional holding an advanced degree may be filed when the job requires an advanced degree (beyond the baccalaureate) and the alien possesses such a degree or the equivalent. The petition must include documentation, such as an official academic record showing that the alien has a U.S. advanced degree or a foreign equivalent degree, or an official academic record showing that the alien has a U.S. baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent degree and letters from current or former employers showing that the alien has at least 5 years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience in the specialty.

Qualified alien physicians who will be practicing medicine in an area of the United States certified by the Department of Health and Human Services as underserved may also qualify for this classification. Read more about this program.

In order to be classified as having exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, the individual must provide documentation of three of the following:

1. An official academic record showing the alien has a degree, diploma, certificate or similar award from a college, university, school or other institution of learning relating to the area of exceptional ability;

2. Letters documenting at least ten years of full-time experience in the occupation being sought;

3. A license to practice the profession or certification for a particular profession or occupation;

4. Evidence that the alien has commanded a salary or other remuneration for services which demonstrates exceptional ability;

5. Membership in professional associations;

6. Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field by peers, government entities, professional or business organizations.

If the above standards do not apply to the petitioner's occupation, other comparable evidence of eligibility is also acceptable.

Application Procedures
USCIS Form I-140 Petition for Alien Worker is required. Your employer must file a USCIS Form I-140 (Petition for Alien Worker) at the USCIS Regional Service Center that serves the area where you will work.

EB-2 petitions must generally be accompanied by an approved, individual labor certification from the Department of Labor on Form ETA-750. Please see the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration for more information.

If you are a worker with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, you may apply to waive the requirement that you have a job offer if such a waiver would be in the national interest. To apply for a national interest waiver, you must submit Department of Labor Form ETA-750B. Please see the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration for more information.

Forms are available by calling 1-800-870-3676, or by submitting a request through our forms by mail system. For further information on filing fees, please see USCIS filing fees, fee waiver request procedures, and the USCIS fee waiver policy memo. Please click here for more information on USCIS offices.

[casjon]

EB-3 Third Preference
Skilled workers, professional and other workers
EB-3 classification includes:

* Aliens with at least two years of experience as skilled workers;
* Professionals with a baccalaureate degree; and
* Other workers with less than two years experience, such as an unskilled worker who can perform labor for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

While eligibility requirements for the EB-3 classification are less stringent than the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications, you should be aware that a long backlog exists for visas in the "other workers" category. The regulations for EB-3 workers are found at 8 CFR § 204.5.

Skilled worker positions are not seasonal or temporary and require at least two years of experience or training. The training requirement may be met through relevant post-secondary education. The Form ETA-750 (Labor Certification) states the job requirements, which determine whether a job is skilled or unskilled. For more information, please see the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration Website.

Professionals must hold a U.S. baccalaureate degree or foreign equivalent degree that is normally required for the profession. Education and experience may not be substituted for the degree.

Other workers are in positions that require less than two years of higher education, training, or experience. However, due to the long backlog, a petitioner could expect to wait many years before being granted a visa under this category. See How Do I Get an Immigrant Visa Number? for more information.

Application Procedures
Your employer must file a USCIS Form I-140 at the USCIS Regional Service Center that serves the area where you will work. All I-140 EB-3 petitions must include a labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer. There are no exceptions. Additional guidance relating to Department of Labor requirements is found at the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration Website.

Forms are available by calling 1-800-870-3676, or by submitting a request through our forms by mail system. For further information on filing fees, please see USCIS filing fees, fee waiver request procedures, and the USCIS fee waiver policy memo. Please click here for more information on USCIS offices.

[JulieC]

Casjon, this is the EB5 lawyers details. He has consented to them being put on open forum. He is one of the two top EB5 specialists in the country.

LINCOLN STONE
Stone & Grzegorek LLP
800 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 350
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Telephone: (213) 627-8997
Facsimile: (213) 627-8998
Lincoln@lskglaw.com

[Rapid_USA]

Hi all,

I just noticed this thread and it is a very valid topic.

It is possible to 'buy your way into America' and as most of you probably know it is the quickest and for a lot of people, the only route to the U.S.

Certainly, if people wish to relocate on E-2 visa then they can simply buy a business in the U.S and close the deal conditionally that they can get visa approval - obviously there is a criteria the business must meet. This is not for everyone as your visa only remains whilst your business continues to run.

L-1 is an option and probably the best as it has greater future prospects over the non-immigrant E-2 visa but this category will not suit everyone.

An investment in a Regional Development Center using the EB-5 visa route is probably the best program to become involved in as it removes your commercial status from your immigration status, providing you have the financial capability to become involved.

With the EB-5 $500,000 programs you cannot do these yourself as firstly you have to have a CIS approved 'structured investment program' and this has to reside in a state approved 'Regional Development Center'. These programs are pre-approved by the CIS for immigrant investors.

The program that I am familiar with was quoted earlier in this thread and is located in a Ski Resort in North America www.eb5greencard.com. This is an approved regional development center and has an approved structured investment program and as such offers investors the chance to attain permanent residence very quickly and offer you a monthly income whilst you are invested along with an exit strategy that offers high probability of full return on your investment with capital gain.

The laws and regulations for the EB-5 Visa require that your investment be “at risk”, offering no guarantee on your investment. Unfortunately and as for practically all investments this cannot be avoided.

So to round off, you can therotically 'buy your way into the U.S' but all routes have their pro's and con's and it's simply down to finding the routes that suit your current and future circumstances.

Alex

[musictech]

Hi - I'm new to this forum, but was pleased to see this thread and I'm grateful that so many people are prepared to share their knowledge and experiences of the minefield that is US immigration!
Without going into too much detail, I'm confident that I shall soon meet the criteria for an EB-2 visa (and, in fact, possibly EB-1 but that might be pushing it a bit...!) For a number of reasons, I'd like to move to the US to become a teacher. Does anyone have any experience of using the EB-2 route - particularly into teaching - and if so, does anyone know of a lawyer with experience in this category?
Thanks, Paul.

[Susie]

Hi Paul (Music tech) and welcome

How did you manage to find us?

Congratulations on your first posting. I will send you a pm about attorneys

Are you a teacher in the UK? I do know that if you are and would like to teach in the USA you have to get your qulifications converted so the USA see whetther on not your UK qualifications are adequate

If you need the contact details for qualification evaluation please let me know

[mark]

Hi Allan

I would say yes, money does talk and so you can buy your way into the USA.

but as we all know it cannot buy health, happiness or compassion


I am sure most of us would be willing to pay an extra fee to expedite cases. It would be worth the peace of mind and even if case is denied you can move on without all the stress

[pegasus]

Hi all,
The EB5 route seems to be the latest "guaranteed"way to the USA, Our reps attended a number of shows in the UK (more still in the next month or so) and have forwarded as much detail as pos of a few schemes,to our friendly attorneys. NON have turned out to be entirely Kosher, most (I would say all but attorney says there may be someone somewhere out there) are just routes to big payouts to the company / attorney doing the supposed package. The fees, in most cases, are taken in full in advance of filing.
The most common play on words is "area / zone etc EB5 approved". The fact that an area / state etc approves a zone does not mean the business is approved. Too see how difficult (easy) an EB5 is look at how many are issued each year........Not allot
As for the other EB and FB routes. If you are taking any of these routes I personally would always recommend using an attorney, we did (L1 ->GC->Citizen) and are (for our son in law) but, shop around, and just like any business READ THE SMALL PRINT. Some very well known attorneys start with basic (cheap) prices to lock you in but then the add ons can increase the final bill to numbers well in excess of $20K (this is not hearsay as I have copies of the final bills).
To sum up this rambling post.
Get copies of ALL contracts in advance, NEVER sign anything (or part with cash) on first meeting and without taking away docs to read at your leisure on your own. Read everything with a syncs eye, then get someone not emotionally involved to read everything again.

If there is still doubt in your mind, then don't do it,

B rgds

Neil

[Wendy]

thanks for the advice

[diana56]

we were told by an immig. atty. that someone could qualify to emigrate under an L1-A visa. (?)

[JulieC]

That is incorrect, Diana. To qualify as an L1A manager you must have a subsidiary or affiliate in the applicants own country and he must have worked in that subsidiary for a minimum of 12 months before getting the visa to transfer out and work for your company. I dont know what sort of immigration attorney who told you that.

[InnVic]

diana56
New members are not allowed to promote their business or use the forum to 'recruit". If you actually want to participate then post something about yourself and get involved before trying to extract cash from our members. Posting like this from a new member scream 'scam" to me ....prove me wrong and give us more background.

[SHEILA 13]

Diana,Give us some more background info on yourself,like Innvic has said you cannot post like that.

[Bayfield]

I have reported the other post.

[Susie]

we were told by an immig. atty. that someone could qualify to emigrate under an L1-A visa. (?)


Diana56

All of your posts have been reported due to you spamming our members

I have sent you a pm asking you to contact me so I can explain the site's aims and rules

Please be aware that no spamming is allowed or use of this site for self gain therefore your previous posts have been deleted by admin

[diana56]

Diana,Give us some more background info on yourself,like Innvic has said you cannot post like that.

I want to apologize to everyone who was offended by my post.
I was told by our VP of our company, who by the way is from the UK and working on his green card, that his attorney had suggested several ways people could come to the US and that was one.
I am an American and not knowledgeable on these matters; I took his word for it.
I was offering what I thought would be a mutually beneficial arrangement; since our IT firm needs investors for our new project, we thought we might find someone who would want to emigrate to the USA and had the funding and skills to work with us.
Again, sorry to offend.

[Kriz1]

I would talk to admin Diana...:)

[McSporran]

I personally didnt find it offensive...but it didnt sound like a good prospect for E-2 or L-1A applicants either.

[InnVic]

I agree with McSporran - it wasn't an offensive post but it came over as suspicious. Anyone looking for money in their first communication on the board is going to set off alarm bells. Too many people here have been scammed - and there has to be a more professional route to obtaining investment.

[Margrit]

The EB-5 "regional center" option is great. Measured financial risk and green cards are being approved. Take a serious look at Seattle and Philadelphia. Seattle is "down town real estate development".... Philadelphia "low interest loans to solid companies". Different exit strategies - solid reputation.
Don't even think of doing this without a knowledgeable immigration attorney. Get in touch if you have more questions.
No, I'm not an attorney ;)