Question 1

Do I need a local attorney in Vancouver for EB-5?

Accepted Answer

Immigration law is federal, so you can work with any licensed U.S. immigration attorney regardless of where you are located. Watson Immigration Law is based in Seattle and serves clients throughout the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, as well as clients across the United States and internationally. We offer virtual consultations and handle cases remotely.

Question 2

How long does EB-5 processing take for Vancouver applicants?

Accepted Answer

Processing times are the same regardless of where you are located — Total process typically 3–6 years from petition to unconditional green card. USCIS processes petitions at service centers, not by the applicant's location. For consular interviews (E-2, L-1), processing times depend on the specific U.S. consulate, typically 2–8 weeks.

Question 3

What is the difference between a Regional Center investment and a direct EB-5 investment?

Accepted Answer

A Regional Center investment pools your capital with other investors into a USCIS-approved Regional Center project (typically real estate or infrastructure). Job creation is calculated indirectly. A direct investment requires you to invest in and manage your own business and create 10 direct employees on your payroll. Most investors choose the Regional Center route for its broader job counting methodology and more passive management role.

Question 4

What qualifies as a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)?

Accepted Answer

A TEA is either a rural area (outside a metropolitan statistical area) or an area with an unemployment rate at least 1.5 times the national average. Investing in a TEA reduces the minimum investment threshold from $1,050,000 to $800,000. TEA designation is determined by USCIS based on census data at the time of filing.

Question 5

How do I prove my funds are from a lawful source?

Accepted Answer

You must provide a paper trail for the origin of every dollar invested. This typically includes 5+ years of personal and business tax returns, bank statements, property sale records, business ownership documents, gift letters if funds were gifted, loan documents if funds were borrowed, and any other documentation showing how you accumulated the funds. This is the most complex part of the EB-5 process and requires meticulous preparation.

Question 6

Can I invest in my own business for EB-5?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Direct EB-5 investment in a new commercial enterprise you own and operate is permitted. The business must be established after November 29, 1990 (or be a troubled business), and you must create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. This route gives you more control but requires direct management involvement.

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EB-5 in Vancouver

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