Managing Partner Bernie Wolfsdorf was recently featured on the very first episode of the EB5 Investor’s podcast. In this insightful conversation with Ali Jahangiri, Bernie explains new program requirements since June 2nd, 2022, and gives his insight on the Behring case.
Watch the podcast here.
By: Joseph Barnett and Afshan Randera On May 10, 2019, USCIS updated its policy on Expedite Requests, effective immediately. We previously blogged about expedite processing requests in the context of EB-5 applications, but this new policy applies to the adjudication of an application or petition for an immigration benefit by USCIS, though some exceptions apply. Here are five things to know about requesting an expedite of an application or petition by USCIS: 1. Criteria. The criteria have been narrowed, and USCIS will only consider an expedite request if it meets one of the following criteria: (a) urgent humanitarian reasons; (b) compelling U.S. government interests (such as public safety and national security interests); (c) an error on the part of USCIS; or (d) severe financial loss to a company or person. 2. Severe Financial Loss. While documentation is required to support any expedite request, USCIS states that where a company or individual claims “severe financial loss,” the actual loss must be documented, and the requestor must demonstrate that he/she/it is not able to withstand the temporary financial loss that is the natural result of normal processing times. Additionally, “severe financial loss” is not warranted if the petitioner or applicant failed to file the benefit request in a reasonable time […]
By Joey Barnett and Charlie Oppenheim The Department of State has just released the October 2024 Visa Bulletin, and it shows very good news for the new Reform and Integrity Act EB-5 program and for Chinese and Indians waiting in line under the prior EB-5 program. Here is some preliminary thoughts from WR Immigration on the new October 2024 Visa Bulletin. First, it is predicting that the reserved visa categories, that is rural, high unemployment and infrastructure will remain open for most, if not all of FY2025 which starts in a few weeks on October 1, 2024, and ends September 30, 2025. Despite strong demand and the possibility of a final action date cutoff being established, applicants from China and India and all other countries will continue to be able to concurrently file adjustment of status applications under the reduced investment of $800,000 for the next few months, and possibly for most of 2025. This is a huge advantage as they get 5 year work and travel permits and those on H-1Bs are no longer tied to their employers. Second, applicants from China and India who applied under the old EB-5 program also see considerable forward movement in the waiting […]
