Atlanta EB-5 Visa Attorneys Help Investors Secure US Residency
Atlanta has become a magnet for international investors, especially in film, healthcare, and technology, thanks to its thriving economy and global connections.
If you’re exploring the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, our Atlanta investor visa attorneys can guide you through the process.
Why Work With Our EB-5 Visa Lawyers In Atlanta?
Showing you have capital is one important requirement when applying for an EB-5 visa, but it’s not the only one.
You must also provide information about your investment source and a job-creation. And you must comply with program rules.
These requirements can overwhelm even seasoned investors, which is why having an experienced EB-5 lawyer by your side makes the process less stressful.
Our attorneys will:
- Evaluate your eligibility for an EB-5 visa.
- Confirm your investment meets current requirements.
- Collect tax records, bank statements, and business documents to prove the lawful source of your funds.
- File your investor visa petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Support you through conditional Green Card approval and removal of conditions.
Why Choose Atlanta For Your EB-5 Investment?
- Atlanta ranks among the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States, with strong infrastructure and a large, skilled workforce.
- The city is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.
- Many international investors choose Atlanta for launching projects in the film, manufacturing, real estate, healthcare, and fintech industries.
- Several EB-5 regional centers, including Georgia Regional Center and Atlanta Partners Group, operate in or near Atlanta, giving investors flexible options for investing.
EB-5 Visa Requirements
The EB-5 program provides a path to a Green Card through investment, but it comes with strict eligibility rules.
The first is about the amount you must invest: $1,050,000 in a U.S. business or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
You must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years, demonstrate that your investment capital comes from legitimate sources, and choose between direct investment or investing through a USCIS-approved regional center.
Initial approval will secure a two-year conditional Green Card. To remove the conditions, you’ll need to prove you’ve kept the investment and jobs created.
How To Apply For An EB-5 Visa In Atlanta
To apply for an EB-5 visa:
- Decide if you want to have direct control of your business or prefer working with a regional center in a more passive role.
- Ensure your investment meets USCIS thresholds and that your business plan covers the creation of the required number of jobs.
- Collect and organize documents showing your funds are legitimate: for example, business records, tax returns, and bank statements.
- File Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor.
- Adjust status or apply abroad:
- If you are already in the U.S., file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- If abroad, apply through consular processing using Form DS-260.
- Remove conditions within 90 days before your two-year Green Card expires by filing Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.
Sound like too much hassle and paperwork? Call our team at Spar & Bernstein.
Our EB-5 visa lawyers in Atlanta will manage every stage of the process, ensuring your documents are complete and you meet requirements and deadlines.
Alternatives To The EB-5 Visa: E-2 Investor Visa
If you’re not ready to invest $800,000 to $1,050,000, the E-2 Treaty Investor visa may be a better option.
To apply, you must have citizenship from a treaty country, make a substantial investment in a U.S. business, have at least 50% ownership or controlling interest, and participate actively in running the business.
Once your visa expires, you’ll need to depart the United States.
Visa Representation For Entrepreneurs In Atlanta
Receive strategic hands-on support for every stage of your investor journey, from mapping out your investment plan to preparing and submitting a detailed petition.
Our team will guide you with clear communication, timely updates, and reassurance that your case is being handled by the top Atlanta EB-5 visa attorneys.
Atlanta EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The EB-5 Visa Process Take In Atlanta?
The EB-5 process is not quick. On average, it can take two years for USCIS to process Form I-526, which is the first step. After approval, obtaining conditional residence may take additional months depending on whether you apply within the United States or through consular processing abroad.
What Happens After I Receive An Investor Conditional Green Card In Atlanta?
When your EB-5 petition is approved, you’ll receive a conditional Green Card, which is valid for two years. To keep your permanent residence, your investment must stay active and your project must continue to employ the required 10 workers. Within 90 days before the card expires, you must file Form I-829 to remove conditions. Filing the petition on time ensures you don’t lose your immigration status.
Can My Family Members Move To Atlanta With Me On An EB-5 Visa?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive derivative Green Cards through your EB-5 application. That means they’ll be able to live, work, and study in the U.S. alongside you, which is a key benefit for families looking to relocate together.
What Types Of Investments Qualify For EB-5 In Atlanta?
EB-5 investments can take two forms: direct investment in a business you actively manage or investment through a USCIS-approved regional center. Popular sectors for investment projects include real estate development, healthcare facilities, hospitality, and logistics.
What Is A Targeted Employment Area In Georgia?
A TEA is a region that qualifies for the lower $800,000 investment threshold. TEAs are typically rural areas or regions with unemployment rates which are higher than the average in the U.S. Georgia has several designated TEAs, including locations near metro Atlanta and other parts of the state.
What Are The Risks Of EB-5 Investments In Atlanta?
The EB-5 program requires that your funds are “at risk,” meaning they must be invested in a way that involves real potential for gain or loss. USCIS will not approve your case if the investment is guaranteed. This means you must carefully choose your projects and balance risk with visa requirements. If that sounds overwhelming, our team can help by reviewing your options and suggesting appropriate projects.
Do I Need To Live In Atlanta If I Invest In An EB-5 Project Here?
No, you are not required to live in the city or state where you made an investment. However, many investors choose Atlanta because of its strong economy, diverse industries, and quality of life.
Can I Use A Loan For An EB-5 Visa In Atlanta?
Yes, but the loan must be secured by your personal assets. In addition, your funds must be connected to a lawful source. Unsecured loans generally do not qualify for an EB-5 visa.
Is Atlanta Good For EB-5 Investments?
Atlanta is one of the most attractive EB-5 locations in the Southeast because of its fast-growing economy, affordable business environment, and diverse workforce. Compared to cities like New York or Los Angeles, here you can find lower operating costs and access to various industries.
What Happens If My EB-5 Project Fails After I Invest?
If the project fails and does not create the required jobs, USCIS may deny your I-829 petition to remove conditions, which could affect your Green Card. This is why it’s key to conduct due diligence before investing. With decades of experience, our EB-5 visa lawyers at Spar & Bernstein can help you assess the projects you’re considering so you can minimize risk.
Can I Apply For Citizenship After Holding An EB-5 Green Card?
Yes, the EB-5 program provides a path not only to permanent residency but eventually to U.S. citizenship. You must hold a Green Card for five years (including your conditional period), and if you meet all eligibility requirements, you can apply for naturalization by filing Form N-400.
Why Should I Hire An EB-5 Visa Lawyer In Atlanta?
The EB-5 program is one of the most complex areas of immigration law. Mistakes in proving the lawful source of funds, documenting job creation, or meeting filing deadlines can result in costly denials. Our experienced Atlanta lawyers will handle every detail, giving you peace of mind and a greater chance of success.
Can I Invest In A Franchise To Qualify For An EB-5 Visa In Atlanta?
Yes, franchise businesses can qualify for EB-5 if they meet USCIS requirements, including job creation and lawful source of funds.
How Do Regional Centers Help EB-5 Investors In Atlanta?
Regional centers collect investments from multiple EB-5 applicants and use them for large projects such as real estate developments, infrastructure, or manufacturing. Working with a regional center allows you to stay in a more passive role while the regional center manages job creation.
Do I Have To Speak English To Apply For An EB-5 Visa In Atlanta?
No, English proficiency is not a requirement for EB-5 eligibility. At Spar & Bernstein, our EB-5 visa lawyers in Atlanta provide multilingual assistance to make you feel at ease when working with financial advisors and potential business partners.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio