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What Should EB-5 Investors Expect in an Immigrant Visa Interview?

On Behalf of | Mar 7, 2016 | EB-5

immigrant visa

The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived: your I-526 petition has been approved! While this is a big step towards the ultimate goal of obtaining a green card through the EB-5 program, there are still a few more steps you must take before this can occur.

To begin, you must apply for immigrant visas for yourself and dependent family members located outside the United States through consular processing. After your application is received and reviewed you, along with your dependent family members, will receive notification of civil forms and other information you’ll need in preparation of the immigrant visa interview.

This interview will take place at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Required documentation includes the following:

  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of U.S. entry
  • Birth certificates of each person
  • Color passport photographs
  • Copies of DS-260 immigrant visa electronic application
  • Divorce decrees, if applicable
  • Marriage certificates
  • Sealed medical examination results
  • Police certificates

English translation must accompany any documents that are not written in English or the official language of the interview country.

The Consulate or Embassy will require evidence that the I-526 funds for investment capital have been released from escrow by the EB-5 project – generally in the form of a letter from the institution managing the project’s escrow account.

Each applicant should plant to arrive will the required documentation on the date of the interview. Plan to arrive early – even though you may be asked to wait. The interview itself usually only requires 30 to 45 minutes of your time.

The interview is designed to determine your admissibility into the U.S. by reviewing documentation and asking questions based on the information they provide. You must not only be prepared by knowing the information the documents contain, but should take the time to verify the accuracy of information provided in the documents. Make sure you review the documents prior to your appointment.

You may be found ineligible for entry into the U.S. for any number of reasons. These include past illegal entry, prior criminal acts, misrepresentation of material facts in the application, and more. Be prepared to answer any questions about your past that may raise red flags as well as questions concerning any previous visits to the U.S.

Also, be prepared to answer any questions you may have related to your I-526 petition and the project the investment will go to support. You will also be called upon to answer questions regarding the funding sources for your project and the purpose of the project.

Proper documentation alone is not enough to guarantee the success of the interview process. You need to be prepared. Call David Hirson & Partners, LLP at  today to get the assistance of a qualified EB-5 attorney. We can help you navigate the process and increase your chances for success.