Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Bryan

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Bryan, United States

Founded in 1996
1 person in their team
English
Duggan Law Office Co LPA is a Bryan, Ohio based boutique general practice law firm specializing in personal injury, bankruptcy, criminal and traffic matters. Led by Paul Duggan, the firm serves clients across Williams, Fulton, Defiance, Henry and Paulding counties and maintains a local presence at...
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1. About Citizenship by Investment Law in Bryan, United States

In Bryan, Texas, there is no local or Bryan specific "citizenship by investment" law. Citizenship by investment is not a U.S. concept in the same way as in some other countries. The United States does not grant citizenship directly for a financial contribution to a project.

The federal framework that resembles investment based immigration is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This program offers a path to lawful permanent residence for foreign nationals who invest in a U.S. business project and create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Bryan residents typically pursue this option through a Texas- or nationwide investment project, often in collaboration with a qualified immigration attorney.

Important distinctions apply: obtaining a green card through EB-5 does not directly confer citizenship. After meeting lawful permanent resident requirements, residency duration, and other criteria, an applicant may seek naturalization through the federal naturalization process. In Bryan, working with a local attorney helps align investment choices with federal rules and Texas business considerations.

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Link: https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5-immigrant-investors

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

  • Scenario 1 - Bryan-based entrepreneur seeks EB-5 by connecting to a regional center
    A Bryan business owner near College Station wants to pool funds with others through a regional center to meet the EB-5 job creation requirements. An immigration attorney helps assess eligibility, structure the investment, and prepare forms for USCIS.
  • Scenario 2 - Family seeking residency with a complex corporate structure
    A Bryan resident forms a Texas LLC with multiple foreign and domestic investors. A lawyer ensures that each investor's funds qualify as at-risk and that job creation calculations comply with federal rules.
  • Scenario 3 - Prior visa issues complicating eligibility
    If an applicant previously faced visa denials or overstays, a lawyer helps evaluate waivers, admissibility issues, and appropriate documentation for I-526 and subsequent steps.
  • Scenario 4 - Direct investment project in Texas with local regulatory hurdles
    A Bryan investor considers a direct project in Brazos County. An attorney coordinates due diligence, ensures compliance with securities and tax rules, and guides filing with USCIS for I-526.
  • Scenario 5 - Family members require dependent visa planning
    A Bryan family wants to secure status for spouse and children under the EB-5 path. A lawyer explains who qualifies as a dependent, timelines, and potential needs for separate documentation.
  • Scenario 6 - Transitioning from conditional residency to permanent status
    After approval, EB-5 holders receive conditional permanent residence for two years. A legal counsel helps prepare the I-829 petition to remove conditions and extend permanent status.

3. Local Laws Overview

Local Bryan or Texas statutes do not create a separate citizenship by investment regime. Federal immigration law governs eligibility, processing, and naturalization. Local counsel in Bryan can help interpret how federal immigration concepts intersect with Texas business and tax rules.

Key federal laws and regulations relevant to Citizenship by Investment in Bryan include:

  • Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) - The overarching federal framework governing immigrant visa programs, including EB-5. It sets general eligibility standards and processes for lawful permanent residence.
  • 8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(5) - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program - The statutory basis for visa categories created for investors who meet investment and job creation requirements.
  • EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 - Federal reforms intended to improve oversight, transparency, and program integrity for EB-5 and regional center participation.

Source: USCIS and U.S. Code guidance on EB-5 and INA framework - official sources provide the most current rules and thresholds. See https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5-immigrant-investors and https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment-based-visa/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program.html for public guidance.

The most recent changes to EB-5 reform focus on oversight, regional center reauthorization, and program integrity. In practice, this means investment projects and regional centers in Texas and nearby states must adhere to stricter documentation and due diligence standards. Bryan residents should rely on a qualified immigration attorney to navigate these evolving requirements.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?

The EB-5 program grants a path to lawful permanent residence for foreign investors who invest in a U.S. business and create or preserve at least 10 jobs. It is a federal program, not a Bryan local policy, and requires careful documentation and compliance.

How much do I need to invest for EB-5?

Minimum investment thresholds are set by federal law and can vary by year. As of the 2022 reforms, typical figures are around $1,050,000 or $800,000 in a targeted employment area. Always verify current thresholds with USCIS and your attorney.

Do I need to live in the United States to use EB-5?

No, physical residence within the United States is not required to apply for the investor visa. Applicants may invest from abroad and pursue consular processing to obtain permanent residence.

How long does the EB-5 process take?

Processing times vary by case and center, but expectations include I-526 approval followed by conditional permanent residence for two years. After that, you file I-829 to remove conditions, which may take additional time.

What is the difference between a regional center and direct investment?

A regional center allows investment in a pooled project with job creation measured indirectly. Direct investment requires proving direct job creation by the sponsor project. Each path has distinct documentation and timing considerations.

Do I need to hire a lawyer for EB-5?

Yes. An immigration attorney helps evaluate eligibility, structure the investment, prepare filings, and handle communications with USCIS. Bryan residents benefit from local and regional counsel familiarity with Texas business norms.

What documents are typically required for I-526 filings?

Common documents include proof of source of funds, business and tax records, corporate documents, and project due diligence. Your attorney coordinates the compilation and submission to USCIS.

Is citizenship available immediately through investment?

No. There is no direct path to U.S. citizenship through investment. Citizenship requires naturalization after lawful permanent residency and meeting extra requirements.

What is the minimum job creation requirement for EB-5?

The program requires the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers per investment. Regional center projects often measure this differently from direct investments.

Can I apply for an EB-5 visa if my country has a treaty with the United States?

Yes, treaty-based paths exist, but eligibility depends on your nationality and the specific investment program chosen. An attorney can assess whether a treaty-based option is appropriate for you.

What happens after I receive conditional permanent residence?

You must meet investment and job creation requirements within the two-year conditional period and then file I-829 to remove conditions. A lawyer helps prepare this petition and responds to any government requests.

5. Additional Resources

6. Next Steps

  1. Assess your goals and options - Determine whether EB-5 or an alternative path aligns with your family, business, and residency objectives. Consider current job creation targets and project timelines in your Bryan area.
  2. Identify a Texas-licensed immigration attorney - Look for an attorney with EB-5 experience who serves clients in Bryan or College Station. Verify licensure and check prior client reviews.
  3. Gather initial documents - Collect proof of funds, corporate records, tax returns, and any prior immigration filings. Your lawyer will help assess source of funds and admissibility concerns.
  4. Evaluate investment options - Decide between direct investments or regional center projects, considering job creation models, risk, and oversight requirements. Your attorney can help compare structures.
  5. Complete the investor agreement and filing plan - Work with counsel to prepare I-526 documents, investor representations, and any regional center agreements. Ensure documents are ready for USCIS submission.
  6. Plan your timeline and funding strategy - Discuss expected processing times, potential interviews, and when funds will be wired or transferred. Coordinate with your attorney on contingency plans.
  7. Proceed with filing and follow-up - Submit the I-526 petition, monitor progress, and respond to requests for evidence or additional information as needed. Prepare for next steps in consular processing or adjustment of status.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

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