Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Dearborn

1. About Golden Visa Law in Dearborn, United States

In Dearborn, as in the rest of the United States, there is no municipal or Michigan-wide program officially called a “Golden Visa.” The term is commonly used in marketing to describe immigrant investment routes. The actual pathways are federal immigration programs administered by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State.

The main routes people refer to as a Golden Visa in the U.S. are the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and, for eligible treaty nationals, the E-2 Treaty Investor visa. EB-5 offers conditional permanent residence to foreign investors who fund a qualifying business and create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs. The E-2 visa provides nonimmigrant status to investors from countries with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States who invest substantial funds and manage a U.S. business on a temporary basis.

Dearborn residents and business people pursuing these routes typically work with a qualified attorney or legal counsel to structure the investment, document the source of funds, and prepare the required filings. This guide explains the general landscape, practical steps, and how to work with a Dearborn-based or Michigan-area lawyer to navigate federal rules effectively.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Here are four to six concrete, real-world scenarios where you would likely need Golden Visa legal help in Dearborn:

• You plan an EB-5 investment in a Michigan project and must prove the funds come from lawful sources. An attorney helps trace funds, document provenance, and prepare the I-526 petition with robust supporting records.
• You are choosing between a direct EB-5 investment and a regional center option. A lawyer analyzes risk, job-creation methods, and regulatory compliance to help you select the structure that fits your timeline and goals.
• You have received a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS after filing I-526. An attorney reviews the RFE, coordinates updated documentation, and communicates with USCIS on your behalf to avoid delays.
• You are applying for the E-2 visa as a treaty investor from a country with a U.S. treaty. A lawyer helps draft the business plan, demonstrates active management, and navigates nonimmigrant visa requirements specific to your nationality.
• Your prior visa application or immigration status has been denied or ended. An attorney assesses eligibility for a different pathway, prepares a robust new filing, and coordinates alignments with the removal of conditions process if applicable.
• You need to align investment, corporate structure, and tax considerations with U.S. immigration rules. A lawyer coordinates corporate documentation, securities compliance, and cross-border finance issues to meet program standards.

Engaging a Dearborn-area attorney with specific EB-5 or E-2 experience helps reduce the risk of costly missteps, streamlines communication with federal agencies, and improves the likelihood of timely decisions. Do not rely on generic legal advice or non-specialists for these complex filings.

3. Local Laws Overview

Golden Visa matters in the United States are governed by federal law and federal regulations; local jurisdictions such as Dearborn do not create standalone Golden Visa rules. Key federal authorities and sources to understand include:

• Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) - the core federal statute governing immigrant visas, including the EB-5 program. See 8 U.S.C. § 1153 for immigrant investor provisions and job-creation requirements.
• 8 CFR Part 204 and 8 CFR 216 - the Code of Federal Regulations detailing immigrant investor petitions, regional centers, conditional residency, and removal of conditions.
• EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA 2022) provisions - major reforms affecting investment thresholds, regional centers, and program integrity. These changes are reflected in USCIS guidance and regulatory updates in 2022 onward. For current details, consult USCIS guidance and 8 CFR references.

“Investors must demonstrate lawful source of funds and meet job creation requirements; regional centers and direct investment options each have distinct documentation needs.” - USCIS EB-5 program guidance USCIS EB-5

The Department of State provides visa processing guidance for immigrant investors, including the steps to obtain an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or port of entry. See Travel.State.Gov - Immigrant Investor Visas.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa for Dearborn residents in the U.S.?

In Dearborn, the term usually refers to EB-5 or E-2 investment-based immigration programs, not a local Dearborn program. These are federal pathways to lawful permanent residency or nonimmigrant status.

How do I start an EB-5 application in Michigan?

Begin by assessing eligibility for EB-5 and choosing a qualifying investment. Then hire an immigration attorney to prepare and file the I-526 petition with supporting documentation.

What is required to prove source of funds for EB-5?

Provide thorough documentation showing how you earned the investment funds, including tax returns, bank statements, and transfer records. Your attorney helps assemble the evidentiary package.

Do I need a regional center to use EB-5?

No. You can pursue a direct investment or a regional center project. Each option has different job-creation calculations and documentation requirements.

How long does the EB-5 process typically take?

Processing times vary by case and USCIS workload. I-526 adjudication can take many months to over a year, followed by consular processing or adjustment of status if approved.

What is the difference between TEA and non-TEA investments?

TEA investments generally qualify for lower minimums and are defined by state authorities and regulations. Non-TEA investments require a higher minimum amount and different compliance steps.

How much money should I expect to invest for EB-5?

Investment thresholds were updated after reforms; current levels include a lower TEA threshold and a higher non-TEA threshold. Always verify the latest figures on USCIS guidance.

Can I pursue an E-2 visa from Dearborn, Michigan?

Yes if you are a national of a treaty country and meet the investment and management requirements. E-2 is a nonimmigrant option and may be suitable for temporary U.S. residence while growing your business.

Should I hire a lawyer before filing an I-526 or E-2 petition?

Yes. An attorney with EB-5 or E-2 expertise helps structure the investment, prepare filings, and prevent common errors that trigger RFEs or denials.

Do I need to maintain residency in the U.S. during the EB-5 process?

EB-5 focuses on the investment and job creation; conditional residency is granted if the requirements are met. You may live abroad during part of the process, depending on your status and consular processing needs.

Is Dearborn subject to any local restrictions that affect investing?

Local rules in Dearborn do not govern immigration; however, local business licenses, zoning, and corporate formation requirements may impact your investment project in Michigan.

5. Additional Resources

• USCIS - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program information, filing guidance, and forms. https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5
• Travel.State.Gov - Immigrant Investor Visa guidance, consular processing steps, and country-specific information. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/investor-visa.html
• Code of Federal Regulations - 8 CFR Part 204 and related sections detailing immigrant investor petitions and conditions on residency. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-204
• United States Code - 8 U.S.C. § 1153 governing immigrant investor provisions and job creation requirements. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/title-8/chapter-12/section-1153

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your immigration goal and determine whether EB-5 or E-2 best fits your situation. Talk to a Dearborn immigration attorney about eligibility and timelines. (1-2 weeks)
2. Gather documents that establish your identity, business background, and source of funds. Include tax records, bank statements, corporate filings, and ownership documents. (2-4 weeks)
3. Identify a Michigan-based attorney with proven EB-5 or E-2 experience. Check state bar status, client reviews, and recent EB-5 case outcomes. (1-2 weeks)
4. Choose an investment structure and prepare a preliminary plan with your attorney. Decide between direct investments or regional center projects. (2-6 weeks)
5. Prepare and submit the I-526 petition or E-2 application with all supporting documentation. Your lawyer coordinates the package and agency communications. (varies, commonly 12-36 months for EB-5)
6. Begin preparing for consular processing or adjustment of status if the petition is approved. Plan for possible interview and medical examination if applicable. (months to years)
7. Monitor and respond to any requests from USCIS or consular officers. Once conditions are removed, review long-term residency and citizenship plans with your attorney. (ongoing)