Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Hillsboro

1. About Golden Visa Law in Hillsboro, United States

In Hillsboro, Golden Visa commonly refers to the United States EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This federal program allows eligible foreign investors to pursue a pathway to lawful permanent residence by investing in a U.S. business and creating jobs. Local city or county laws do not govern EB-5; the program is nationwide and administered by federal agencies.

Key requirements include investing in a qualifying enterprise and demonstrating that the investment will create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Investments are placed “at risk” and must be tied to a specific commercial project or enterprise. Processing times vary by case, but typical steps involve filing I-526, obtaining conditional permanent residence, and later petitioning to remove conditions via I-829.

Recent developments under federal reforms affect how the program operates. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 introduced significant changes, including permanent program provisions, enhanced compliance, and new rules for regional centers. For current thresholds, compliance obligations, and eligibility criteria, consult the official federal resources listed in the resources section.

The EB-5 program requires the investment to be at risk and results must show job creation for U.S. workers.

In Hillsboro, many prospective investors consider projects that align with Oregon’s growth sectors, such as technology, manufacturing, and research facilities. Local counsel can help interpret how a Hillsboro project qualifies under federal rules and how to document job creation to meet USCIS standards.

For current official guidance, refer to USCIS and federal statutes. The program is federal, not state or local, so Hillsboro residents should plan with an attorney who understands federal immigration law and its interaction with U.S. business investment requirements.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Evaluating an EB-5 investment requires careful legal analysis beyond due diligence. An attorney can help ensure compliance with the complex requirements of the federal program and tailor a strategy to your situation in Hillsboro.

Situation 1: You need to assess whether a proposed Hillsboro project qualifies as a TEA or non-TEA investment and how that affects eligibility. A lawyer can review project location, job creation methods, and unemployment data relevant to the investment area.

Situation 2: You plan an I-526 petition and want to structure the investment to satisfy the “at risk” and job creation requirements. An attorney helps document source of funds and ensures proper evidence for USCIS review.

Situation 3: You receive a request for evidence (RFE) from USCIS after filing I-526 or investment documentation. A lawyer can respond with precise, project-specific proofs of job creation and investment sufficiency.

Situation 4: You aim to remove conditions on permanent residence by filing I-829 after two years of conditional residence. An attorney can assemble the evidence showing required job creation and compliance with program rules.

Situation 5: You need to understand how the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 affects your project, including compliance, annual reporting, and regional center requirements. An attorney can translate legislative changes into a practical plan.

Situation 6: You are already in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and want to pivot to an EB-5 pathway. A lawyer can map eligibility steps, document timelines, and coordinate consular or adjustment of status options in Hillsboro.

3. Local Laws Overview

There are no Hillsboro or Oregon city ordinances that regulate the Federal EB-5 program specifically. The Golden Visa framework in Hillsboro is governed by federal immigration law and regulations. The most relevant laws and regulations operate nationwide and supersede local rules.

Law 1: Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) as codified in U.S. law, including the investor provisions. These provisions establish the framework for immigrant investor petitions and conditional permanent residence status. For the language and context, review federal resources and the U.S. Code sections referenced by the EB-5 program. Note this is a federal statute, not a Hillsboro ordinance.

Law 2: 8 C.F.R. Part 204 and 8 C.F.R. Part 216 govern petitions by immigrant investors and conditional permanent residence respectively. They define filing procedures, evidentiary requirements, and the process for removing conditions after two years. These rules are federal and apply nationwide, including Hillsboro.

Law 3: EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (Division L of Public Law 117-103) enacted on March 15, 2022. This act introduces permanent program elements, enhanced integrity and reporting measures, and updated provisions for regional centers and TEA determinations. It is a critical update for anyone pursuing EB-5 investment in Hillsboro.

Where to find official references: - USCIS - EB-5 program overview and filing guidance: https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5 - U.S. Congress - EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (Division L): https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2471/text - U.S. Department of State - Immigrant Investor Visa pages (consular processing): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrant-visas/immigrant-investor-visa.html

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EB-5 program in simple terms?

The EB-5 program grants a path to lawful permanent residence for certain foreign investors who fund a qualifying U.S. enterprise and create jobs. It is a federal program, not a Hillsboro-specific policy.

How do I qualify for the EB-5 visa?

You must invest in a qualifying enterprise, meet minimum investment thresholds, and demonstrate that the investment will create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers. A lawyer can help confirm eligibility and document compliance.

What is a TEA and why does it matter?

A TEA is a targeted employment area where investments may require a lower minimum capital. Determining TEA status affects investment requirements and eligibility. Local counsel can verify TEA designation for your project.

Do I need to file I-526 to start the process?

Yes, I-526 is the initial petition for an immigrant investor. Approval moves you toward conditional permanent residence, subject to meeting job creation rules.

How long does the I-526 process usually take?

Processing times vary widely. Typical ranges span from several months to well over a year depending on case complexity and USCIS workload. A lawyer can monitor timelines with you.

What happens after I-526 approval?

You may apply for conditional permanent residence if you are in the United States or through consular processing if you are outside the U.S. This status lasts two years.

Is there a two-year conditional residence period?

Yes. You must file to remove conditions (I-829) during the 90 days before the second anniversary of your admission as a conditional resident.

How long does it take to remove conditions (I-829)?

Processing times for I-829 vary, commonly ranging from 12 to 24 months or longer. An attorney can help assemble evidence of job creation and project compliance.

What documents are typically required to prove job creation?

Projects usually provide payroll records, tax documents, and job creation models showing direct, indirect, and induced employment linked to the investment. An attorney coordinates evidence gathering.

Can I pursue EB-5 if my project is in Hillsboro or Oregon?

Yes. EB-5 works for investments nationwide, including in Hillsboro. The key is meeting federal criteria for investment and job creation, regardless of location.

How does the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 affect my case?

The ERI Act updates program integrity, regional center rules, and reporting. It may alter timelines and documentation requirements. Seek guidance from a qualified attorney familiar with ERI changes.

Is money from my home country acceptable for EB-5 investment?

Fund sources must be legally obtained and properly documented. An attorney helps trace funds and prepare source-of-funds evidence to avoid delays or denials.

5. Additional Resources

• USCIS - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5
• U.S. Department of State - Immigrant Investor Visa (EB-5): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrant-visas/immigrant-investor-visa.html
• Congress.gov - EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-103): https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2471/text

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your goals and timeline for obtaining permanent residence, and identify whether your Hillsboro project will seek TEA status.
2. Consult a Hillsboro-based or Oregon-licensed immigration attorney to review eligibility and project structure within two weeks.
3. Prepare a document plan with the attorney, including sources of funds, project details, and anticipated job creation metrics.
4. Gather required documents in advance, including financial records, corporate documents, and proof of investment funds, within 4-6 weeks.
5. Submit I-526 and monitor responses; coordinate with the attorney to respond promptly to any requests for evidence.
6. Plan for conditional residence and, two years later, prepare I-829 with robust job creation proof and project evidence.
7. Stay updated on ERI Act changes by maintaining contact with your attorney and checking USCIS and Congress.gov resources regularly.