The interview process can be a rather daunting experience for many clients. It’s very understandable for clients to go into the interview with a great deal of anxiety. This anxiety is understandable given that the decision made by the sole officer can potentially have a huge impact on the client’s future. That said we’ve compiled a few tips and pieces of advice to get you through the interview process. Remember, it’s the job of the officer in charge of the interview to detect fraud, thus even a small lie can potentially have an extremely negative impact on your case. That said, take a deep breath, relax, and prepare yourself by reading our step by step guide on what to expect at a meeting with the immigration officer.

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In 1991, Congress created the EB-5 visa program to benefit the U.S. economy and create new jobs by encouraging foreign nationals to invest in the U.S.  To qualify for an EB-5 visa, the individual must establish that (1) he or she is coming to the U.S. to invest in a new commercial enterprise, (2) the investment occurred after November 29, 1990 (the date the EB-5 program became effective), and (3) this ongoing enterprise will benefit the U.S. economy.

Once granted an EB-5 visa, the individual, his/her spouse and children (under 21) are automatically granted conditional residency, which becomes permanent after 2 years.  After 5 years in EB-5 status, an individual can apply for U.S. residency.   There are 10,000 EB-5 visas available each year – 3,000 of which the USCIS sets aside for individuals who invest in approved “targeted employment” areas.  “Targeted employment” typically refers to rural areas or areas that suffer from extremely low employment rates; each State’s Department of Commerce publishes a list of approved “targeted areas.”   Note that the targeted employment plan is set to expire on September 30, 2008.

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I wanted to congratulate the Shah Peerally Law Group PC team for the successful outcome on a National Interest Waiver case filed for a Pakistan foreign national. Yesterday we were told that the family’s immigrant visa were approved. National Interest Waivers are EB2 category permanent resident applications. It is a self employment petition and does not require an employer. You can read more about National Interest Waivers. Again, congratulations on the good work.