Each year, many Americans travel to a US Embassy or US Consulate in an effort to obtain services such as US Passport renewal, notary service, additional US Passport pages, and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. Meanwhile, many foreign nationals from around the world must undergo Consular Processing in order to eventually be granted a US visa. Non-Immigrant visa units are tasked with adjudicating applications for non-immigrant visas such as the B-1/B-2 visa (US Tourist visa), F-1 visa (student visa), and the J-1 visa. Business visa units are responsible for the adjudication of business visa applications for travel documents such as the E-1 visa, the E-2 visa, the EB visa, the L-1 visa, the O-1 visa, and the H1-B visa. Finally, immigrant visa units have the responsibility for adjudicating applications for immigrant visas such as the IR-1 visa and the CR-1 visa. However, those seeking a K-1 visa (fiance visa) may also find themselves being interviewed by an officer with the immigrant visa unit as such travel documents are treated in much the same way as immigrant visas, notwithstanding the fact that K-1 visas are technically non-immigrant visas.

Those wishing to receive service from American Citizen Services at a US Embassy abroad or those wishing to have a visa application adjudictaed are encouraged to make an appointment online prior to traveling to the US Post.

For related information please see: US Embassy Thailand.

Readers should be aware that the processing times noted above do NOT include consideration of the processing times at the National Visa Center (NVC) nor the Consular Processing times of each particular US Embassy, US Consulate, or American Institute abroad.

For information related to legal services in Southeast Asia please see: Legal.

WASHINGTON – Detroit should take a page from Lady Liberty and shine a beacon of welcome to immigrants as a way to overcome its severe population loss, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Sunday.

For those who follow this blog with any frequency it should be noted that New York has recently seen efforts by the attorney generals of that State to decrease the amount of immigration fraud in the form of illegitimate operators claiming expertise in U.S. immigration matters. It would appear that the city of Detroit has encountered much economic turbulence as a result of recent economic downturns. Meanwhile, there can be significant benefits to a national economy to be had through effective immigration policies. To quote further from the aforementioned article:

Bloomberg’s prescription for Detroit’s salvation came in a discussion about what he called a “crisis of confidence” among business people about the nation’s economy. Bloomberg said the “most obvious” answer is to encourage immigration.

“This is a country that was built by immigrants … that became a superpower because of its immigrant population, and unless we continue to have immigrants, we cannot maintain as a superpower,” he said.

Virtually all Americans are descended from those who immigrated to the United States of America. In a modern context, there are many visa categories available to prospective immigrants who are interested in conducting business in America. For example, the EB-5 visa provides lawful permanent residence to the visa holder upon lawful admission to the United States. Furthermore, the E-2 visa may allow for non-immigrant visa benefits to those foreign nationals conducting business pursuant to a Treaty with the United States. In the context of Thailand, there may be visa benefits which can be acquired pursuant to the bi-lateral relationship between the USA and Thailand as codified in agreements such as the US-Thai Treaty of Amity. Some may be eligible for similar benefits in the form of the E-1 visa. Those working for a multi-national organization may be eligible to obtain an L-1 visa as an intra-company transferee either in the form of an L-1A visa or an L-1B visa, depending upon the factual circumstances of the case.

Clearly, there are benefits to be accrued to those immigrating to the USA. Concurrently, there may also be benefits to the American economy and the American People as a result of immigration to the USA by foreign nationals.

For related information please see: US lawyer or US business visa.

ผู้เขียนบล็อกนี้ได้รับข้อมูลมาจากการประกาศใช้กฎหมายของกฎระเบียบฉบับสุดท้ายที่เกี่ยวกับวีซ่าประเภท อี สอง สำหรับผู้ที่สนใจจะลงทุนและประกอบธุรกิจในคอมมอนเวลท์ของตอนเหนือของเกาะมารีน่า ข้อความต่อไปนี้อ้างโดยตรงจากเว็บไซต์ที่เป็นทางการของหน่วยบริการพลเมืองและคนเข้าเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา (USCIS):

วอชิงตัน- บริการพลเมืองและคนเข้าเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา (USCIS) ออกร่างกฎระเบียบสุดท้ายในทะเบียนของรัฐบาลกลางซึ่งมีประเภทของวีซ่าผู้ลงทุนประเภทผู้ที่ไม่มีถิ่นฐานถาวรในคอมมอนเวลท์ของตอนเหนือของเกาะมารีน่า วีซ่าลงทุนประเภท อี สอง ซีเอ็นเอ็มไอ (E-2 CNMI)อนุญาตให้นักลงทุนระยะยาวที่เป็นชาวต่างชาติที่จะพักอาศัยในคอมมอนเวลท์ของตอนเหนือของเกาะมารีน่าตลอดเดือนธันวาคม 2014 คำขอของวีซ่าลงทุนประเภท E-2 CNMI Investorจะได้รับการอนุมัติตั้งแต่ 18มกราคม 2011 คำขอที่ได้รับก่อนวันที่ 18 มกราคม 2011 จะได้รับการปฏิเสธ

อาศัยอำนาจตามความมในพระราชบัญญัติทรัพยากรธรรมชาติ (CNRA) ปี 2008 วีซ่าลงทุนประเภท E-2 CNMI นั้นมีอายุ 2 ปี และสามารถต่ออายุใหม่ได้ และสามารถใช้ได้ในคอมมอนเวลท์ในตอนเหนือของเกาะมารีน่าเท่านั้น คู่หมั้นและบุตรของผู้ลงทุนอาจจะยื่นขอวีซ่าโดยใช้สิทธิของผู้ลงทุนได้

สำหรับผู้ที่ไม่คุ้นเคยกับคอมมอนเวลท์ในตอนเหนือของเกาะมารีน่าควรจะระลึกไว้เสมอว่า เขตอำนาจนี้รวบรวมกลุ่มของเขตอำนาจศาลซึ่งใช้ประโยชน์จากกระทรวงความมั่นคงแห่งมาตุภูมิในการที่จะออกกฎและบังคับตามกฎหมายคนเข้าเมือง ในอดีต คอมมอนเวลท์ในตอนเหนือของเกาะมารีน่า (CNMI) ยังคงที่มีสถานะอิสระ แต่กฎระเบียบที่ร่างขึ้นมาใหม่นั้นคล้ายคลึงกับส่วนที่เหลือของสหรัฐอเมริกา

วีซ่าประเภท อี สองนั้นเป็นเอกสารการเดินทางที่มีประโยชน์สำหรับผู้ที่ประสงค์จะเดินทางไปยังสหรัฐอเมริกา (หรือตามตัวอย่างนี้คือคอมมอนเวลท์ของตอนเหนือของเกาะมารีน่า)สำหรับวัตถุประสงค์ทางธุรกิจและการลงทุน อาจกล่าวได้ว่า วีซ่าประเภทอี สองนั้นเป็นประเภทวีซ่าของผู้ที่ไม่มีถิ่นฐานถาวร แตกต่างจากวีซ่าประเภท บี สอง (วีซ่าประเภทท่องเที่ยวสหรัฐอเมริกา) วีซ่าประเภทอี สองนั้นมีสำหรับผู้ที่มีเจตนาสองอย่างในการเป็นเอกสารการเดินทางที่เหมือนกันกับวีซ่าประเภท แอล หนี่ง (L-1) หนึ่งในประโยชน์ของเอกสารการเดินทางประเภทนี้คือผู้สมัครไมว่จำต้องพิสูจน์ข้อสันนิษฐานของเจตนาที่กล่าวไว้ในมาตรา 214บี ตามพระราชบัญญัตขิสัญชาติและคนเข้าเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา

วีซ่าประเภทอี สอง (E-2)นั้นอาจจะเป็นที่สับสนกับวีซ่าประเภท EB-5 วีซ่าของสหรัฐอเมริกาประเภท EB-5เป็นวีซ่านักลงทุนผู้อพยพ ในการที่จะเป็นไปตามกฎหมายคนเข้าเมือง ผู้ยื่นคำของวีซ่าประเภท EB-5 นั้นเกี่ยวข้องกับสถานะของคนเข้าเมืองผู้มีภิ่นฐานถาวรอย่างถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย ควรระลึกว่า ขั้นตอนของวีซ่าประเภท EB-5 สามารถที่จะเริ่มต้นดำเนินการขอกับหน่วยบริการคนเข้าเมืองและพลเมืองสหรัฐอเมริกา(USCIS) นอกจากนี้ผู้ที่กำลังมองหาวีซ่าประเภท EB-5 นั้นต้องอยู่ภายใต้ขั้นตอนของกงสุลที่สถานทูตสหรัฐอเมริกา สถานกงสุลสหรัฐ สถาบันของอเมริกัน หรือภารกิจของสหรัฐอเมริกาด้วยอำนาจทางกงสุลที่อยู่ในเขตอำนาจ ท้ายที่สุดแล้วศุลกากรสหรัฐอเมริกาและหน่วยรักษาดินแดนสหรัฐอเมริกา (USCBP) มีภาระหน้าที่ที่จะตรวจสอบและหาหนทางสำหรับการที่ชาวต่างชาติจะเข้ามายังสหรัฐอเมริกา ตามที่กล่าวมาแล้วข้างต้น จากการที่มีการเข้าเมืองเป็นไปอย่างถูกต้องตามมกฎหมาย ชาวต่างชาติที่อยู่ในสถานะของวีซ่า EB-5 จะได้รับการเป็นผู้มีถิ่นฐานถาวรในสหรัฐอเมริกา

To view this post in English please see: E-2 visa.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today posted a final rule in the Federal Register that creates a nonimmigrant investor visa classification in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The “E-2 CNMI Investor Visa” allows foreign long-term investors to reside in the CNMI through December 2014. Petitions for the E-2 CNMI Investor classification will be accepted beginning Jan. 18, 2011. Petitions received before Jan. 18, 2011, will be rejected.

Authorized by the Consolidated Natural Resources Act (CNRA) of 2008, the E-2 CNMI Investor Visa will be issued for two years, is renewable, and is valid only in the CNMI. The investor’s spouse and children may also apply for status as dependents of the investor.

For those who are unfamiliar with matters pertaining to the CNMI it should be noted that only recently was this jurisdiction folded into the group of jurisdictions which utilize the Department of Homeland Security to set and enforce immigration law and policy. In the past, the CNMI maintained relatively autonomous status when it came to immigration matters, but newly enacted rules have made CNMI Immigration rules very similar to those of the rest of the USA.

E-2 visas are very useful travel documents for those wish to go to the United States of America (or in this instance, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) for business or investment purposes. Strictly speaking, E-2 visas are non-immigrant visas, but unlike the B-2 visa (US Tourist Visa) the E-2 is effectively treated as if it were a dual intent travel document in the same vein as an L-1 visa. One of the benefits of dual intent travel documents is that the applicant does not need to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent as set forth in section 214b of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.

The E-2 visa is sometimes confused with the EB-5 visa. The United States EB-5 visa is an Immigrant Investor visa. Pursuant to the provisions of relevant American Immigration law the applicant for an EB-5 visa is accorded Lawful Permanent Resident status upon lawful admission to the United States in EB-5 status. It should be noted that the EB-5 visa process can be rather cumbersome as a petition must initially be filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Furthermore, the EB-5 visa seeker must also undergo Consular Processing at a US Embassy, US Consulate, American Institute, or US Mission with appropriate Consular jurisdiction. Finally, the United States Customs and Border Protection Service (USCBP) is tasked with inspecting and making findings of admissibility when any foreign national requests admission to the USA. As stated above, upon lawful admission to the USA, an alien national in EB-5 status will be granted conditional lawful permanent residence in the USA.

For related information please see: E2 Visa Thailand.

U.S. affiliates of foreign companies employ more than five million U.S. workers and support millions more indirectly. There is no question that investing in the United States brings with it many advantages. With a population of more than 300 million and the largest economy in the world, the United States is the most important market for any global company. The American work force ranks as one of the best educated, most productive, and most innovative in the world. As a place to do business, the United States offers a predictable and transparent legal system, outstanding infrastructure, and access to the world’s most lucrative consumer market.

Although it may seem counter-intuitive at first blush, legal immigration has a tremendous positive impact upon local economies. This is especially true where immigrants are investing in the United States economy or setting up a business in the USA. One of the primary ways in which immigrants can be beneficial to the USA is through foreign direct investment. Any money invested in the United States could be viewed as a net positive if one were looking at global competition for foreign direct investment as a “zero sum” game. Furthermore, investment in the USA creates jobs. As stated above, the United States labor market is one of the most sophisticated and efficient on the planet. This is one of the many reasons why foreign companies set up offices in the United States as American Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents are some of the best educated and best equipped to handle complex and difficult tasks. Also, the infrastructure of the United States is ranked high compared to other nations around the globe. In short, the United States of America is an optimal location to engage in business activity aimed at attracting customers from both the USA, which has a very dynamic consumer market, and the world at large.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor visa is a very useful travel document for those who wish to both invest and work in the United States. This visa is a highly sought after travel document since it provides the bearer with lawful permanent residence upon lawful admission to the USA at a Port of Entry. Those interested in obtaining an EB-5 Visa should conduct research and take note of the fact that Immigrant Investors wishing to enjoy an EB5 visa should be willing to invest a minimum of five hundred thousand (500,000) United States dollars. Those seeking to invest in an “un-targeted” EB-5 program should note that such an investment must generally be at least one million (1,000,000) US dollars.

Those who wish to invest in a small business in the United States may find the the US E-2 visa beneficial as this travel document may be used to travel to the USA to oversee an enterprise located stateside. It should be noted that the E-2 is a non-immigrant visa and therefore, those wishing to immigrate to the USA to reside may not be well served by an E-2 visa.

For related information please see: EB-5 Visa China or EB-5 Visa Thailand.

After a petition is submitted to either a USCIS lockbox or Service Center, the adjudication of the petition will generally occur based upon the order in which said petition is received. It should be noted that the above processing time estimates do not take into account the time it takes for the National Visa Center to process visa applications. Furthermore, Consular Processing at a US Mission, US Embassy or US Consulate abroad can add to the overall visa processing time. Therefore, even if a visa petition is approved, this does not mean that a visa will be immediately issued.

For further related information please see: K1 visa, L1 visa, E1 visa, E2 visa, or EB5 visa.

On August 13, 2010, President Obama signed into law Public Law 111-230. The new law contains provisions that require petitioners to pay an additional $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and an additional $2,250 for certain L-1 petitions. To begin public outreach on this legislation, USCIS held a teleconference on August 19, 2010 to share how USCIS will implement it…

The recent fee increase would seem to have raised some questions among petitioners, applicants, and practitioners. Therefore, USCIS officials were required to provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions. The following is quoted from the aforementioned executive summary:

During the teleconference, among other answers provided, USCIS informed the public that:

o The additional fee is required for certain H-1B or L-1 petitions postmarked on or after August
14, 2010;

o The law will remain in effect through September 30, 2014;

o This law is applicable to petitioners who employ 50 or more employees in the U.S. and more than 50% of the petitioner’s employees are in H-1B or L nonimmigrant status;

o Until the Form I-129 is updated, if a petitioner believes s/he is exempt from the requirement to pay the additional fee(s), the petitioners should include a cover letter, with their filings, that explains why the added fee does not apply. At the top of the cover letter, petitioners should include a notation of whether or not the fee is required in bold capital letters;

o If a petitioner does not include the added fee and USCIS determines the fee is required or if USCIS cannot determine if the fee is required, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) for the additional fee or for further explanation; and

o If the petitioner includes the increased fee, the fee should be paid by a separate check. The check should be made payable to the Department of Homeland Security. By paying the increased fee separately, USCIS will be able to more quickly issue a refund, if it is later determined that the increased fee was not required.

Employment visas to the United States of America are highly sought by foreign nationals residing in the United States as well as abroad. That said, the requirements that must be met for obtainment of such travel documents can be stringent. Therefore, the individuals seeking such visas are well advised to contact an American attorney in order to be fully advised of the processing details.

For further related information please see: E2 Visa.

One of the strongest arguments in favor of comprehensive immigration reform is that it will make America more prosperous and competitive.  All credible studies show that an immigration system which meets the needs of businesses and US workers will add trillions to the economy, raise wages, and put Americans back to work.  Simply stated, immigration reform is good business and good for America’s future.

That’s why I was very excited to attend and give the opening remarks at the EB-5 Investor’s Conference which took place last Friday in Boston before a sell-out crowd.  Last month in my installation speech at the AILA Annual Conference I recalled Ronald Reagan’s final farewell to the nation in which he described his vision of America as beckoning immigrants with “the will and the heart” to get here.  Reagan understood that America’s strength is its openness: its celebration of creativity and new ideas.  And who is a better example of that then an immigrant who is willing to risk hard earned resources for the chance at the American Dream?

In his introductory remarks EB-5 Investor Visa conference chair Lincoln Stone referred to the visa as the “Golden Ticket.”  His description is spot on.  The visa has lead to investment across the US in areas that suffer higher rates of unemployment.  To be sure, it is a fast developing area.   Practitioners and entrepreneurs must master not only the intricacies of the law, but be sure to be aware of the ethical and fiduciary issues that come with the territory. Yet, it is beyond dispute that by attracting much needed capital to the US this visa category has the potential to indeed become a “Golden Ticket” for America.  What else can you say about a visa that by definition directly creates jobs for US workers and helps stimulate the US economy?

This author is of the opinion that any investment in the United States economy is a benefit to the nation as a whole. The beauty of the EB-5 visa program is that it provides for foreign nationals seeking a “Win-Win” situation for all of those involved in the process. The visa itself is a substantial benefit for the visa holder while the US economy gets the benefit of new jobs as well as fresh insights into business practices and methods for increasing productivity, efficiency, and in some cases employee morale.  That said, those seeking an EB-5 visa are well advised to contact an American attorney with experience in US Immigration matters as such a professional can provide highly beneficial information about the dynamics of the EB-5 program itself and the processing protocols for US Immigration petitions and applications arising therefrom.

The EB-5 program should not be confused with the E1 visa or the E2 visa. These programs offer differing visa benefits compared to the EB-5 visa.

For further information about American Immigration issues please see: Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

The estimated processing times for the USCIS California Service Center are as follows:

The estimated processing times for the USCIS Nebraska Service Center are as follows:

The estimated processing times for the USCIS Texas Service Center are as follows:

Those interested in learning information about the K1 visa should note that the I-129f petition (the petition for a K1 fiance visa) is now only being accepted at a USCIS lockbox facility rather than directly at Service Center facilities. Further, those researching US Immigration matters for the first time should note that the above processing times do not reflect an accurate time line for the entire US visa process. This is due to the fact that most petitions approved by USCIS must go to the National Visa Center for a security clearance to be initiated. After the initiation of a security clearance the file must then be forwarded to the US Embassy or US Consulate with appropriate jurisdiction over the Beneficiary’s place of residence.

To check USCIS processing times directly online please go to the following page by clicking here.