Immigration Guides
The bottom line first: September 30, 2026 is the last day to file a qualifying Form I-526E petition and receive statutory grandfathering protection under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), which requires USCIS to keep processing a protected petition even if the Regional Center Program later expires. Under section 103(b) of the RIA, the protection covers regional center investor petitions filed on or before that date and carries through to the related removal of conditions petitions (Form I-829).
There is no minimum E-2 investment amount set by statute or regulation. The requirement is that the investment be substantial, and substantiality is measured in proportion to the total cost of the particular business you are buying or building. The $100,000 figure repeated across so many websites is not invented, but it does not mean what it is usually taken to mean.
The short answer: the E-2 is a temporary, renewable nonimmigrant status for treaty country nationals who actively run a U.S. business, with no statutory minimum investment and no path to a green card on its own. The EB-5 is an immigrant petition that can lead to permanent residence for nationals of any country, and it requires at least $800,000 (in a targeted employment area) or $1,050,000, plus the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs.
Recommendation letters serve as the backbone of successful O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW petitions. These letters provide crucial third-party validation of a petitioner’s extraordinary abilities, achievements, and contributions to their field. When crafted strategically and thoughtfully, a strong recommendation letter can significantly strengthen a close or borderline case.
In order to qualify for a chance to submit an H-1B cap-subject petition, you must first be selected through a randomized lottery. The quota for this lottery includes 65,000 slots for standard H-1B petitions, and an additional 20,000 slots for workers with a master’s degree. This lottery process begins with…
As a U.S. immigration lawyer, my clients often ask me how they can get a green card. The answer is that there are many possible ways to get a green card. The best option for you will depend on your particular circumstances. In this guide, I will explain most of…
Hello to our valued audience looking to explore the realm of US immigration possibilities! We warmly welcome you back to the realm of E2 Visa insights, where we, together, navigate the intricate pathways of visa applications. Today, we embark on an enlightening journey to uncover the profound significance of a meticulously constructed business plan for…
Obtaining a green card without relying on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is not only possible but often a more practical and strategic path for many individuals. Whether you are a professional, entrepreneur, investor, student, or someone with family ties other than a spouse, there are several lawful ways to become…
The H4 visa is the dependent visas that attaches to the H1B visa. H1B visas are the most common nonimmigrant work visa available to professionals. Some H4 visa holders are eligible for EAD, an Employment Authorization Document. In my practice, H1B families…
The National Interest Waiver, commonly called the NIW, is an employment-based immigrant pathway that does not require a job offer or a labor certification. For professionals whose work benefits the United States broadly rather than a single employer, it can be a meaningful option worth understanding. This article explains what the National Interest Waiver is, the legal standard used to evaluate eligibility, and what the application process generally involves.
You may be able to travel while a marriage green card case is pending, but you should not assume it is safe to leave the United States just because your case has been filed.
If you are applying for adjustment of status from inside the United States, traveling without the proper travel document can cause serious problems, including the possible abandonment of your pending green card application.
If you are someone who is an entrepreneur, and your business start-up is less than 5 years old, you may be eligible for the International Entrepreneur Parole Program, which will allow you to live and work in the United States for your company. More details about what the program entails, its benefits, and its requirements are explained in detail below…
The L1 visa category, created by Congress in 1970, is specifically intended for individuals customarily employed abroad by a company with a qualifying relationship to the U.S. company wishing to obtain the L1 visa for employees. The L1 visa is limited exclusively to employees of multinational companies, and may not be used unless…
When a loved one is going through the immigration process, you may be asked to write an immigration letter of support. Many people are unsure where to start. What should you include? How formal should it be? And how much detail is too much?
On September 19, 2025, the White House dropped a bombshell: a Presidential Proclamation imposing a $100,000 ($100K) supplemental payment on certain H-1B petitions. The stated goal? To address perceived program abuse and prioritize higher-paid workers. The rule took effect just three days later on September 21, 2025. USCIS followed up with…
Michael Ashoori, Esq.
President of Ashoori Law
I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.
Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.
Got a question? Send me an email.