Mark A Ivener, A Law Corporation

Category: EB-5


Sens. Grassley, Leahy Oppose Reauthorization of Unaltered EB-5 Regional Center Program; Rep. Goodlatte Introduces EB-5 Reform Bill

A lot has been happening the last few days in the EB-5 world. The regional center part of the EB-5 immigrant investor green card program is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2016. On September 8, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, respectively, wrote… Read More

USCIS Ombudsman’s 2016 Report to Congress Recommends Changes

By statute, the Ombudsman of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) submits an Annual Report to Congress by June 30 of each year. The report summarizes the most pervasive and serious problems encountered by individuals and employers applying for immigration benefits with USCIS. The Annual Report also reviews past recommendations to improve USCIS programs and… Read More

USCIS Proposes Fee Increases, New Fee for Annual Certification of EB-5 Regional Centers

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a proposed rule on May 4, 2016, to increase USCIS fees by a “weighted average” of 21 percent and add one new fee for EB-5 Regional Centers. In addition, among other things, USCIS proposes to clarify that persons filing a benefit request may be required to appear for… Read More

Omnibus Bill Includes Hefty Fee Increases for L-1 and H-1B Visas, EB-5 Regional Center Extension, Other Immigration-Related Provisions

The combined omnibus spending bill that Congress passed on December 18, 2015, includes several immigration measures. Among other things, the supplemental fees for L-1 and H-1B petitions are increasing for companies that employ 50 or more employees in the United States and have more than 50 percent of their U.S. workforce in H-1B, L-1A, or… Read More

Congress Extends Four Immigration Programs Until December 11

Congress has extended the EB-5, E-Verify, Conrad state 30 (physician J-1 waiver), and religious workers programs until December 11, 2015, as part of congressional passage of a continuing resolution to fund the government. Members of Congress hope to reauthorize and reform the EB-5 program in the interim, although the outcome is uncertain due to political… Read More