We are a husband and wife applying for EB-5. Which of us should be the main applicant? Does it make a difference in the application processing?
Answers
Abhinav Lohia
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryFrom an immigration perspective, it does not matter who is applying. However, it depends on the personal circumstances of a couple. You may have time constraints as to who can move to the United States to stay here for the recommended period. Also there are tax considerations.
Xiaosheng Huang
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryEither can be the principal applicant. There is no difference.
Barbara Suri
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryIt is entirely up to you as who should be the primary applicant. The primary applicant would file the I-526, but the derivative spouse and the primary applicant may both file for the green cards at the same time. There is no difference to the application process.
A Olusanjo Omoniyi
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryIt does not matter which of you is designated as the primary applicant.
Raymond Lahoud
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryIt does not make a difference. The person should be the one who is investing the money.
Julia Roussinova
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryA spouse that generates a legal source of traceable funds is generally the one who should be the principal investor and the other spouse (and any unmarried children under age 21) will be included in the principal's I-526 petition. It is highly recommended that you contact an experienced EB-5 immigration attorney to discuss the specifics and plan the most viable option.
Salvatore Picataggio
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryIt does not, but the applicant has to be the one making the investment. Sometimes the funds are gifted between spouses to make this work.
John J Downey
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryIt makes no difference in the process. However, once you obtain a green card, you are subject to listing your worldwide sources of income to the IRS. For that reason, many people prefer to have the wife act as the investor.
Bernard P Wolfsdorf
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryIt usually does not matter if the marriage is on community of property, although spouses can gift funds, if the principal applicant is not the primary source.
Jeff Khurgel
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryThe person from whom funds are most easily traceable would be the best principal applicant.
Vaughan de Kirby
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryGenerally there should be no difference in the processing. However, I would recommend that you review this with your investment immigration attorney to see that you reach your personal immigration goals.
Ian E Scott
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryEither could be the applicant. Once the I-526 has been approved, then you will both get green cards. You may want to consider the clearer path to source of funds and also possible travel to the United States (e.g. if one of you travels to the United Stattes during the I-526 adjudication process) in your decision also.
Lynne Feldman
Immigration Attorneys DirectoryIt does not matter who is the principal as you will each benefit equally.
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