Because Southwest Florida is one of the fastest growing
areas in The United States we have drawn a large influx of foreigners
who want to relocate in the area. Because of this and the every changing
problems for foreigners to obtain visas they have realized that a way
to get into the country is to buy a business. Listed below are the types
of visas and requirements for such visas the foreign buyer must obtain.
a. Who is eligible? Europeans
(Eastern and Western), Canadians, and those with whom we have a treaty.
b.
Minimum investment? No minimum,
no maximum. Depends on the type of
business. Must be active business.
c.
Duration? Up to five years
and renewable for as long as the
business continues.
d.
Application time? 2 to 6 weeks
for the company, plus 2 to 6 weeks
for the investor. Allow your client
90 days after closing.
e.
Can the investor borrow? No
and yes. For small investments, $100,000
or less, no. Up to $500,000, 60%
equity is generally acceptable. At
$1 million, 50% equity is also acceptable.
f.
Investors can borrow 100%
if a personal loan.
g.
Family members? Spouse can
work, children under 21 can study.
a. Who is eligible? Executives/managers
of international companies employed by the foreign affiliate. All
countries eligible.
b.
Minimum investment? No specific
dollar amount. There must be an affiliated
U.S. company owned by the foreign
company or by the same foreign investors.
Purchase of U.S. company is the investment.
c.
Duration: L-1 up to 7 years.
EB-1 is permanent (“green card”).
d.
Application time? L-1 is 15
to 120 days. EB-1 is 24 to 30 months.
e.
Can the investor borrow? Yes,
no limits.
f.
What is the difference between L-1
and EB-1? L-1 is temporary
up to 7 years. EB-1 is permanent
and is a “green card”.
g.
Family members? L-1 spouse
can work, children under 21 can study.
EB-1 spouse and children under 21
get green cards.
a. Who is eligible? Anyone.
b.
Minimum investment? $1 million
in most cases, $500,000 in areas
of high unemployment or rural areas.
c.
Duration? Permanent (“green
card”).
d.
Application time? 4 months
for initial approval. 24 to 30 months
for conditional green card.
e.
What are the investment requirements? The
investment must create ten new U.S.
jobs within two years or save ten
existing jobs in a troubled company.
f.
Can the investor borrow? Yes
and no. Secured on personal assets
but not on business assets.
g.
Family members? Spouses and
children under 21 all get green cards.
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