Orlando EB-5 Visa Attorneys

Helping Foreign Investors in Orlando, FL

Are you an investor seeking U.S. permanent residency through investment? At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., our dedicated Orlando EB-5 visa lawyers help foreign investors and their families navigate the complex EB-5 visa process. With years of experience guiding clients through every phase—from investment selection to green card approval—we’re here to provide trusted counsel and personalized service.

Whether you're looking to invest in a new commercial enterprise or a USCIS-approved regional center, our immigration law team is equipped to help you achieve your goals and secure your future in the United States.

Call (407) 630-8455 today to schedule a confidential consultation with an Orlando EB-5 visa attorney, or fill out our online contact form, and a member of our immigration team will get in touch with you promptly.

What is an EB-5 Visa?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a U.S. visa option that allows foreign nationals to obtain a green card (permanent residency) by investing in a qualifying American business. The EB-5 program was created in 1990 by Congress to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.

To qualify, an investor must make a minimum investment and create or preserve a certain number of full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The EB-5 visa also extends to the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, allowing them to live, work, and study in the United States.

Eligibility for EB-5 Visa

To qualify for an EB-5 visa, investors must meet the following key requirements:

Capital Investment Amount

• Minimum Investment: $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise
• Targeted Employment Area (TEA): $800,000 if the business is located in a rural area or high-unemployment area designated as a TEA

Investment in a New Commercial Enterprise

The business must be a for-profit entity engaged in lawful activities. It can be:

• A new business created after November 29, 1990
• A business restructured or expanded significantly to result in a new commercial enterprise

Job Creation Requirement

The investment must result in the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers within two years of the investor’s admission to the U.S.

At-Risk Investment

The investor’s capital must be at risk for the purpose of generating a return on the capital placed at risk. Simply put, the funds cannot be guaranteed to be returned.

Lawful Source of Funds

Investors must prove that the invested capital comes from lawful sources such as business income, salary, sale of property, inheritance, or gifts.

How to Get an EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 process is multi-step and highly document-intensive. Here’s how our Orlando EB-5 visa attorneys at Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. assist clients:

Step 1: Evaluate Eligibility & Investment Strategy

We begin with an in-depth consultation to assess your financial background and visa goals. We’ll help you determine whether to invest directly in a new business or through a USCIS-approved Regional Center.

Step 2: Prepare and File Form I-526E

The first official filing is Form I-526E (for regional center investors) or I-526 (for direct investors), submitted to USCIS along with comprehensive evidence of the investment and job creation plan.

Step 3: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

If the I-526 is approved:

If you’re already in the U.S., we help you file Form I-485 to adjust status.

If you’re outside the U.S., we help with consular processing through the National Visa Center and U.S. embassy.

Step 4: Receive Conditional Green Card

Once approved, you’ll receive a two-year conditional green card. During this period, your investment must continue to meet all EB-5 requirements.

Step 5: File Form I-829 to Remove Conditions

Within 90 days before your conditional green card expires, we file Form I-829 to remove conditions. Upon approval, you and your family become unconditional lawful permanent residents.

Common Challenges in the EB-5 Process

While the EB-5 program offers tremendous opportunity, it is also highly scrutinized by USCIS. Many petitions are delayed or denied due to avoidable mistakes. Some of the most common challenges include:

Source of Funds Documentation Issues

USCIS requires extensive documentation proving that investment funds were lawfully obtained. This may include tax returns, bank records, business ownership documents, property sale agreements, inheritance records, or gift documentation. Even small inconsistencies can result in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or denials.

Job Creation Shortfalls

If the required 10 full-time jobs are not created within the mandated timeline, the investor may face difficulties removing conditions on their green card.

Project Risk and Financial Loss

Because EB-5 investments must be “at risk,” there is no guarantee of return. Poorly structured or failing projects can jeopardize both your capital and immigration goals.

Policy Changes and Backlogs

Immigration laws and visa availability can shift due to legislative reforms or visa retrogression. An experienced Orlando EB-5 visa lawyer helps investors stay compliant amid evolving requirements.

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we proactively address these risks by carefully reviewing investment structures and preparing thoroughly documented petitions.

Benefits of the EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa offers significant advantages compared to other employment-based immigration options:

• No employer sponsorship required
• No labor certification process
• Freedom to live anywhere in the U.S.
• Ability to work for any employer or operate your own business
• Access to U.S. education and residency benefits
• Path to U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency

Unlike temporary visas, EB-5 classification provides a direct path to permanent residency for both the investor and qualifying family members.

EB-5 Visa FAQs

How long does it take to get an EB-5 visa?

Processing times vary, but the I-526 petition can take 12–24 months depending on USCIS caseload and your country of origin. After approval, it may take several more months for consular processing or adjustment of status.

Can I include my family in the EB-5 application?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included. They will also receive green cards and enjoy the same rights as the principal applicant.

What is the difference between direct investment and regional center investment?

A direct investment means you start or invest in a business and directly oversee operations and job creation. A regional center allows for a more passive investment, often in real estate or infrastructure projects, with indirect job creation counting toward the requirement.

Do I need to manage the business I invest in?

Not necessarily. With a regional center investment, day-to-day management is not required. However, you must be involved in the policy-making level (e.g., as a limited partner or board member).

Is the EB-5 visa a guaranteed path to a green card?

No immigration benefit is guaranteed. Your petition must comply with all USCIS requirements. That’s why working with a skilled Orlando EB-5 visa lawyer is essential to avoid mistakes and maximize your chance of success.

Speak with an Experienced Orlando EB-5 Visa Lawyer Today

The EB-5 visa is one of the fastest and most flexible paths to U.S. permanent residency—but only with proper legal guidance. At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we are proud to assist investors, entrepreneurs, and families from around the world in making their American dream a reality.

Contact us today at (407) 630-8455 for a personalized consultation and take the first crucial step towards securing an EB-5 visa in Orlando, FL.