Colombia investor US lawyer
A Colombia investor US lawyer is a US-licensed attorney who assists Colombian nationals and businesses with US immigration, investment, and business law matters. For Colombian investors seeking to enter the US market—whether through an EB-5 immigrant investor visa, an L-1 intracompany transferee visa, or other lawful pathways—a US lawyer provides guidance on the complex requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and related regulations. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, is a US law firm with an international clientele. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For Colombia-law matters, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; that role is limited to Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. All US-law aspects are handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. To discuss your specific situation, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How a US lawyer assists Colombian investors with US immigration and business matters
A US lawyer helps Colombian investors identify the most suitable visa category, prepare and file petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and navigate the consular processing or adjustment of status steps. For many Colombian entrepreneurs, the EB-5 program offers a direct path to lawful permanent residence through a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. The standard minimum investment is $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the investment is in a targeted employment area (TEA), as set by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. The L-1 visa, by contrast, allows a Colombian company to transfer an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee to a related US entity, facilitating the establishment or expansion of US operations without a fixed capital threshold.
Because Colombia is not an E-2 treaty country, Colombian nationals cannot ordinarily obtain an E-2 investor visa based solely on Colombian citizenship. However, an investor who holds dual nationality with a qualifying treaty country may be eligible. A US lawyer can evaluate the full range of options, coordinate with Colombian counsel on corporate and exit requirements, and ensure that the US petition is supported by the necessary business plans, source-of-funds documentation, and evidence of lawful status. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only, to facilitate coordination with Colombian clients and their local advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EB-5 visa and can a Colombian investor apply?
Yes, Colombian nationals can apply for an EB-5 immigrant investor visa if they meet the program’s requirements. The EB-5 program, administered by USCIS, grants lawful permanent residence to foreign investors who invest the required capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. The minimum investment is $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area. Colombian investors must also demonstrate that the investment funds were lawfully obtained. The process involves filing Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, and later either adjustment of status or consular processing. Processing times vary by USCIS workload and case complexity.
Can a Colombian national get an E-2 investor visa?
Generally no, because Colombia is not a treaty country for E-2 purposes. The E-2 nonimmigrant visa is available only to nationals of countries with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation. Colombia is not on the current list of E-2 treaty countries. A Colombian investor who also holds citizenship of a qualifying treaty country—such as Spain, Italy, or Canada—may be eligible to apply for E-2 status using that nationality. A US immigration lawyer can review the investor’s citizenship portfolio and advise on alternative pathways, including the EB-5 or L-1 categories.
What is an L-1 visa and how does it work for Colombian business owners?
An L-1 visa allows a Colombian company to transfer an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee to a related US entity. The L-1A (executive/manager) and L-1B (specialized knowledge) categories require a qualifying relationship between the foreign and US entities, such as parent-subsidiary, affiliate, or branch. The beneficiary must have worked for the foreign entity for at least one continuous year within the preceding three years. There is no fixed investment amount, but the US entity must be actively doing business. The initial petition is filed on Form I-129. L-1A holders may later pursue permanent residence through the EB-1C multinational executive or manager category.
Do I need a US lawyer and a Colombian lawyer for my investment?
Yes, cross-border investments typically require both US and Colombian legal counsel. A US lawyer handles the immigration petition, corporate formation, and compliance with US securities and tax laws. A Colombian lawyer addresses the home-country aspects, such as corporate authorization, foreign exchange regulations, and exit formalities. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides the US-side representation through Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. For Colombia-law matters, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Colombia-law matters in coordination with the US-admitted attorneys.
How long does the EB-5 process take?
EB-5 processing times vary significantly and depend on USCIS caseloads, the investor’s country of chargeability, and whether the investment is in a regional center or a direct project. After filing Form I-526, the investor waits for USCIS adjudication, which can take several years. Once the petition is approved, the investor proceeds to either adjustment of status (if in the US) or consular processing at a US embassy or consulate abroad. Conditional permanent residence is granted for two years, after which the investor must file Form I-829 to remove conditions. The entire process from initial filing to unconditional permanent residence often spans multiple years.
What are the investment amounts for EB-5?
The standard minimum investment is $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the investment is in a targeted employment area (TEA). A TEA is a rural area or an area with high unemployment. The investment must be in a new commercial enterprise and must create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for qualifying US workers. The capital must be at risk, and the investor must demonstrate a lawful source of funds. These amounts are set by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and are subject to adjustment for inflation every five years. Investors should verify the current thresholds with USCIS before committing funds.
Can I bring my family to the US on an investor visa?
Yes, the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an EB-5 or L-1 principal applicant may accompany or follow to join the principal in the United States. For EB-5, derivative family members are included in the immigrant petition and receive conditional permanent residence at the same time as the principal investor. For L-1, the spouse may apply for L-2 status, which includes work authorization, and children may attend school. Each family member must maintain lawful status and comply with US immigration laws. A US lawyer can advise on the specific documentation and timing for derivative beneficiaries.
What is the difference between a conditional and permanent green card?
A conditional green card is valid for two years and is issued to EB-5 investors and their derivative family members upon initial approval. To remove the conditions and obtain a permanent (ten-year) green card, the investor must file Form I-829 within the 90-day period before the conditional card expires. The petition must demonstrate that the investment was sustained and that the required jobs were created or will be created within a reasonable time. Failure to file timely can result in termination of status. Once conditions are removed, the investor becomes a lawful permanent resident with the same rights and obligations as any other green card holder.
How does Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. help Colombian investors?
The firm provides US immigration and business law representation for Colombian investors, with Mr. Sris serving as the responsible US attorney. Mr. Sris, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, handles the preparation and filing of USCIS petitions, advises on corporate structure and compliance, and coordinates with the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, on any Colombia-law aspects. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only, facilitates in-person consultations for clients in the region. All US-law matters are managed by the firm’s US-admitted attorneys, while Mr. Duport Jaramillo’s role is limited to Colombian law and liaison support.
What should I prepare before contacting a US immigration lawyer?
Gather basic information about your investment plans, your business background, and your family’s immigration goals. For an EB-5 consultation, be ready to discuss the source and amount of your investment capital, the type of commercial enterprise you intend to invest in, and whether you have identified a specific project. For an L-1 consultation, prepare details about the foreign company’s ownership, structure, and the proposed US entity. Also have passport information for yourself and any family members who may accompany you. A US lawyer can then assess your eligibility and outline the likely timeline and documentation requirements.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel Network
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He founded the firm in 1997 and has extensive experience in US immigration and cross-border matters. The firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel for Colombia matters, who is admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide coordinated US-Colombia legal support for investors. The firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only, to facilitate direct communication with Colombian clients and their local advisors.