Colombia Immigration Lawyer
U.S. Immigration Lawyers Linking American Businesses With Investors, Entrepreneurs, Laborers and Skilled Professionals From Colombia
Big changes are coming to Colombia with the results of the recent democratic election of a new president. The new administration has put forward an ambitious agenda, promising major changes for the country’s economy and political environment.
As a country where nearly 50% of the nation’s exports come from the oil industry, Colombia has its fair share of engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and drive to excel in the oil and gas industry and other energy and tech sectors. No wonder, then, that so many Texas businesses are eager to acquire the skills and knowledge of Colombian workers and professionals.
If you are an investor or entrepreneur from Colombia seeking to do business in Texas or throughout America, or if you are a Texas or U.S. business looking for talent to fill key positions in your organization, the immigration attorneys at BBA Immigration are perfectly suited to help you with your immigration legal needs. As immigrants from South America ourselves, our bilingual immigration lawyers can advise you and guide you through the process of making your business and employment goals a reality. Call our experienced Colombia immigration lawyers today.
E-1 Treaty Traders
For nearly 75 years, the U.S. has maintained a treaty of commerce and navigation with the Republic of Colombia. On the basis of this treaty, Colombians can apply for an E-1 visa to migrate to the United States for the purpose of carrying on international trade. To qualify, Colombia nationals must carry on “substantial trade,” and their “principal trade” must be between the U.S. and Colombia. Employees of treaty traders may obtain E-1 visas as well, provided they are also Colombian nationals and are either executive or supervisory employees or possess special qualifications that make their services essential to the efficient operation of the enterprise. The E-1 visa is granted for two years and can be renewed in two-year increments an unlimited number of times for as long as it is needed. BBA Immigration can help you understand the requirements for treaty trader status and prepare your petition with the supporting documentation needed for a strong and successful application.
E-2 Treaty Investors
Colombia nationals can also immigrate to the U.S. as treaty investors. Requirements include investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise and entering the country to develop and direct that enterprise, with at least 50% ownership or possession of operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device. The E-2 visa is often more attractive than the EB-5 investment visa, which requires an investment of $500,000 or $1,000,000. The E-2, on the other hand, does not contain specific dollar requirements. We can help you define your investment as a substantial amount of capital based on the factors outlined in the law, even if the total amount is significantly less than what is required under the EB-5 visa. Like treaty traders, treaty investors can obtain visas for key employees and remain in the U.S. indefinitely through two-year renewals of the E-2 visa.
EB-2 Individuals of Exceptional Ability
If you are a professional working in a field that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher or its foreign equivalent, or if your achievements show you to be a person of exceptional ability, you could be eligible for immigration under the employment-based, second preference (EB-2) visa category. We can help you document and demonstrate your eligibility for this immigrant visa, which would provide you with a green card and status in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. Importantly, our immigration attorneys at BBA Immigration have particular experience and expertise in helping EB-2 applicants obtain a National Interest Waiver that allows them to self-petition and enter the country without a job offer from an employer who has gone through the onerous process of obtaining labor certification. If you qualify, we’ll help you put together a strong petition that demonstrates it would be in the national interest to waive the requirements of a job offer and labor certification.
Contact BBA Immigration Today
The immigrant attorneys at BBA Immigration know firsthand what it is like to immigrate to the United States for personal or professional reasons. We know what it takes for a successful application, and we go above and beyond in helping ensure your petition is a success. Call us today to discuss how our skilled and experienced immigration lawyers can help you emigrate from Colombia to the U.S.
