Latest news with #USIF
Politico
11-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
Investor visa firm lobbies up
With Daniel Lippman IMMIGRATION FIRM HIRES GREENBERG: A Florida-based company that helps foreign investors secure permanent residency in the U.S. under a program potentially under threat from President Donald Trump's 'gold card' visa proposal has brought on new lobbying help. — According to a newly filed disclosure, U.S. Immigration Fund retained Laura Reiff of Greenberg Traurig last month to lobby on issues related to the EB-5 program, which grants conditional green cards to foreigners who invest in qualifying businesses like real estate projects that create new jobs in the U.S. USIF acts as a broker for EB-5 visas by connecting businesses with foreign investors, but the so-called gold card program proposed by Trump earlier this year has been eyed to replace the EB-5 program, which already faces an extensive backlog. — The White House last month rolled out sign-ups to get on a waiting list for the gold cards, under which wealthy foreigners could write a $5 million check and immediately receive permanent residency in the U.S. — But a March op-ed from Nicholas Mastroianni III, USIF's president, warned that the gold card proposal still 'lacks legal foundation, legislative approval, and economic impact considerations' compared to EB-5, which Mastroianni said cannot be unilaterally eliminated and thus 'remains a well-established, structured, and legally protected program' for foreign investors amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdowns. MORE NEW BUSINESS: Private security firm Allied Universal has brought on a pair of new outside firms to lobby on a panoply of issues, including security for military installations and federal facilities, FEMA coordination and disaster zone planning, next year's World Cup and Olympics and U.S. trade negotiations with India and South Africa. Allied retained Cornerstone Government Affairs back in May, according to a newly filed disclosure, and Cornerstone brought on JGB & Associates' John Buscher as a subcontractor to work on the account. — Software giant Oracle has hired Caroline Canfield, a former staff director for the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, to work on VA issues as the Trump administration pushes for more funding to accelerate its electronic health record modernization, which is being replaced with Oracle's service. — And yet another newly filed disclosure revealed that prescription-drug discount provider GoodRx has continued to add to its lobbying bench. Capitol Hill Consulting Group began working for the platform back in May on issues related to lowering prescription drug costs — the third new outside firm signed by GoodRx between May and June. Happy Thursday and welcome to PI. Send lobbying tips: Add me on Signal at caitlinoprysko.17, email me at coprysko@ and be sure to follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. THE STATE OF THE SWAMP IS STRONG: The second Trump administration has ushered in a new wave of opportunity for the influence industry, anointing a new crowd of power brokers who aren't shy about declaring an end to the K Street of yesteryear, as pair of new stories in New York Magazine and The Wall Street Journal lays out. — That includes Ches McDowell of Checkmate Government Relations, who told NY Mag's Ben Terris that his firm expected to pull in around $5 million in revenues in the second quarter. 'November 4 was the day K Street died,' McDowell told NY Mag. 'The lobby firms' old relationships don't work anymore.' — And some lobbyists are trying to accelerate that dynamic, with one Republican touting a dossier outlining the 'hypocrisy' of top trade association honchos who criticized Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol but who are now trying to buddy up to the president. — And then of course there's the world of more shadowy influence campaigns, which has seen MAGA influencers reportedly paid to shill for the soda industry, PR veterans work to place hit pieces in outlets like Breitbart and lawyers, lobbyists and everyone in between scrambling to cash in on the effort to score a presidential pardon, as well as the class of consultants close to the president who aren't required to disclose any details of their work. — But 'beneath the bonanza,' the Journal's Josh Dawsey, Rebecca Ballhaus and Maggie Severns write, 'lobbyists know the clock is ticking. While the Trump administration has retreated from investigating the types of cases that have gotten lobbyists into trouble in the past, Democratic scrutiny could come as early as 2027 if the party retakes the House next year. When Democrats secured the House majority midway though Trump's first term, they mounted investigations into Trump and his aides, including two impeachment inquiries.' — 'That possibility leaves a narrow window to cash in on ties to the administration—but not so much that it attracts unwanted attention when the tides shift, some lobbyists said. Several described a sweet spot of making $3 million to $5 million a year, but staying off the radar.' IF YOU MISSED IT WEDNESDAY: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Consumer Technology Association have waded into the legal battle over Trump's tariff authority, urging a federal appeals court yesterday to strike down the 1977 emergency powers law underpinning the administration's 10 percent baseline tariff and threats of so-called reciprocal tariffs on dozens of U.S. trading partners. — 'Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 'to impose virtually unbounded tariffs is not only unprecedented, but is causing irreparable harm to [our] members and to small businesses in particular, increasing their costs, undermining their ability to plan for the future, and in some cases threatening their very existence,' the business groups wrote in the amicus brief, also known as a 'friend of the court' brief, in a combined set of lawsuits brought by a group of small businesses and a dozen Democratic states,' POLITICO's Doug Palmer reports. — While trade associations like the Chamber and CTA have not been shy about their opposition to Trump's tariffs, thus far major business lobbies have been content to leave the legal challenges of his authority to impose them to small businesses and Democratic attorneys general, reluctant to stick their necks out and risk provoking Trump's ire. PI wonders if that will begin to change after notching the permanent extension of beloved industry tax breaks in last week's reconciliation bill. ANNALS OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Elon Musk 'has not yet officially established the 'America Party,' the idea for which he announced this weekend,' but Dave Levinthal writes for OpenSecrets that 'a number of jokers, wags and potential fraudsters have rushed to fill that vacuum, filing paperwork with federal regulators claiming the America Party mantle — and prompting officials at the Federal Election Commission to fire off a volley of legal warnings.' — 'So far, at least 10 separate political committees bearing some variation of the 'America Party' name have been registered with the FEC since Musk's announcement, an OpenSecrets review of federal records indicates. Several more, such as 'The DOGE Party' and an 'Elon Reeve Musk' congressional committee in Texas, play on Musk's name or history.' — In a letter to one such group claiming to be headquartered in a California city in which Musk's Tesla has a facility and that Tesla's CFO is the group's treasurer, FEC senior campaign finance analyst Jacqueline Gausepohl warned that 'it has come to the attention of the Federal Election Commission that you may have failed to include the true, correct, or complete committee information,' and that lying to a federal agency is against federal law. — Newly formed party committees such as The America Party Committee, US American Party and American Meme Party also found themselves on the receiving end of FEC warnings this week. But 'while the FEC is indeed talking tough, the agency also finds itself in the midst of a de facto shutdown' that bars it from taking any real action, Levinthal notes. FIRST IN PI — HOLLYWOOD BACKS SEMIQUIN: The Motion Picture Association has partnered with the organization spearheading America's 250th birthday celebration over the next year. 'America is the birthplace and home of the film and television industry – a country where the creative sector serves as a backbone of our economic strength, our cultural power, and our global leadership,' Charles Rivkin, MPA's chair and CEO, said in a statement. — The partnership has already kicked off with new signage featuring the America250 logo and the logos of MPA's member studios outside the trade association's headquarters just a block from the White House, and will include additional programming over the next year touting 'the motion picture industry's cultural and economic impact' in the U.S. — MPA is the latest industry player to team up with America250, the nonprofit group organizing the semiquincentennial celebration. Though the festivities, which are publicly funded, are officially nonpartisan, Mother Jones highlighted last month how America250 'has seen an influx of MAGA loyalists.' — The celebrations have already attracted a flood of corporate support — including from companies with ties to the president, like UFC, Oracle and Palantir — or who have policy priorities in front of the government, including Coinbase, Amazon, Walmart, Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, Coca-Cola and Lockheed Martin. NEXT ON CONSERVATIVES' WISHLIST: 'Fresh off passage of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' several conservative organizations and Republican lawmakers are preparing to ask President Donald Trump for another major tax cut — this time, potentially without congressional approval,' according to The Washington Post's Jeff Stein. — The coalition, which includes the anti-tax Americans for Tax Reform, is 'already asking the Trump administration to get behind another cut' to slash investors' capital gains taxes by tweaking how they're calculated by the Treasury Department. — 'Under the proposal pitched by [ATR founder Grover] Norquist and others, the calculation would start by adjusting up the value of the original purchase to account for inflation — which would reduce the amount of gain that's taxable after selling the stock.' — 'Although a 1992 Justice Department opinion found that such a change would require an act of Congress, Norquist and other conservatives want the Treasury Department to execute such a policy unilaterally if necessary, providing a major windfall for people selling stocks, art, businesses, homes and other assets.' Jobs report — Vanessa Le has joined Latham & Watkins as a partner in the white collar defense and investigations practice and as a member of the litigation and trial department. She was most recently of counsel for national security and global trade at DLA Piper and is a Biden White House, DNI and Senate Intelligence Committee alum. — Meridian International Center has added Jim Golsen as vice president of the Center for Corporate Diplomacy and Kellee Wicker as vice president of the Center for Technology, Innovation, and Space. Golsen previously was deputy director general at the Commerce Department. Wicker previously was director of the science and technology innovation program at the Wilson Center. — Dexter Hendricks is the Coalition For Community Solar Access' new senior manager of interconnection policy, Morning Energy reports. He previously was a technology manager at the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office. New PACs Bridge Political Action Committee (Super PAC) JOHN MORGAN FOR GOVERNOR (Super PAC) Run with Pride PAC (PAC) STOP LIBERAL REPUBLICANS PAC (Super PAC) TENNESSEE FIGHTER PAC (Super PAC) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Ark Strategy: Overwatch Imaging, Inc. Ballard Partners: Ambipar Holding USa Canfield Consulting, LLC: Novacoast Federal Inc. Capitol Advocacy & Government Affairs, LLC: Sensus Healthcare, Inc. Capitol Hill Consulting Group: Cedars Sinai Capitol Hill Consulting Group: Goodrx, Inc Grant Consulting Group: Manny Lentine, Inc. Greenberg Traurig, LLP: US Immigration Fund Holland & Knight LLP: Bioprincipia Holland & Knight LLP: Tiverton Advisors, LLC J.A. Green And Company (Formerly LLC): Albion Platform Holdings LLC J.A. Green And Company (Formerly LLC): Avio USa Leolabs, Inc.: Leolabs, Inc. Mindset Advocacy, LLC: Readycap Lending LLC Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, P.C.: Stellar Health Puentes Global Advisory LLC: Central American Bank For Economic Integration (Cabei) Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.: Beacon Wellness Brands Smith Garson Fka Smith Dawson & Andrews: Sunline Transit Agency Stinson LLP: Gtgrocs, LLC The Roosevelt Group: Valiant Strategies Obo R.R.P. Consulting Engineers Obo Southwebb Bridge Company Vial Health Technology, Inc.: Vial Health Technology, Inc. Williams And Jensen, Pllc: Ixpressgenes New Lobbying Terminations A1.9 Strategies LLC: Intact Technology Adomi Advisory Group Pllc: Dr. Shallfdeen Amuwo Cgcn Group, LLC: American Free Enterprise Chamber Of Commerce Daly Consulting Group: American Free Enterprise Chamber Of Commerce Dentons US LLP: American Association Of International Healthcare Recruitment Focus Dc LLC: Interactions LLC Focus Dc LLC: The Nuclear Company Gonring, Spahn & Associates, Inc.: 2U, Inc Gonring, Spahn & Associates, Inc.: At&T Services, Inc. Grant Consulting Group: Raymond James Insurance Group Inc Holland & Knight LLP: Clark Street Associates On Behalf Of Pacific Fusion Corporation Holland & Knight LLP: Exowatt, Inc. Miller Strategies, LLC: American Free Enterprise Chamber Of Commerce Mr. Gaylord Kent Conrad: Molina Healthcare, Inc. O'Keeffe Shahmoradi Strategies, LLC: Commercial Vehicle Training Association Peter Damon Group LLC: State Federal Strategies On Behalf Of Tc Energy Polsinelli Pc: Elekta Inc. Valiant Public Affairs: Cross Oil Refining & Marketing, Inc.
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Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
F-1 to EB-5 visa: How rich Indian students in US seek easier green card
An increasing number of Indian families are opting for the EB-5 investor visa route to secure permanent residency in the United States, as US President Donald Trump tightens controls on student and temporary work visas. The EB-5 visa programme grants Green Cards to foreign nationals who invest 800,000 (approximately Rs 7 crore) in a qualifying US business project. That investment must generate or preserve at least 10 jobs for US workers. Record surge in Indian EB-5 filings "In the first four months of FY2025 alone, Indian applicants filed over 1,200 I-526E petitions across reserved visa categories — more than any prior full year on record," Nicholas Mastroianni III, president and CMO of United States Immigration Fund (USIF), which operates EB-5 regional centres in the US, told Business Standard. According to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and published by the American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA) in February 2025, total EB-5 petitions from Indian nationals since October 2022 have exceeded 1,790. Year-wise Indian EB-5 petition filings: FY2020: Around 290 FY2021: Between 80 and 100 (impacted by Covid-19) FY2022: Over 1,100 (post-Reform and Integrity Act revival) FY2023: Around 650 to 700 FY2024: Around 600 to 700 b(October 2024 to January 2025): Over 1,200 "Projections suggest India may cross 2,000 petitions by the end of FY2025 if current momentum continues," Mastroianni added. Who is applying, and why? According to CanAm Enterprises, which manages EB-5 projects, there is a growing number of Indian parents filing petitions while their children are still pursuing undergraduate degrees in the US. Earlier, most applicants were professionals on H-1B visas or parents applying after their child's graduation. Piyush Gupta, vice president for India and the Middle East at CanAm, told Business Standard, "There's a shift. More families are filing in the first or second year of the student's undergraduate programme." Factors contributing to the urgency include: • Risk of visa retrogression in reserved categories like rural and high-unemployment areas • Fears over the proposed 5 million "Trump Gold Card" visa • Stricter enforcement of F-1 student visa conditions • Growing use of social media checks in visa adjudication A hedge against visa uncertainty "Indian parents are increasingly viewing EB-5 as a strategic insurance policy against the uncertainties of H-1B lotteries and student visa limitations," said Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration. Gupta noted, "There is increasing scrutiny and unpredictability around temporary visa statuses. Parents are unwilling to let their children face decades of visa and work restrictions. EB-5 offers a more direct and secure alternative." "The concurrent filing option is also a major pull," he said. It allows eligible applicants already in the US to file their EB-5 petition and a Green Card application simultaneously, enabling them to work and travel while the case is pending. Mastroianni added, "It's not just about faster Green Cards. It's about independence from lotteries, employers and annual renewals. EB-5 puts families in control." The Trump Gold Card effect The Trump administration's plan to introduce a 5 million investor visa has further pushed Indian applicants to file under the current EB-5 terms. But would the EB-5 still be viable if replaced? "Policy proposals come and go. EB-5 has statutory backing and any replacement would face legal scrutiny," Singh said. "Still, a rise in costs or tighter rules could spark a short-term rush to lock in today's benefits." Gupta pointed to the programme's grandfathering provision, which guarantees that petitions filed before September 30, 2026, will be processed under current rules. He added, "Even if policies change, those who file on time will be shielded. This provides long-term stability." Protective measures in place To address concerns about the security of funds, most regional centres use protected escrow accounts. These accounts hold the investment until USCIS confirms receipt of the petition. "If the petition isn't properly filed, the funds are refunded. These systems offer confidence and legal safeguards for investors," Gupta explained. Why Indian families are acting now Recent developments over the past year have shaped investor sentiment: • In May 2025, the US Embassy warned that minor academic violations could lead to immediate F-1 visa cancellation • SEVIS terminations are increasing due to delays in reporting post-graduation work permits • Visa renewal procedures now involve social media checks, making them less predictable According to Mastroianni, families are not waiting for problems to arise. "They're acting before Optional Practical Training ends or visa rules change." Advantages of the EB-5 visa for Indian students and families Mastroianni listed the main draws: • No employer sponsorship or lottery dependence • Concurrent filing allows students in the US to apply for Green Cards and get work/travel rights quickly • Structured financing solutions help families comply with the RBI's 250,000 Liberalised Remittance Scheme cap Drawbacks and risks Singh cautioned that the EB-5 programme carries risks. "The 800,000 must be invested 'at-risk' for years. There are no guaranteed returns. Projects must meet USCIS job creation and compliance standards. And timelines can vary," he said. Gupta elaborated on investment types: Debt-based investments: These offer more predictable, modest returns (typically 0.25% to 0.5% annually) and clearer exit timelines (usually 4–5 years). Equity-based investments: These carry higher return potential but are riskier, with no guaranteed return or fixed timeline "Most seasoned investors choose debt models because of their predictability and seniority in repayment," he said. Legal challenges around "source of funds" and job creation requirements also add to the complexity. Alternatives to EB-5 Singh noted that while EB-5 remains the only direct investment route to a Green Card, there are workarounds. "The E-2 visa is a common substitute, but India doesn't have a treaty with the US. Some families use Grenadian or Turkish citizenship to qualify. Others look at EB-1C or EB-1A categories, though these are harder to qualify for." He said, "No other route offers EB-5's mix of clarity and control. If changes come, those who filed early will benefit most." Mastroianni added, "Why spend a decade waiting in line when you can secure permanent residency with confidence today? EB-5 isn't just a visa. It's a well-defined legal route for Indian families to settle in the US."
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Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
EB-5 visa gains popularity as Indians face H-1B and F-1 challenges
The EB-5 visa program is fast emerging as a preferred route for individuals looking to migrate to the United States (US). In the first quarter of calendar year 2025 (CY25), a total of 4,608 EB-5 visas were granted globally, marking a 90 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase. Nicholas Mastroianni III, president and chief marketing officer of the US Immigration Fund (USIF) — one of the leading EB-5 regional center operators — said demand from Indians has risen, both among those residing in India and those already in the US on H-1B and F-1 visas. 'There's a clear uptick in interest. We've seen more inquiries from people still in India, and also from parents of students on F-1 visas. The current uncertainty around H-1B and F-1 statuses in the US is prompting families to explore EB-5 as a more secure route,' Mastroianni told Business Standard during his visit to Mumbai. The trend is reflected in the numbers. As of year-to-date (YTD) 2025, Indian nationals had filed 649 EB-5 visa petitions under consular processing. When combined with adjustment of status (AOS) applications — filed by those already in the US — the total is expected to surpass 2024's figure of 733 petitions. EB-5 visa program has been around for 30 years now, but has been underutilised, according to Mastroianni. For USIF, India is its second-largest market, after China. As a route for immigration, EB-5 program also has a cap of issuing 10,000 visas annually. The program also has a 7 per cent cap per country to ensure fair distribution of visas. An individual opting for this route has to pay a fee of $800,000. Since 2016, USIF has facilitated the migration of 200-250 Indian families. 'Just since January, we've seen nearly 50 families from India move ahead with the EB-5 process,' Mastroianni said. Significant reforms in 2020 included a 40 per cent fee hike and stricter compliance, which briefly slowed investor interest. Currency restrictions and broader global uncertainty also contributed. However, 2025 has brought a resurgence in demand, said Mastroianni. However, he added that since the beginning of this year, EB-5 as a category has seen a significant pickup. 'One of the reasons is the clarity, so anyone who files a petition under EB-5 now will be grandfathered under the EB-5 reforms until September 30, 2026,' he said. This basically means that even if the program gets modified or changed, the petitions filed will continue to be processed. When asked about the proposed 'Golden Visa' or 'Gold Card' for the US, Mastroianni said the EB-5 and Gold Card could coexist. 'The Gold Card still needs approval by both Congress and the Senate. Proposals like exempting participants from taxes would require changes to IRS codes — that's no small feat,' he said. Moreover, whenever the Gold Card becomes a reality, it will focus on wealth-based migration, whereas EB-5 brings investors to the US. The EB-5 route allows individuals to become investors. 'The USIF is a fund, we have more than 25 funds that pool or bring investors together and finance projects in the US. These investments have to create jobs. Several political leaders in the current US government are aware of the EB-5 impact. Rather many of the members' real estate projects have seen investment from EB-5 petitioners, hence they are aware the kind of jobs that have been created in the US,' he said. With the uncertainty over visa only increasing, USIF also launched another program called the 'Opportunity Fund Lender'. 'Investors across the world or even those in the US can invest through EB-5 with $400,000. They can finance up to 50 per cent of the rest of the investment, depending on their qualification,' said Mastroianni.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What is EB-5 visa? With Donald Trump administration cracking down on student visas, Indians explore this route for a path to Green Card
US President Donald Trump's mounting restrictions on student visas, has many Indians presently in the US and prospective college applicants considering the EB-5 visa route. This visa scheme offers a route to permanent residency or for foreign investors who contribute $800,000 (approximately Rs 7 crore). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now International students at prestigious global universities are increasingly finding themselves caught in political and administrative conflicts, according to experts. Previously, status adjustments enabled students to remain in the US whilst obtaining work and travel permissions. Immigration lawyers have witnessed a doubling of EB-5 applications from Indian students during the last four to five months of Donald Trump's second presidential term. The current US administration's less welcoming stance towards international students has prompted those aged 19-24, particularly in sought-after disciplines such as computer science, biotech and finance, to increasingly pursue EB-5 visas. EB-5 visa demand The annual quota for this category is restricted, with India allocated roughly 700 visas. Given that the US remains the preferred destination for higher education, with 86,000 Indians enrolled in 2024, experts anticipate intense competition for EB-5 visas this year. "There is a sharp jump in EB-5 applications," Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship, an immigration law firm, told ET. "But unlike previous years, when we had most-ly H-1B visa holders applying, the interest from F-1 visa holders has risen by 100% over the last few months." Also Read | The non-immigrant F-1 visa permits international students to enter and remain in the US for full-time academic studies, offering limited work permissions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to experts, parents are exercising extra caution given the current US political climate. "They are willing to invest in EB-5 to secure the future of their children," said Pathak. Recent developments contributing to widespread concern include the suspension of new F-1 visa appointments, conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University, stricter F-1 visa regulations, intensive review of students' documentation including social media activity, SEVIS system technical issues, and enhanced scrutiny at entry points. "The F-1 visa, once as a bridge to opportunity, now feels like a tightrope," said Akshat Gupta, head of India & UAE, US Immigration Fund (USIF), an EB-5 Regional Centre operator. Since January, USIF has witnessed a 100% increase in F-1 visa holders applying for EB-5 visas compared to 2024. US legal practice Chugh LLP reports a significant increase in EB-5 applications from Indian students holding F-1 visas. Also Read | "Roughly one-third of my new immigration consultations now involve students worried about how US politics could affect their status," said Navneet S Chugh, attorney, who runs the firm. The firm's EB-5 enquiries from students have risen from one or two quarterly last year to five to seven monthly this spring. "The Harvard dispute simply reminds them how quickly rules can change," said another lawyer. Davies and Associates, a US-based immigration law firm, reports substantial enquiries from Indian students and H-1B visa holders interested in pursuing the EB-5 visa pathway. The processing duration for I-526E applications has reduced considerably compared to previous periods. "In some instances, what once took three years is now being processed in as little as three months," said its founder and chairman, Mark Davies. He noted that applicants maintain the freedom to reside and work in the US whilst their Green Card applications are under review. According to Sukanya Raman, country head at Davies and Associates, Green Card holders receive legal safeguards unavailable to F-1 visa students. "We are advising students to maximise their time within the US and avoid unnecessary foreign travel or extended breaks," she told the financial daily. Also Read |
Economic Times
01-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
With US grudging visas, students veer to EB-5; applications for Green Card category up by more than 100%
Following the crack-down on student visas, many Indians currently in the US and those considering colleges there are exploring the EB-5 route. The EB-5 visa programme provides a path to a Green Card, or permanent residency, to foreign investors putting in $800,000 (about Rs 7 crore). In the past four to five months, in Donald Trump's second term as US President, immigration lawyers have seen more than 100% jump in EB-5 applications from Indian students, they told ET. A limited number of visas, however, are available each year under the category about 700 for India. With the US the most popular destination for higher studies 86,000 Indians there in 2024-experts see a scramble for EB-5 this year. "There is a sharp jump in EB-5 applications," said Rajneesh Pathak, founder of Global North Residency and Citizenship, an immigration law firm. "But unlike previous years, when we had most-ly H-1B visa holders applying, the interest from F-1 visa holders has risen by 100% over the last few months." (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) F-1 is a non-immigrant visa that allows international stu-dents to enter and stay in the US to pursue full-time academic studies, with limited work authorisation. Parents do not want to take any chances in the current political environment in the US, said experts. 'They are willing to invest in EB-5 to secure the future of their children,' said Pathak. The events in the past few weeks that have led to this panic-like situation include a stop on new F-1 visa appointments — a tussle between the Trump administration and Harvard University; tightening of F-1 visa rules; heightened scrutiny of students' records, including social media posts; student and exchange visitor information system (SEVIS) record glitches; and increased scrutiny at ports of entry. 'The F-1 visa, once as a bridge to opportunity, now feels like a tightrope,' said Akshat Gupta, head of India & UAE, US Immigration Fund (USIF), an EB-5 Regional Centre operator. USIF has seen a 100% rise in F-1 visa holders seeking the EB-5 visa so far this year since January, as against 2024. The idea that international students, even at globally respected universities, are finding themselves in the middle of political or administrative disputes is unsettling, experts say. Earlier, adjustment of status would allow students to stay in the US, apply for work and travel authorisation, they said. However, with the Trump administration discouraging international students, those between 19- 24 years of age, especially in competitive fields like computer science, biotech and finance, are mostly applying for EB-5. US law firm Chugh LLP has seen a sharp uptick in EB-5 requests in the past few months from Indian students on F-1 visas. 'Roughly one-third of my new immigration consultations now involve students worried about how US politics could affect their status,' said Navneet S Chugh, attorney, who runs the firm. Last year, Chugh's firm was handling one or two EB-5 inquiries a quarter from students but this spring, it is fielding five to seven a month.'The Harvard dispute simply reminds them how quickly rules can change,' said another lawyer. EB-5 VISA ROUTE Davies and Associations, another immigration law firm in the US, is also seeing a significant interest from Indian students and H-1B holders to pursue the EB-5 visa route. The current I-526E adjudication timelines are significantly faster than in previous years.'In some instances, what once took three years is now being processed in as little as three months,' said its founder and chairman, Mark Davies. This flexibility allows applicants to live and work freely in the US while their Green Card cases are pending, said Davies. Students holding a Green Card have legal protection that F-1 visa holders do not have. 'We are advising students to maximise their time within the US and avoid unnecessary foreign travel or extended breaks,' said Sukanya Raman, country head, Davies and Associates.
