On October 16, 2024, Pete Calabrese, CEO of CanAm Investor Services, and Tadeu Ferreira, Partner at LEAF Law, hosted an insightful webinar exploring the immigration pathways available to international graduates in the U.S., with a particular focus on the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
The discussion began with an overview of the most common visa options for students transitioning after graduation—including F-1, OPT, STEM OPT extensions, and the highly competitive H-1B lottery—highlighting the challenges and uncertainties that come with each. Pete and Tadeu then outlined how the EB-5 program offers a more secure and flexible alternative, providing graduates and their families with a direct path to permanent residency without requiring employer sponsorship.
Key takeaways included:
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The benefits of EB-5, such as independence from employer sponsorship, eligibility for in-state tuition, and family inclusion.
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The step-by-step EB-5 process, from making the qualifying $800,000 investment to obtaining a conditional green card and eventually U.S. citizenship.
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Practical considerations for potential investors, including funding strategies, lawful source of funds requirements, and the importance of working with reputable regional centers and advisors.
This session provided international graduates with a clear roadmap for navigating their post-study immigration journey and demonstrated how EB-5 can serve as a long-term solution for building a future in the U.S.
