Manila, Philippines, 15 February 2016 – To inform and educate Filipinos who wish to seek residence or business opportunities in the United States, Gulapa Law Office and Bhatta Law & Associates, PLLC are holding a free seminar on U.S. immigration laws on February 22, 2016, at the Verbena A & B function rooms in Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. The seminar is a progressive breakthrough in the legal practice given that only U.S. lawyers or consultants who are not qualified in the Philippines currently give advice on immigration matters. Now, a Philippine law firm, Gulapa Law Office, is collaborating with a U.S. firm, Bhatta Law, in providing legal advice on US immigration law. Both firms have U.S. and Filipino-qualified lawyers who can practice here and in New York.
Ms. Licelle Cobrador, Esq., a Philippine and U.S.-qualified lawyer who has extensive experience in representing clients in matters involving immigration to the U.S. considering EB2 NIW, will be the resource speaker in the seminar. Atty. Cobrador also practices federal court litigation, commercial transactions, intellectual property, and family law. As part of her cross-border practice, she represents clients on issues related to the USA and the Philippines, and will be available for free consultation during the event.
The Philippines is one of the top five origin countries of Asian immigrants to the U.S. Since the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which removed national-origin quotas established in 1921 barring immigration from Asian and Arab countries, the size of the Asian immigrant population in the U.S. continues to increase. With this, Asian immigrants have also built an explosive reputation in the U.S. investment sphere. The option of working or expanding one’s business in the United States is well within reach for Filipinos, but Filipinos pursuing this option must acquaint themselves with the laws, requirements and provisions that must be addressed prior to making their decision to relocate.
Companies with branches or subsidiaries in the U.S. may send their transnational executives, managers or special skilled workers via an L-1 visa; and may also set up new offices with the L-1. The EB-1 green card, EB-2 National Interest Waiver, E2 Visa for Treaty Investors and the EB-5 Investor Green Card are some of the other options that aspiring Filipino immigrants have.
The EB-1 green card (self-petition) is for people who fall into the following categories: Extraordinary Ability in the arts, education, sciences, athletics or business Outstanding Professors and Researchers, or Multinational Manager or Executive. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver green card (self-sponsorship) is for people whose work will substantially benefit U.S. national interests.
Among the key topics to be discussed in the seminar is the Treaty Investor Visa, which permits citizens of certain countries to reside and do business in the United States, an advantage extended to residents of the Philippines. Under this program, the investor must provide substantial capitalization and must come to the US to manage or oversee the investment, which must be an active and ongoing business.
Meanwhile, under the EB-5 program, a foreigner can obtain a conditional green card by investing a minimum of $1,000,000, or $500,000, under certain circumstances, to create a new business or invest in an existing business.
Participants will also receive updates on new legislation for US visa and residency, while businesses in the Philippines that are looking to send their staff to the US or investing in the US will find the seminar most beneficial. Interested participants may contact Aris Gulapa at aris.gulapa@gulapalaw.com and find more information on the seminar at www.gulapalaw.com.
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About Gulapa Law Office
Aris L. Gulapa established Gulapa Law Office in September 2015. He is qualified in the Philippines and in New York. The lawyers of Gulapa Law practice cross-border corporate-commercial transactions and accompanying matters such as inbound and outbound immigration. They are currently collaborating with Bhatta Law and Associates in providing legal advice on U.S. immigration law.
About Bhatta Law and Associates
Bhatta Law & Associates is a dynamic New York based law firm with an international reach. The members of their team have key areas of expertise, speak several languages, have diverse international backgrounds and have professional experience working within many different jurisdictions, including the United States, Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. They approach the practice of law with integrity, compassion, and innovative thinking.
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