Mark I. Davies, Esq., J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, licensed by the SRA (SRA ID: 384468) in the UK, and a member of The Law Society of England & Wales, MBA, Wharton School of Business. Top 10 Investment Visa Lawyer. Licensed in the USA. Georgia State Bar member. AILA member.
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Live Update — 25 April 2026
Davies & Associates announce latest EB-5 approval for a UK client transitioning from E-2 to direct EB-5: a Truro-based recruitment entrepreneur who scaled to 100+ employees in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. I-526E approved late 2025 with work and travel permission granted. Read the case study →
The EB-5 Senior Law Firm Partner Commitment
EB-5 is no longer just an investment; it is a complex multi-jurisdictional legal maneuver involving immigration law, project finance, and international taxation. Our Client Charter mandates that every investor has direct access to a Senior EB-5 Partner. Your Senior Partner will manage a bespoke team of lawyers specializing in: source-of-funds forensic accounting, project finance due diligence, and cross-border tax exposure.
Our Managing Partner, Mark Davies, is also personally available to all clients. Mark has been recognized as a Top 25 EB-5 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine for six consecutive years.
Table of Contents
- ► 2026 EB-5 Updates UK Investors Need to Know
- ► Who This Page Is For
- ► How our UK EB-5 Lawyers Support Clients
- ► What London EB-5 Clients Say
- ► Our EB-5 Process for UK Clients
- ► Case Study: Enfield Automotive E-2 to EB-5
- ► Source of Funds for UK Applicants
- ► How Our UK Solicitors Help with EB-5
- ► Immigrant Visa Processing in London
- ► Choosing the Right EB-5 Solicitor
- ► UK Areas We Serve
- ► Our London Offices
What EB-5 Lawyers in the UK Do in an EB-5 Filing
Overall Timeline for Initial Filing: 1-4 Months
Total Timeline for Engagement with EB-5 Lawyer: 5-10 Years
Step 1: Preliminary Source of Funds Review
Timeline: 1-2 WeeksThe first step in any EB5 case is to ensure that you are able to provide the Source of Funds (SOF) documentation to USCIS standards. If you are unable to meet this requirement you will not be able to file a viable EB-5 case
An experienced EB-5 lawyer can advise you as to whether your SOF documentation is likely to be accepted by USCIS.
Step 2: Project Selection and Due Diligence
Timeline: 1 Week – 3 Months (Depending on Client)Your EB-5 lawyer will review target investment projects with you to ensure:
- The project meets the requirements of the EB-5 laws and 8 CFR.
- Work with project finance counsel to review the project structure and to advise you of any legal risks or concerns with the project structure which may impact the security of your capital.
While ensuring compliance with EB-5 immigration laws can be accomplished in days, ensuring the proper structure and protection of your capital takes weeks.
Step 3: Direct (Stand-Alone) Project Structuring
Not applicable in Regional Center cases.
Timeline: 1–3 monthsStructuring a Direct (or 'Stand-alone') project requires:
- significant work with corporate and investment counsel
- the preparation of a business plan
- working with an EB-5 economist
- potentially working with EB-5 securities lawyers, depending on the complexity of the case
Step 4: Preparing the I-526/I-526E Filing Package
Timeline: 2 Days - 1 WeekFor UK investors, this typically involves finalizing SOF work and completion of form I-526 or I-526E:
- Structuring and documenting source of funds from UK income, property, or investments
- Some source of funds documents may require an opinion or drafting from a UK solicitor
- Preparing and filing the I-526E petition
- Preparing corporate documentation and business plans to support the application
- Advising on regional center investments or direct EB-5 structures
- Reviewing the I-956F status of the project under the new USCIS Inventory Management Model
- Managing communication with USCIS
- Supporting later-stage filings such as removal of conditions (Form I-829)
Step 5: Engagement of Quality Review Lawyer
While on average three (3) experienced lawyers will have worked on your file, an essential part of our process is the I-526 package review by an experienced EB-5 lawyer who has not been involved with the preparation of the case.Step 6: Final QC Check, Petition Filing and Receipt Tracking
All I-526 packages are given a final check by our filing team based in Los Angeles. The package is then printed and shipped to USCIS.With the exception of certain Singaporean and Chinese cases, all USCIS receipt notices come to our New York office where they are scanned on arrival and added to your on-line file to which you always have access.
Step 7: Response to RFE or NOID: Complex EB-5 Lawyers
- In the unlikely event your case receives an RFE or NOID it will be automatically e-mailed to you upon receipt at our New York office.
- Our EB-5 complex case EB-5 Lawyers will immediately begin preparing a response.
- In 2026 we moved our complex EB-5 Response team from New York to our Beaufort Court location in the London Docklands.
2026 EB-5 Updates UK Investors Need to Know
Three significant developments in 2026 affect how UK investors should approach EB-5 applications. Our London EB-5 lawyers are advising clients on these in real time.
30 September 2026 · Grandfathering Deadline
EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act Grandfathering Deadline
Petitions filed on or before 30 September 2026 qualify for statutory grandfathering protection. This protects a properly filed petition against disruption if Congress allows the Regional Center Program to lapse in 2027. Filing by this date locks in today's rules and investment amounts (\$800,000 for TEAs). Because source-of-funds work typically takes 3 to 6 months, cases beginning after mid-2026 risk missing this critical legal safeguard.
30 March 2026 · USCIS Policy Shift
New USCIS Inventory Management Model for I-526 / I-526E
USCIS has implemented a new balanced first-in, first-out (FIFO) approach for processing investor petitions. Two practical consequences for UK investors choosing a project:
- Project-first adjudication. USCIS will not review your individual I-526E petition until it has decided on the associated Form I-956F (the Regional Center’s project application). Projects that already have I-956F approval can move significantly faster.
- Rural priority queue. Rural petitions are placed in a dedicated FIFO queue with priority over urban or infrastructure projects. The rural category is therefore likely to be the fastest path to adjudication, although it is also expected to backlog first.
Our London EB-5 lawyers review the I-956F status of every project before recommending it to a UK client.
May 2026 · Visa Bulletin
USCIS expected to shift to Final Action Dates for adjustment of status
From May 2026, USCIS is expected to accept employment-based adjustment of status filings only on the Final Action Dates chart, not the more permissive Dates for Filing chart. For UK applicants this matters mainly if you are already in the United States in another nonimmigrant status and considering adjustment of status, rather than consular processing through the U.S. Embassy in London. EB-5 set-aside categories (rural, high unemployment, infrastructure) currently remain current for most countries, but the State Department has flagged that retrogression may occur later in fiscal year 2026.
Speak to our EB-5 lawyers in London now
We can discuss your EB-5 requirements at our London offices, over the phone, or online via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
+44 20 3884 1812 Make an enquiry📖 Read Our Guide to The EB-5 Investor Visa
Who This Page Is For
This page is designed for UK-based individuals who:
- Are considering investing \$800,000 or \$1,050,000 in the United States under EB-5
- Want to obtain a US green card by making a qualifying investment in a business in the United States
- Need guidance on structuring funds from UK assets, including property, dividends, salary, business proceeds, gifts, or inheritance
- Want to understand how the September 2026 grandfathering deadline affects their plans
- Are looking to work with an EB-5 lawyer in London or Edinburgh or trusted EB-5 lawyers in the UK
How our UK Solicitors Support Our EB-5 Lawyers in the UK
Applying for an EB-5 visa from the UK involves coordination between you, your financial documentation, frequently your accountant and UK solicitor, and US immigration counsel.
From a UK perspective, the process typically includes:
- Our London EB-5 lawyers, licensed by the SRA, drafting supporting documentation required under UK law. Examples include loan agreements and shareholder distribution agreements.
- Reviewing your eligibility and the investment structure
- Analysing the origin of your funds under US immigration rules
- Preparing documentation that meets USCIS standards
- Coordinating filings with our US-based immigration lawyers and our specialist EB-5 filing team in Los Angeles
- Supporting you through each stage of the process
Most UK-based applicants work with a law firm that has both an EB-5 lawyer in London and a US legal presence. A US presence is important, as all EB-5 cases are filed with USCIS in the United States.
📖 EB-5 Visa Guide for 2026
Working with experienced EB-5 lawyers in the UK ensures that UK-specific financial documentation is properly aligned with US immigration requirements.
Source of Funds for UK EB-5 Applicants
One of the most important aspects of any EB-5 application is demonstrating the lawful origin of your investment capital.
Common UK Source of Funds
For UK-based applicants, this often involves:
- Property sales or equity release
- Dividends from UK companies
- Salary and accumulated savings
- Business ownership or exits
- Gifts or inheritance
- Business loans secured against UK assets
Each source must be clearly documented and traceable in a way that meets US immigration standards. HMRC records, P60 forms, Self Assessment returns, and Companies House filings often play an important role in evidencing UK income and gains.
An experienced EB-5 lawyer in London will ensure UK financial evidence is presented clearly within a US legal framework.
How Do Our UK Solicitors Help with EB-5?
EB-5 is a US immigration matter, but the bulk of the evidence is UK-based. USCIS needs to see exactly where your money came from — in clear, contemporaneous UK documentation that a US adjudicator unfamiliar with English law will understand. That is the core role of our UK solicitors on every EB-5 case.
Drafting Source of Funds Documentation
Our SRA-regulated UK solicitors prepare the documents that explain, in writing, where your investment capital came from and how it reached the EB-5 investment. We do not just collect existing paperwork; we draft the legal instruments USCIS expects to see, working from your actual UK records.
Typical drafting work includes:
- Source of funds narratives — a structured legal explanation of how the funds were acquired, with reference to UK tax, employment, and corporate evidence
- Gift deeds — where part of the investment comes from a parent, spouse, or other family member
- Loan agreements — including directors’ loan documentation where funds are drawn from a UK company shareholder loan account
- Shareholder dividend resolutions and distribution agreements
- Statutory declarations on the lawful origin of cash savings, business proceeds, or inherited funds
- Solicitor’s opinion letters confirming the legal status of UK transactions for the benefit of USCIS
Common UK Documents We Work With
Most UK EB-5 cases rely on a combination of the following, each of which our solicitors review, organise, and explain in the source of funds package:
- HMRC records — SA302 tax calculations, Self Assessment returns, and tax year overviews
- P60 and P45 forms evidencing UK employment income
- Companies House filings — annual accounts, confirmation statements, and shareholder records
- UK bank statements tracing the path of funds from origin to investment
- Property completion statements from solicitors handling the sale
- Land Registry title documents evidencing UK property ownership and disposal
- Trust deeds and letters of wishes where funds are held in family or discretionary trusts
- Probate documents and grants of representation for inherited funds
- Audited company accounts showing dividend capacity and retained earnings
Directors’ Loans — A Common UK Source of EB-5 Capital
A significant proportion of our UK EB-5 clients are owner-managers of British companies. For these clients, the EB-5 capital often comes from a director’s loan account — the balance owed by the company to the director, accumulated through unpaid salary, undrawn dividends, capital introduced into the business, or expenses funded personally.
USCIS will accept funds drawn from a director’s loan account, but only if the loan is properly documented and the underlying balance has a lawful, traceable origin. Our UK solicitors:
- Review the company’s management accounts and ledgers to confirm the director’s loan account balance
- Reconcile the loan account against the company’s audited accounts and corporation tax filings
- Trace each material credit on the loan account back to its lawful source — salary processed through PAYE, dividends supported by board resolutions, or capital introduced from documented funds
- Draft the formal directors’ loan repayment agreement between the company and the director, in a form that meets both UK company law and USCIS evidentiary expectations
- Prepare the supporting board minutes authorising the repayment of the loan to fund the EB-5 investment
This work matters because USCIS reviewers do not assume that a balance on a director’s loan account represents lawful funds. They look for the audit trail. Our UK solicitors build that audit trail in a form a US adjudicator can follow.
Why a UK Solicitor on the Case Matters
EB-5 source of funds documentation is the single most common reason for a Request for Evidence (RFE) or refusal. For UK-based investors, getting it right means combining UK legal drafting with an understanding of what USCIS actually expects to see. Our UK solicitors and our US-qualified attorneys work as a single team on every UK EB-5 case so the documentation reads correctly to both jurisdictions.
Working with an EB-5 lawyer in London
Many UK investors begin their EB-5 process while based in London.
How Legal Support Is Structured
Working with an EB-5 lawyer in London or coordinating with EB-5 lawyers in the UK typically involves:
- Initial consultations remotely or in London
- Ongoing document preparation handled digitally
- Coordination with US counsel across time zones
- Regular updates throughout the application process
In most cases, there is no need to relocate to the US during the early stages.
Our EB-5 Process for UK Clients (Regional Center)
| Stage | Description | Responsible Party | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Initial Source of Funds Summary | The client provides a short written overview of how funds were accumulated. | Client | 1–3 days |
| 2. Bespoke Source of Funds Checklist | Our London SOF team prepares a tailored document request based on the client’s financial profile. | D&A London SOF Team | 2–4 days |
| 3. Project Review and Structuring | Our London project review and structured finance lawyers advise on project selection and investment structure, including review of I-956F approval status under the 2026 Inventory Management Model. | D&A London Project Review Team | 1–2 weeks |
| 4. Source of Funds Clearance | Full review and clearance of the source of funds before the investment proceeds. | D&A London SOF Team | 2–6 weeks |
| 5. Project Selection and Investment | The client proceeds with the selected EB-5 regional center investment. | Client, supported by D&A London EB-5 Team | 1–2 weeks |
| 6. I-526E Petition Preparation | Preparation of the EB-5 petition and supporting documentation. | D&A London EB-5 Team | 2–4 weeks |
| 7. Quality Control Review | The petition is reviewed across our New York and Singapore teams, allowing continuous 24-hour progress. | D&A QC Team (New York & Singapore) | 3–7 days |
| 8. Final Review and Signing | The client reviews and signs the I-526E petition and Form G-28. | Client, coordinated by D&A London | 1–3 days |
| 9. Filing Preparation | Petition is printed, collated, and finalised for submission. | D&A Filing Team, Los Angeles | 2–3 days |
| 10. USCIS Filing and Intake | Petition is filed with USCIS. Our systems monitor incoming correspondence. | D&A Filing Team (LA) & New York Intake | Filing: 1 day | Receipt: 2–4 weeks |
| 11. Ongoing Project Monitoring | Continuous monitoring of the EB-5 investment project. | D&A US Project Review Team | Ongoing |
| 12. I-526E Approval & NVC Transfer | Approval notice is received and the case is transferred to the National Visa Center. | USCIS & D&A New York | Transfer: 2–6 weeks |
| 13. Immigrant Visa Fee Payment | The client pays the immigrant visa fee following NVC instructions. | Client, coordinated by D&A London | 1–2 weeks |
| 14. ACRO Certificate & Civil Documents | The client provides required documents including ACRO Police Certificate and civil records. | Client, coordinated by D&A London | 1–4 weeks |
| 15. DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application | Completion and submission of the DS-260 application. | Client, coordinated by D&A London | 1–2 weeks |
| 16. Interview & Medical Examination | The client attends the US Embassy interview in London and completes the medical exam. | US Embassy, Client, D&A London | Dependent on scheduling |
| 17. Post-Interview Debrief | Detailed debrief to address any issues arising from the interview. | D&A London EB-5 Team | Within 24–48 hours |
| 18. Immigrant Visa Issued | The client receives their immigrant visa. | US Embassy & Client | 1–2 weeks |
After You Receive Your EB-5 Visa
| Stage | Description | Responsible Party | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19. Entry to the United States | The client enters the US within 6 months and becomes a Conditional Permanent Resident. | Client, supported by D&A London | Within 6 months |
| 20. US Onboarding & Advisory | Meeting with our US team to review tax, residency, and compliance requirements. | D&A US Legal & Advisory Team | Shortly after arrival |
| 21. Continued Project Monitoring | Ongoing monitoring of the EB-5 investment. | D&A US Project Review Team | Ongoing |
| 22. Tax & Residency Support | Assistance with US tax filings and residency matters. | D&A US Tax & Advisory Team | Ongoing |
| 23. I-829 Petition (Removal of Conditions) | Filing of the I-829 petition approximately two years after entry. | D&A London EB-5 Team with US support | ~2 years after entry |
| 24. I-829 Approval | Client receives unconditional permanent residency. | USCIS, represented by D&A EB-5 Team | Typically 2–4+ years |
Enfield (London) Automotive Supplier from E-2 to EB-5
Case Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Client | Enfield, London-based specialist automotive parts supplier |
| UK Business | Supplier to Aston Martin and other specialist British vehicle manufacturers |
| Initial U.S. Expansion | Distribution facility opened in North Carolina under the E-2 visa route |
| Why North Carolina | To serve specialist British automotive retailers in the US and benefit from the state’s automotive manufacturing base |
| Further Expansion | US manufacturing facility opened in 2024 |
| EB-5 Applicant | Owner’s son, already in the United States in E-2 status |
| Total Investment in EB-5 | USD 2,893,476 |
| U.S. Jobs by End of 2024 | 15 employees |
| Outcome | Successful E-2 to EB-5 green card filing based on business expansion, qualifying investment, and job creation |
Background
This case involved an Enfield, London-based client in the specialist automotive sector. Their UK business supplies parts to Aston Martin and other niche British vehicle manufacturers.
We had originally helped the business expand into the United States under the E-2 visa route. To serve demand from specialist British automotive retailers in the US, the client opened a distribution operation in North Carolina, which made commercial sense given the state’s established automotive manufacturing presence.
From an E-2 point of view, this was a relatively straightforward case. The value of the stock being transferred, together with the broader operational setup, meant that the investment requirement was comfortably met and the US business was able to begin trading as a distribution centre.
Expansion into Manufacturing
The position changed in 2024, when the business grew again and opened a manufacturing facility in the United States. By the end of the year, the US operation employed 15 people. At that point, we advised on the next stage: an EB-5 green card application for the owner’s son, who was already in the US in E-2 status.
What made the case particularly interesting was that the investment was not a simple cash-only injection. The EB-5 case had to reflect the real commercial development of the business, including transferred stock, cash used to establish the plant and office, payroll support, and the value of a licence acquired by the UK parent and assigned to the US company.
Our Role
EB-5 Lawyers in London
Our EB-5 lawyers in London worked closely with our UK Solicitors, the client and members of our US EB-5 filing team to make sure the business was properly documented for EB-5 purposes. That meant not just showing the amount invested, but presenting the story of how the US business had developed, how the investment had been deployed, and how the company’s growth supported the application.
US Corporate Lawyers in Atlanta
At the same time, our Atlanta-based US corporate and commercial lawyers helped the client build out the legal framework for the American operation. That included assisting with the licences the business needed, preparing employment agreements, negotiating commercial contracts, and making sure the underlying documentation was in place both for the running of the business and for the EB-5 filing itself.
Investment Included in the EB-5 Case
In a case like this, the real issue is often not whether enough money has been invested. It is whether an active, growing business can be documented in a way that clearly satisfies EB-5 requirements. That is where careful legal coordination matters.
Total Investment Included in EB-5
| Investment Component | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Auto parts transferred from UK parent | 1,789,876 |
| Cash invested in opening manufacturing facility and office | 579,600 |
| Cash remitted to US entity to cover payroll | 274,000 |
| Assignment of licence acquired by UK parent and assigned to US entity | 250,000 |
| Total Investment | 2,893,476 |
Job Creation in the United States
US Employment Structure at the End of 2024
| Role | Number |
|---|---|
| Shift Supervisors | 2 |
| Plant Engineer | 1 |
| Machinery Operators | 5 |
| Sales Manager | 1 |
| Sales Staff | 3 |
| Accountant / Bookkeeper | 1 |
| Receptionist | 1 |
| Executive Assistant to CEO | 1 |
| Total Employees | 15 |
Outcome
This was a successful E-2 to EB-5 filing based on the expansion of an existing US business, a substantial qualifying investment, and the jobs created through that growth.
We regularly advise UK-based clients on EB-5 matters, especially where an existing E-2 business has grown into something much larger and the owners or family members need a permanent residence solution rather than a temporary visa.
Further Reading
For a fuller explanation of the EB-5 process, including investment rules, timelines, and job creation requirements, see our guide to the EB-5 visa for UK investors.
Immigrant Visa Processing for UK Applicants (London Embassy)
All US immigrant visa applications for individuals based in the United Kingdom are processed through the U.S. Embassy in London.
Centralised Processing in London
This applies regardless of where you live in the UK. Even though there are U.S. consulates in cities such as Edinburgh and Belfast, immigrant visa services are centralised in London.
What This Means in Practice
For EB-5 applicants:
- Your petition is approved by USCIS
- Your case moves to the National Visa Center
- Your interview is scheduled in London
You cannot attend an immigrant visa interview elsewhere in the UK.
The London Interview Process
Medical Examination (London Only)
You must attend a medical examination with an embassy-approved clinic in London. This cannot be completed elsewhere in the UK.
Document Preparation
Applicants must attend with complete and properly organised documentation. Missing documents can result in delays or administrative processing.
In-Person Embassy Interview
Your interview takes place at the U.S. Embassy in London. You must attend in person and bring all original documentation.
Practical Considerations
Because all processing is centralised in London:
- Travel planning is required
- Timing between medical and interview must be managed
- Documentation must be fully prepared
This is where working with an experienced EB-5 solicitor in London becomes particularly important.
EB-5 Case Study: From Truro to Bryn Mawr
This case study shows how a client working with an EB-5 solicitor in London successfully expanded a UK business into the United States and achieved EB-5 approval.
Case Overview
A UK-based entrepreneur worked with EB-5 solicitors in the UK to expand a recruitment business from Truro to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, transitioning from an E-2 visa to a successful EB-5 direct investment supporting over 100 employees.
E-2 to EB-5 Strategy
The business began as an E-2 operation with:
- Two recruiter stations
- Initial office presence in Pennsylvania
- Early client placements
A key factor was that the original business plan was designed to support a future EB-5 filing, documenting projected growth from a small operation to a large-scale employer.
Business Growth
The company expanded significantly:
- Over 100 employees placed on assignment
- Strong US client base
- Increased operational scale
However, for EB-5 purposes, the focus was on building:
- In-house recruiters
- Sales staff
- Managers
EB-5 Structuring and Timing
We advised the client to delay filing until:
- 8 in-house employees were established
- A plan for at least 2 additional hires was in place
This ensured compliance with EB-5 job creation requirements.
Outcome
- EB-5 petition approved in late 2025
- Work permit and travel permission granted
- Business continued scaling without E-2 limitations
Choosing the Right EB-5 Solicitor in London
Not all immigration solicitors have direct experience with EB-5 cases.
What to Look For
When selecting between EB-5 solicitors in the UK, consider:
- Direct experience with EB-5 investor applications
- Familiarity with UK financial documentation
- Clear communication and structured process
- Transparency on timelines and fees
- Coordination with US-licensed counsel
- Independent industry recognition (e.g. EB5 Investors Magazine rankings)
- Familiarity with the 30 September 2026 grandfathering deadline and the 30 March 2026 USCIS Inventory Management Model
📖 How to Choose the Right EB-5 Lawyer
UK Areas We Serve
Our London-based EB-5 solicitors advise UK-based clients across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We regularly act for investors located in:
- London
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Leeds
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Oxford
- Cardiff
- Belfast
- Surrey, Kent & the Home Counties
Initial consultations are available in person at our London or Canary Wharf offices, by telephone, or by video conference.
How We Support UK-Based EB-5 Clients
We act as your first point of contact in the UK. Whether you are seeking an EB-5 solicitor in London or broader support from EB-5 lawyers in the UK, we:
Summary of EB-5 Support in the UK
- Assess your eligibility
- Advise on investment structure
- Coordinate with EB-5 lawyers in US and EB-5 filing team
- Support you throughout the process
Global Expertise, Local Presence
We bridge the gap between London and Los Angeles. Meet our UK-based partners at our offices in Canary Wharf, Broad Street, Pall Mall (at the Institute of Directors), or our Consular Suite directly opposite the US Embassy.
Beyond the EB-5 Visa: A 360 Strategy
Our dual-qualified US/UK legal team specializes in the high-stakes nuances of the 2022 Reform & Integrity Act (RIA). We provide:
- Audit-Ready Source of Funds: A zero-denial track record on documenting HMRC records, property gains, and UK gift laws.
- Priority Processing: Strategic filing in Rural and High-Unemployment "Reserved" categories to potentially reduce waiting times where visa numbers remain available.
- Tax Shielding: Integrated advice on US worldwide taxation vs. UK remittance basis to protect your wealth before you land.
- Seamless Transitions: Expert handling of E-2 to EB-5 "bridge" strategies and Direct EB-5 entrepreneurial filings.
Speak to an EB-5 Solicitor in London
If you are considering the EB-5 visa, early legal guidance is critical. Whether you are looking for an EB-5 solicitor in London or experienced EB-5 lawyers in the UK, we can help you structure your application correctly from the outset.
FAQs About EB-5 Solicitors and Lawyers in London and the UK
Do I need an EB-5 solicitor or lawyer to apply for the EB-5 visa from the UK?
Yes. Working with an experienced EB-5 solicitor or EB-5 immigration lawyer is strongly recommended because the EB-5 process involves complex requirements around source of funds, business structure, and job creation. In addition, many Regional Centers will only accept you as an investor if you are represented by an EB-5 lawyer known to that Regional Center to be competent.
What is the September 30, 2026 EB-5 grandfathering deadline?
Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, EB-5 petitions filed on or before 30 September 2026 qualify for statutory grandfathering protection. This means a properly filed petition received by USCIS before that date is protected against disruption if Congress later allows the Regional Center Program to lapse.
The grandfathering deadline does not change eligibility rules, source of funds requirements, or visa backlog timing. UK investors who want the option to file by 30 September 2026 should plan backwards from that date because source of funds work, project review, and petition preparation typically take several months.
Can I work with an EB-5 visa solicitor in London for a US immigration case?
Yes. Many applicants work with an EB-5 solicitor in London alongside US-based immigration counsel. Your London-based advisor typically supports preparation, documentation, and strategy, making themselves available to meet with you throughout your case. A US-based EB-5 immigration attorney handles the formal filing with USCIS and assists your family after you arrive in the US.
What does an EB-5 immigration lawyer do?
An EB-5 immigration lawyer manages the legal aspects of your application, including:
- Preparing and filing the I-526E petition
- Reviewing source of funds
- Ensuring compliance with USCIS requirements
- Managing communication with immigration authorities
They also coordinate UK documentation with US legal requirements.
How do I choose the best EB-5 solicitor in London?
The best EB-5 solicitor in London will have direct experience with EB-5 investor cases, familiarity with UK-based clients, clear communication, and structured processes. Strong coordination between your London-based EB-5 lawyer and their firm’s US-based immigration attorneys is critical. Experience with cases similar to yours and an actual US legal presence are more important than general rankings.
How does the new USCIS Inventory Management Model affect UK EB-5 investors?
Effective 30 March 2026, USCIS reviews Form I-526E petitions only after deciding on the associated Form I-956F project application, then prioritises rural petitions in a separate FIFO queue.
For UK investors, this means project selection now drives timing as much as priority dates. A regional center project that already has I-956F approval may see investor petitions processed significantly faster than projects whose I-956F is still pending. Rural projects are likely to move fastest. Our London EB-5 solicitors review the I-956F status of every project we recommend.
Are there EB-5 solicitors in the UK who specialise in US immigration?
Yes. There are EB-5 solicitors in the UK who specialise in US immigration and work closely with US-qualified attorneys. They typically focus on UK-side preparation, financial documentation, and coordinating the overall application strategy.
What is the difference between an EB-5 solicitor and an EB-5 immigration attorney?
A US EB-5 immigration attorney is licensed in the United States and files petitions with USCIS. An EB-5 solicitor in London or in the UK is licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and typically supports preparation, structuring, and UK-law documentation. Most UK applicants benefit from working with both, ideally within the same firm.
Can an EB-5 solicitor in London help with source of funds?
Yes. This is one of the most important roles of a London-based EB-5 solicitor. They help structure and document UK-based funds, including property, dividends, business income, gifts, and inheritance, so the evidence meets USCIS standards.
Speak to our EB-5 solicitors in London now
We can discuss your EB-5 visa requirements with you at our offices, over the phone, or online via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
+44 20 3884 1812 Make an enquiryOur London Presence for UK EB-5 Investors
Davies & Associates has two London offices, supported by additional London meeting locations. Our London-based EB-5 solicitors work closely with our US-based immigration team, our international taxation team, and our specialist EB-5 filing team in Los Angeles to deliver coordinated cross-border support to UK investors.
London HQ: Dashwood House
69 Old Broad Street, London EC2M 1QS
Phone: +44 20 3884 1812
Our primary legal headquarters in the City of London. Home to our senior partners, EB-5 source of funds team, and project review and structured finance lawyers.
Canary Wharf Office: Beaufort Court
Admiral Way, Canary Wharf, London E14 9XL
Phone: +44 20 7562 8359
Home to our Complex Cases team, who carry out the final source of funds review on every UK EB-5 file before filing.
Embassy Meeting Suite: Nine Elms
3 Viaduct Gardens, Embassy Gardens, SW11 7AX
Phone: +44 20 3884 1812
Available meeting space directly opposite the U.S. Embassy in London, used for final EB-5 immigrant visa interview preparation and post-interview debriefs.
Strategy Meetings: IoD, 116 Pall Mall
116 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5ED
Phone: +44 20 3884 1812
Through our firm’s membership of the Institute of Directors (IoD), we host EB-5 strategy meetings with UK investors in St. James.
EB-5 Lawyers for Indians and Singaporeans in London
Davies & Associates has a long-established presence in India and Singapore, where our team works closely with Indian and Singaporean investors and their families on US immigration matters every day.
Our firm represents an increasing number of Indian Nationals and Singaporeans in London filing EB-5. That depth of practice means we are equally well placed to advise Indian and Singaporean nationals who live, study, or work in London — or who simply prefer to meet their EB-5 lawyers in person on this side of the world.
While we are historically best known for our representation of Indian EB-5 applicants, we have also become known as a leading firm for Singapore-based EB-5 investors.
Our London solicitors and our Singapore team work as a single coordinated practice, so Singaporean clients in London receive the same EB-5 expertise, source-of-funds rigour, and family-office sensitivity our Singapore office is known for. Read more about our EB-5 services for Singaporean investors →
About the Authors
Mark I. Davies, Esq.
Chairman of Davies & Associates; focused on E visa strategy and complex consular filings.
EB-5 from Other Countries
We advise EB-5 investors from across the world. If you are based outside the UK, our country-specific EB-5 pages may be relevant to you:
EB-5 Visa Solutions by Country of Nationality or Residency
Select your country for more information
Work with an experienced EB-5 Lawyer
Applying for an EB-5 Visa in the UK
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Applying for an EB-5 Visa in Singapore
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Contact Davies & Associates Offices in United Kingdom
Check all of our locations around the world.
Looking to acquire an EB-5 Visa?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
EB-5 Visa Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and very thorough in what they did. They worked on my case 24/7 and were very patient in answering all my questions.
E-2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB-5 process.
EB-5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E-2 visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you. With Davies & Associates, you're in safe hands... you need someone who can support you on the ground and, again, you are well taken care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite open-minded when it comes to business... Not to mention as a passport it's great from a travel perspective... It's just 4 to 5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB-5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB-5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H-1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB-5 visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB-5 visa holdersI'm in the process of extending my L-1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case, and he contacted me back almost immediately, both by email and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing off the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L-1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in a highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeLooking to relocate or having trouble with a visa application?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
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New York Office World Trade Center:
1 World Trade Center, Suite 8500, New York, NY 10007
+1 212 537 9196
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New York Office E69th Street:
200 E 69th Street, 2N, New York, NY 10022
+1 212 537 9196
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California Office:
555 Anton Blvd, Suite 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
+1 949 620 1811
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Philadelphia Office:
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 450, PMB 41, Philadelphia, PA 19102
+1 215 525 1881
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London Office:
69 Old Broad Street, Dashwood House, London EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom
+44 20 3884 1812
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London Office Beaufort Court:
Beaufort Court, Admiral Way, London E14 9XL, United Kingdom
+44 20 3884 1812
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Edinburgh Office:
28 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2BW
+44 131 392 0686
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Milton Keynes Office:
The Pinnacle, 170 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 1FE, United Kingdom
+44 7740 000769
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+44 131 392 0686
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Vietnam Office:
46th Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
+84 28 6287 5912
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India Office:
Enam Sambhav C-20, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051, Maharashtra
+91 720 856 4057
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Italy Office:
Via Bonifacio Lupi 29, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
+39 055 076 3054
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Manila Office:
Unit 107, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave. cor Garnet and Sapphire Streets, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Metro Manila, Philippines
+63 2 7215 7878
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Sydney Office:
Level 12, 210 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
+61 2 9156 1032
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Perth Office:
Davies & Associates LLC, Level 1, 12 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
+61 2 9156 1032
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Singapore Office:
160 Robinson Road, #14-04, Singapore Business Federation Centre, Singapore 068914
65 8012 9546
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