Timing has become a critical factor in the EB-5 process, especially with the upcoming grandfathering deadline under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. Investors who properly file before this deadline may retain eligibility under current program rules, even if future changes occur, making early action an important strategic consideration as global demand continues to rise.
This webinar will focus on what the grandfathering provisions mean in practice, what could happen if investors delay, and how timing intersects with visa availability and processing trends. We will also address key considerations such as liquidity, source of funds, and how to approach EB-5 as a long-term immigration strategy centered on compliance and capital preservation rather than short-term returns. Whether you are ready to move forward or still evaluating your options, this session will help you better understand the current landscape so you can make informed decisions based on your individual goals.
Panelist:
- Devang Shah, Shah & Kishore Immigration Law
- Marcela Cividanes Gallic, Fragomen
- Claudia Ortega, EB5LA
Bios
Marcela Cividanes Gallic is a U.S. and Brazil-licensed immigration attorney and a member of the Fragomen San Diego EB-5 Practice Group, part of a globally recognized EB-5 platform. She represents families and entrepreneurs pursuing U.S. permanent residence through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
With over a decade of experience in business immigration and cross-border advisory, Cividanes Gallic brings both technical depth and strategic insight into the financial, tax, and family considerations that shape EB-5 investments. Fragomen San Diego EB-5 Team advises clients from eligibility and source of funds strategy, I-526 E petitions, and green card processing, while prioritizing risk mitigation and long-term planning.
Originally from São Paulo and fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, Cividanes Gallic provides culturally informed support, particularly for LATAM investors navigating complex capital transfer frameworks.
She also advises on alternative immigration pathways, including EB-1, NIW, and L-1 visas, ensuring investors pursue the most efficient and secure route to U.S. permanent residence.
Devang Shah is a U.S. immigration attorney with over 30 years of experience. He advises foreign investors on U.S. investment based immigration, with a primary focus on the EB 5 Immigrant Investor Program. His practice centers on helping EB 5 investors understand the legal, and immigration risks associated with EB 5 investments and navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Shah works closely with investors on critical EB 5 issues including source of funds documentation, investor eligibility, project due diligence from an immigration perspective, and long term immigration planning under the EB 5 Reform and Integrity Act. He has experience representing investors in both direct and regional center projects across sectors such as real estate, hospitality, healthcare, and retail. In addition to EB 5 matters, Shah advises entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals on a range of employment based immigration options, including L 1, O 1, and E 2 investor visas, as well as permanent residence through the EB 1, EB 2, and EB 3 green card categories. This broader practice allows him to help investors evaluate EB 5 alongside alternative visa strategies when appropriate.
With offices in Washington, D.C., India, and South America, Shah regularly advises investors from around the world. He is a frequent speaker at EB 5 and immigration conferences and is known for his practical, investor focused approach to navigating complex U.S. immigration rules.
Shah is a graduate with a Bachelors in Economics from the University of Michigan, JD from The American University Law School and an LLM in Taxation from Georgetown University Law School.
Claudia I. Ortega is a seasoned real estate and investment professional with more than 20 years of experience spanning residential and commercial real estate, mortgage lending, investor advisory, and strategic market positioning. Her career has been deeply rooted in guiding sophisticated buyers, sellers, and business owners through complex real estate transactions, capital structuring, and market-driven decision-making across multiple U.S. markets.
As a licensed real estate broker and former mortgage company owner, Ortega has overseen transactions involving residential portfolios, commercial properties, and development-oriented assets, with a strong command of underwriting standards, capital stacks, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. Her background includes structuring and reviewing conventional, government-backed, and alternative financing solutions, experience that aligns directly with the financial and asset-backed fundamentals of EB-5 investment projects.
Ortega is also recognized for her leadership in public policy advocacy and consumer protection. She has actively participated in congressional meetings in Washington, D.C., lobbying for consumer rights in housing and lending, and working alongside federal agencies, financial institutions, and elected officials to advance responsible homeownership and transparency in real estate finance. This policy-facing experience provides her with a nuanced understanding of regulatory frameworks and investor protections which are critical components of the EB-5 ecosystem.
Ortega has led large-scale public education initiatives and media campaigns, serving as a spokesperson across television, radio, print, and digital platforms. She is known for her ability to translate complex financial and real estate concepts into clear, investor-focused narratives, bridging the gap between technical detail and strategic vision.