Irina Rostova – Immigration Attorney
HELPING PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS
Attorney Irina Rostova helps foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency (Green Card) through a program specifically designed for investors. Rostova built a firm that became one of the largest in Florida by volume of EB-5 investors that it represents.
IRINA WAS NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 25 IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS BY INVESTORS MAGAZINE
background and what is it that attracted you to being an immigration attorney?
Yes absolutely; I was helping a close family friend to research her options to immigrate to the United States. We determined that an investor visa would be best for her, but were disappointed to find that few Florida lawyers were proficient in investment migration programs. My background is in banking and economics, I felt that I could apply my experience to provide comprehensive support to the business migrant community. Through my work I assist a wide range of experienced international entrepreneurs, I educate them to help them understand the system in the United States and enable them to make informed decisions.
How do you feel about being recognized as one of the Top 25 Immigration Attorneys in the country by EB-5 Investors magazine?
Top 25 recognition for EB-5 attorneys is like our Oscars in this $7.5 billion dollar industry. The recognition is a result of a nationwide vote of EB-5 professionals: the nominations are made by industry peers and the voting ballot goes out to bankers, investment centers, and attorneys who work with the EB-5 program. Being selected as one of the best EB-5 attorneys in the country by my peers was a huge compliment and an acknowledgement of the quality of our work product.
Can you give us a brief description about the EB-5 program?
EB-5 is a U.S. immigration program specifically created to attract investment into the United States. Foreign investors can obtain U.S. residency (Green Card) if they provide funding to qualifying projects, which generate significant new job creation (10 or more jobs per investor). The program became popular in the last few years, as it allows the investor and his family to earn permanent residency through an investment of $500,000.
Would you share with our readers what was the most significant contributing factor to your success?
Specializing early on and becoming an authority in EB-5 visas made all the difference for our clients and was the largest contributing factor to the growth of my firm. There are thousands of immigration attorneys in the United States, but only a handful who truly understand the complexities of the EB-5 program. I picked this niche because I wanted to make a difference. I read every precedent decision on EB-5 and became an advocate for it. When clients come in for a consultation, they quickly notice the difference in the level of knowledge between me and my staff versus someone who does not specialize in investor migration law.
What do you perceive as the biggest challenge as a woman in your profession?
A young female attorney can be improperly perceived as inexperienced. Long before I managed hundreds of EB-5 cases and received recognition at a national level in the legal community, it was just me and the client in the room. I remember some clients point blank asked my age when they met me; but a few minutes into our conversation they saw the level of detailed understanding I have in the process of investor migration. I encourage my investors to ask difficult questions – it is the only way they will discover my expertise.
What would you say it is the one thing you enjoy most about what you do?
I get to guide my clients through one of the most important transitions in their lives: immigrating to America. It is an incredibly responsible role, but very rewarding. I am able to make a positive difference in the lives of families, both, who are migrating to the United States and the families that are being helped through the job-creating program, which is EB-5. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing the families we represent succeed in America. I love celebrating with my clients as their children graduate from universities and as they expand their business endeavors and pursue their dreams.
How do you keep a work to life balance?
Being a mom of two motivates me to be more efficient with my time. Scheduling and planning everything in advance is key; it enables me to find time to travel, be with family, and to continue to serve our clients.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, what are your goals as a woman and as a professional?
As a woman, I feel most accomplished: I am raising two amazing boys and get to experience all the wonders of the world anew through the their eyes. As a professional, my goal is never to lose sight of my core business values; I started my firm in order to help people. As we continue to grow, I want to always maintain a model of a boutique firm, where clients have a personal relationship with their legal representative. No matter how big we get, I want our clients to feel comfortable working with our staff and to continue to receive personalized attention.
