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The United States does not offer a formal program called "citizenship by investment" that grants immediate citizenship in exchange for money. Instead, the closest federal pathway is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program, which can lead to lawful permanent residence - commonly called a green card - and, after meeting residency and other naturalization requirements, potential U.S. citizenship. All immigration and naturalization law is governed at the federal level, so residents of Bartlett - like residents anywhere in the United States - are subject to U.S. immigration rules administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and related federal agencies.
Local factors in Bartlett - such as real estate availability, local business regulations, zoning and licensing - can affect how an investment project is set up and operated. Many investors who start with the EB-5 route later pursue naturalization if they meet residence, good moral character and other requirements. Because the process involves immigration law, securities law, tax law and local regulatory matters, legal guidance is commonly needed.
Investing with the objective of obtaining an immigrant visa or green card is legally and factually complex. A lawyer can help in several common situations -
- Determining eligibility for the EB-5 program and which EB-5 pathway - direct investment or regional center participation - best fits your goals.
- Structuring the investment in a way that satisfies federal EB-5 requirements, including job-creation rules and lawful source-of-funds documentation.
- Preparing and filing immigration petitions and supporting evidence under strict procedural and documentary standards.
- Complying with securities and corporate laws when you invest through a private enterprise or regional center project.
- Addressing tax planning and reporting obligations at the federal, state and local level.
- Handling USCIS requests for additional evidence, denials, appeals, or motions to reopen or reconsider.
- Preparing the petition to remove conditions on conditional permanent residence and advising on the later naturalization process.
- Conducting due diligence on EB-5 projects and regional centers to reduce fraud and investment risk.
Because citizenship and immigration are controlled by federal law, the most relevant statutes and rules are national. However, local and state law in Bartlett can play a meaningful supporting role for an investor. Key aspects to consider -
- Federal immigration rules - These set EB-5 eligibility requirements, petition procedures, required documentation for source of funds, and the path from conditional permanent residence to lawful permanent residence and then naturalization.
- Investment pathway options - EB-5 investments are generally made either directly into a new commercial enterprise that the investor owns or through designated regional centers. Regional centers are subject to federal authorization and oversight, and program availability and rules can change.
- Job-creation requirements - Federal EB-5 rules require that investments create or preserve a specified number of full-time jobs. How job creation is measured can depend on whether the project is a direct investment or a regional center project using economic models.
- Securities, corporate and contract law - If you invest in a company or a project, federal and state securities laws, plus corporate law, will affect how investments are structured and documented. Your Bartlett or Tennessee/Illinois legal team should check licensing and registration requirements for investment vehicles.
- Real estate, zoning and local permits - If the investment involves property or a business operating in Bartlett, local zoning, building codes, permits and business licensing can affect feasibility and timelines.
- Taxation - U.S. federal tax law applies to worldwide income for U.S. green card holders. State and local taxes in Bartlett and the state where the investment operates also matter. Tax planning and compliance are essential to avoid surprises.
- Professional licensing and compliance - Certain business activities require state or local licenses, inspections or approvals. Ensure the enterprise conforms to local health, safety and employment laws.
No. The United States does not offer direct citizenship in exchange for investment. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor program provides a potential path to lawful permanent residence for qualifying investors. Naturalization to become a U.S. citizen requires meeting residency, physical presence, good moral character and other federal requirements after becoming a permanent resident.
The EB-5 program allows qualifying foreign investors to obtain conditional permanent residency by investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves a required number of full-time jobs for U.S. workers. After holding conditional status and meeting job-creation requirements, investors may apply to remove conditions and obtain permanent residency. After fulfilling naturalization requirements, a permanent resident may apply for U.S. citizenship.
Investment thresholds for EB-5 are set by federal regulation and are subject to change. There are typically two levels - a higher standard amount for general investments and a lower amount for investments in targeted employment areas or under other specified conditions. Because rules and dollar thresholds can change, consult an immigration lawyer or check current federal guidance before planning an investment.
Yes. A principal investor can generally include a spouse and unmarried children under a specified age as derivative beneficiaries. Those dependents can receive conditional permanent residence and follow the same path to permanent residency and eventual naturalization, subject to age and other rules at the time of filing.
Processing times vary widely depending on factors such as petition type, petitioner country of birth, USCIS workload and whether a regional center is used. Steps include filing an initial immigrant petition, receiving conditional permanent residency, applying to remove conditions, and later pursuing naturalization. Delays and retrogression of visa availability for certain countries can extend timelines.
A regional center is an entity approved to pool EB-5 investments and use indirect job creation measures based on economic models. Regional centers can simplify meeting job-creation requirements, but program authorization and conditions can change. Investors should perform careful due diligence on any regional center - including project viability, transparency, compliance history and financial terms - and consult a lawyer and financial advisor to assess risk.
No. EB-5 can provide conditional permanent residency, then permanent residency after conditions are removed. To become a U.S. citizen, you must meet naturalization requirements, which generally include continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English and civics testing, and filing a naturalization application. Citizenship requires a separate legal process after you qualify as a permanent resident.
USCIS requires clear and well-documented proof that investment funds come from lawful sources. Typical evidence includes bank records, business and corporate documents, tax returns, sale agreements, loan documents, gift affidavits with supporting evidence and other records tracing funds from origin to investment. Documentation standards are strict, and proper translation and notarization may be required.
Yes. U.S. lawful permanent residents are typically taxed on worldwide income. State and local taxes in Bartlett and the state where you live or do business also apply. Investment structures can have specific tax consequences. Consult a tax professional familiar with international tax and U.S. resident tax rules to plan for income tax, reporting, estate tax and other obligations.
Look for an attorney or advisory team with specific, demonstrable experience in EB-5 matters, immigration petitions, securities and business law if applicable, and naturalization. Check credentials, client references, success and denial records, and professional memberships such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association - AILA. Also consider working with a local attorney in Bartlett or the relevant state for state and local compliance, and retain a tax advisor experienced in cross-border issues.
Below are governmental bodies and professional organizations that can be helpful when seeking information or legal advice related to EB-5 and citizenship by investment considerations -
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - USCIS - primary federal agency for EB-5 petitions and naturalization.
- U.S. Department of State - visa bulletin and consular processing information.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security - broader immigration policy and enforcement context.
- Internal Revenue Service - IRS - tax guidance for residents and investors.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association - AILA - professional association of immigration attorneys.
- State Bar association for your state - for referrals and to verify attorney credentials in Tennessee or Illinois if Bartlett falls within one of those states.
- Local Bartlett city offices and county clerk - for real estate, zoning, business licensing and local permit questions.
- Small Business Administration - for guidance on business planning, financing and local resources.
- Professional financial auditors and certified public accountants who handle source-of-funds documentation and cross-border tax planning.
If you are considering pursuing the EB-5 route as a pathway that may eventually lead to U.S. citizenship, a practical sequence of next steps can help you move forward in an organized way -
- Schedule an initial consultation with an immigration attorney experienced in EB-5 matters. Bring basic personal, business and financial information so the attorney can conduct a preliminary eligibility assessment.
- Gather documents that trace the source of potential investment funds - bank statements, corporate records, sale documents, loan agreements and tax returns - and organize them chronologically.
- Decide whether a direct investment or a regional center investment is more suitable for your goals. If considering a regional center, perform detailed due diligence on the project sponsor, financial plan and compliance history.
- Engage a tax advisor to review the tax implications of your investment and future residency in the United States.
- Confirm local compliance needs in Bartlett or the investment location - zoning, permits, licenses and property taxes - with local authorities or counsel.
- Work with your attorney to prepare and file the EB-5 petition and supporting evidence, respond promptly to any USCIS requests for additional evidence, and plan for steps to remove conditions and later apply for naturalization when you qualify.
- Maintain meticulous records of all transactions, filings and immigration-related documents to support future filings and to meet ongoing compliance obligations.
Each case is unique. Early consultation with qualified professionals will help you understand available options, timing, cost and risk so you can make informed decisions tailored to your objectives in Bartlett and the United States.
