Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
There is no federal program in the United States that grants immediate citizenship in exchange for an investment. What is commonly referred to as "citizenship by investment" in the U.S. context usually means the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. EB-5 is a federal immigration pathway that can lead to lawful permanent resident status, commonly called a green card, for qualifying investors and their immediate family. After maintaining permanent-resident status and meeting naturalization requirements, an investor may later be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Immigration law and EB-5 are governed at the federal level, but local rules in your city or state - including Burlington - affect business, real-estate and tax matters connected to any investment activity.
Immigration and investment matters intersect with complex federal and state rules. You should consider hiring an experienced immigration attorney when:
- You are evaluating EB-5 or alternative investor visa options and need to understand eligibility and long-term consequences.
- You need help structuring an investment to meet EB-5 job-creation and qualifying investment requirements while complying with securities laws.
- You are choosing or vetting a regional center or specific commercial enterprise and want due-diligence on the project, developer and financial projections.
- You must prepare evidence of lawful source of funds and documentation required for I-526/I-526E and I-829 petitions.
- You face a petition denial, a request for evidence, or removal of conditions proceedings and need representation at USCIS or in federal court.
- You need advice on tax planning, state residency rules, business registration, licensing and local regulations in Burlington that affect your investment.
- You want to reduce the risk of fraud and ensure contracts, escrow arrangements and disclosures are handled properly.
Although immigration eligibility is determined at the federal level, Burlington local and state laws affect many practical aspects of an EB-5 investment and subsequent life in the U.S. Relevant local issues include:
- Real-estate and zoning: If investing in property or a local enterprise, Burlington zoning, permitting and land-use rules will apply. Ensure the project has necessary municipal approvals.
- Business registration and licensing: Starting or buying a business in Burlington requires compliance with city and state registration, licensing, and local health or safety codes.
- State and local taxes: State income tax, sales tax and local property taxes vary by state and municipality. Your tax residency and tax planning should account for Vermont or the applicable state law where your Burlington is located.
- Employment and labor laws: If your investment creates jobs, you must comply with state and federal wage, hour and employment regulations.
- Public benefits and residency standards: Local residency rules can affect access to benefits and municipal services; also be aware that voter registration and public benefits generally require U.S. citizenship or lawful status as applicable.
- Law enforcement and background checks: Local records and any criminal issues recorded in Burlington can affect immigration petitions; full disclosure is essential.
No. The United States does not grant immediate citizenship for an investment. The primary federal pathway for immigrant investors is the EB-5 program, which can lead to conditional lawful permanent resident status and, after requirements are met, removal of conditions and eventual naturalization as a U.S. citizen if eligibility criteria are satisfied.
Under EB-5, an investor makes a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves the required number of full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Successful petitioning can lead to conditional permanent residence for the investor, spouse and unmarried children under 21. After the conditional period, the investor must show the required job creation and other conditions have been satisfied to obtain permanent residence. Once a permanent resident, the investor may later pursue naturalization if they meet residency and other requirements.
Investment thresholds are set by federal law and regulation and can change. Because the required investment amount and qualifying categories (such as targeted employment areas or regional center projects) are subject to updates, you should confirm current thresholds with a qualified immigration attorney or official government sources before proceeding.
Processing time varies based on USCIS backlogs, the type of petition (direct vs regional center), whether you filed an I-526 or I-526E, and country-of-chargeability priority dates. Processing can take multiple years in many cases. Timeframes also depend on the time to obtain visas at a consulate if required, and on how quickly a petition to remove conditions can be adjudicated after the conditional green card is issued.
Yes. EB-5 allows inclusion of the investor's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 in the petition. They can receive conditional permanent residence along with the principal investor and pursue permanent residence and later naturalization under the same general rules.
EB-5 requires that you maintain the qualifying investment and that job-creation requirements are met. Lawful permanent residents have residency obligations if they want to preserve status and later naturalize. Time spent outside the U.S. can affect residency continuous-presence and physical-presence requirements for naturalization. You do not necessarily need to live in Burlington specifically, but you should maintain ties and meet residence requirements applicable to permanent residents and citizens-in-waiting.
Eligible projects include new commercial enterprises that result in the required number of full-time U.S. jobs. Investors may invest directly in businesses where they have a hands-on role or invest through approved regional centers that focus on job-creating projects. Projects must comply with immigration and applicable securities laws and provide adequate documentation to show job creation and economic impact.
Risks include financial loss if the project fails, immigration denial if documentation or job-creation evidence is insufficient, delays due to processing backlogs, fraud by dishonest promoters or intermediaries, and adverse tax consequences. Thorough legal, financial and project due diligence is essential to manage these risks.
Choose an attorney who is experienced in EB-5 and immigration law, licensed in the U.S., and preferably a member of reputable professional groups. Ask for references, track record of approved petitions, clear fee structures, and written engagement agreements. For regional centers, evaluate project history, developer reputation, audited financials, compliance record and transparency. Never rely on guarantees of visas or citizenship.
Conditional permanent residence is typically granted for two years. Before the end of that period you must file a petition to remove conditions and prove that the investment was sustained and that required jobs were created. If USCIS approves, you receive an unconditional green card. After meeting continuous residence and other naturalization requirements, you may apply for U.S. citizenship by naturalization.
Useful federal and professional resources include the agency that administers immigration benefits, the U.S. Department of State for visa procedures, and federal bodies that regulate securities and investment conduct. Professional organizations such as national immigration-law associations and your state bar association can help you locate qualified counsel. At the local level, Burlington city offices and the appropriate state department of taxes or commerce can advise on licensing, zoning and tax questions. For background checks and criminal-clearance requirements, federal law enforcement and fingerprinting channels are used in immigration processing. Consult an immigration attorney and a certified public accountant for legal and tax advice tailored to your situation.
1. Clarify your objective - are you seeking permanent residence, eventual citizenship, or a business investment in Burlington?
2. Gather basic documents - identity, business plans, source-of-funds records and any past immigration or criminal records.
3. Schedule consultations with an experienced U.S. immigration attorney and a local tax advisor. Ask the attorney about EB-5 alternatives, realistic timelines and how they handle due-diligence for projects or regional centers.
4. Conduct financial and project due-diligence before committing funds. Verify escrow protections, developer track record and independent audits where possible.
5. Understand and plan for ongoing compliance - job creation documentation, state and local business rules in Burlington, tax filings, and residency requirements for future naturalization.
If you are unsure which Burlington you are dealing with, confirm the state and local jurisdiction so your attorney can advise on state-specific requirements. Working with licensed professionals early reduces legal risk and helps ensure your immigration and investment goals are achievable and compliant.
