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There is no Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program in the United States, including in Long Island City or the broader New York City area. The United States does not offer citizenship directly in exchange for a monetary investment. For foreign nationals seeking a path to lawful permanent residency, the flagship program is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which leads to a green card rather than immediate citizenship.
In Long Island City, a borough within New York City, developers and international investors often engage with the federal EB-5 framework when considering capital for large projects. Investments are typically tied to creating or preserving jobs and to compliance with U.S. securities and immigration laws. Importantly, LIC-specific regulations do not exist for citizenship by investment; all immigration benefits flow from federal law, administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
According to USCIS, an EB-5 investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The closest federal path to citizenship that may eventually apply to LIC residents involves obtaining permanent residence via EB-5, meeting the residency and physical presence requirements, and then applying for naturalization. This naturalization process is governed by federal law and is not accelerated by investment alone.
USCIS notes that the minimum EB-5 investment amounts can be $1,800,000 or $900,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA), depending on the project structure and location.Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Working with a qualified immigration attorney or solicitor is essential for navigating the EB-5 route or any related investment-based immigration matters, especially when you are based in Long Island City. Below are real-world scenarios you might encounter in LIC and greater Queens where legal counsel adds value.
Citizenship by Investment is governed by federal law in the United States. There is no LIC or New York City-specific CBI statute. The key legal framework you will encounter involves immigration and investment regulations enacted at the federal level.
The federal nature of these rules means LIC residents must engage through federal processes, and local ordinances in Long Island City do not create separate CBI paths. For updated financial thresholds and regulatory changes, see the sources listed in the next section.
As of the EB-5 program modernization efforts, investments typically must meet thresholds of $1,800,000 or $900,000 if directed to a TEA, with job creation requirements attached to the project.Source: USCIS - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program; DOS - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Recent reforms and ongoing guidance emphasize transparency in funding sources and job creation, which LIC investors and local developers must document carefully. Always verify the current rules with a qualified immigration attorney before engaging in any investment transaction.
The United States does not offer direct citizenship by investment. The primary route involving investment is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which leads to a green card, not immediate citizenship.
The EB-5 program allows foreign nationals to invest in a U.S. business and create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs. In return, applicants may apply for permanent residence.
Yes. An immigration attorney can assess investment options, verify TEA status, review project documents, and handle filings and responses to USCIS.
Processing can take 12 to 30 months for I-526 approval, followed by a green card application. Timelines vary by case and USCIS workload.
A TEA is a targeted employment area. Investments in TEAs generally qualify for lower minimum amounts compared to non-TEA investments.
Minimum investment amounts typically involve $1,800,000 or $900,000 for TEAs, but amounts can change with policy updates. Always confirm current thresholds with an attorney.
Yes. USCIS requires detailed documentation showing the lawful source and path of the funds used for the investment.
You can choose either direct investment or a Regional Center investment. Regional Centers may offer streamlined job-creation reporting and management structures.
Direct EB-5 requires direct job creation by the investor's business. Regional Center EB-5 allows job creation indirectly through the center's projects and may offer simpler administration.
No. EB-5 provides permanent residence, and citizenship requires naturalization after meeting residency and other requirements.
You generally become eligible for naturalization after five years of permanent residence, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
Residence requirements during processing vary. Some applicants pursue consular processing from abroad; others adjust status from within the United States if eligible.
Access to authoritative information is essential when evaluating Citizenship by Investment options. The following official resources provide current, government-backed guidance on EB-5 and related immigration processes:
