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In New York City there is no municipal program that grants citizenship by investment. The United States does not offer a direct path to citizenship through a simple investment. The primary route pursued by many high-net-worth applicants is the federal EB-5 immigrant investor program, administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Under the EB-5 program, eligible investors must fund a qualifying project and create or preserve a specified number of jobs for U.S. workers. If approved, investors receive conditional permanent resident status, which can lead to a standard green card after meeting conditions and residency requirements. In New York City, counsel are often engaged to coordinate project selection, due diligence, and compliance with federal requirements, as well as any New York-based corporate structuring necessary for the investment.
Naturalization, or citizenship, is not automatic and occurs after meeting long-term residency requirements and other eligibility criteria. Investors typically pursue naturalization after several years of permanent residence, subject to continued compliance with U.S. immigration and tax laws. Given the complexity and evolving rules, NYC residents usually rely on specialized immigration counsel to navigate the process.
Important note: The EB-5 pathway and related regulations are federal. There is no separate New York City law granting citizenship by investment. Always verify current requirements on official government sites and work with an attorney to confirm you meet all conditions for your specific situation.
Source: USCIS describes the EB-5 program as a path to lawful permanent residence for investors who create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
For authoritative, up-to-date information on the EB-5 program, see USCIS and Travel State Department resources linked in the references.
The Immigrant Investor Program is grounded in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and implemented through federal regulations. The INA sets eligibility for immigration and naturalization, while the Code of Federal Regulations implements specific EB-5 procedures.
Important implementing regulations include 8 C.F.R. Part 204 (Petitions for Immigrant Investors) and 8 C.F.R. Part 216 (Conditional Permanent Residence). These sections govern how investors apply, qualify, and maintain status through the EB-5 process.
New York City investors must comply with both the federal framework and state-level financial and corporate requirements as applicable to investment vehicles formed under New York law.
Source: 8 CFR Part 204 and 8 CFR Part 216 outline eligibility, petitions, and conditional residency procedures for EB-5 investors.
For the statutory framework, see the INA and the federal regulations cited above, which are accessible on official government sites.
In 2022, Congress enacted the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 to modernize the program, reauthorize the regional center framework, and implement integrity measures. The law affects how regional centers operate and how investors are evaluated and monitored during the process.
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 is published as Public Law 117-263 and is accessible on official government repositories. The changes are intended to increase program accountability and clarity for investors and project sponsors nationwide, including New York City projects.
Source: Public Law 117-263, the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, reauthorizes and updates EB-5 regional center operations and integrity provisions.
Updates to the program and related regulatory interpretations continue to emerge. Always confirm the current framework with an immigration attorney and verify details on federal sources.
There is no direct citizen-ship by investment program in the United States. The EB-5 program offers a path to lawful permanent residence for eligible investors who meet investment and job-creation requirements.
Investors must fund a qualifying project and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. If approved, they obtain conditional permanent residence and may apply for removal of conditions to gain a standard green card.
Yes. An immigration attorney can assess project eligibility, organize source-of-funds documentation, handle filings, and manage responses to USCIS requests. Local NYC experience is valuable for coordinating with financial advisers and developers.
The current framework sets thresholds for standard and TEA-based investments. Exact figures may change with regulations, so consult USCIS resources and a NYC immigration lawyer for the latest amounts.
A TEA is a targeted employment area where lower investment thresholds may apply. Defining TEA status involves government-approved designations and project location specifics, which a lawyer helps verify.
Processing times vary by case and project. The total duration from filing I-526 to obtaining a green card often spans several years, depending on USCIS processing and consular timelines.
Regional centers offer pooled investment opportunities with streamlined job-creation calculations, while direct investments involve creating jobs in a single business. A lawyer can compare options based on your goals and risk tolerance.
No fixed industry limit exists, but each project must meet the job creation and investment criteria set by USCIS. A lawyer helps evaluate a project’s eligibility and sustainability.
Yes. Funds from foreign sources are allowed, provided you substantiate lawful origin and provide thorough documentation for USCIS review.
Yes. Naturalization requires meeting residency and other eligibility criteria, plus a successful application for citizenship after the required period as a permanent resident.
New York City offers high-profile development opportunities, but projects vary in risk and returns. An NYC immigration attorney can assess project viability, compliance, and local regulatory considerations.
Use these official sources to verify program requirements and latest rules:
