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The United States does not offer a direct “citizenship by investment” program. In Valley Stream and across New York, citizenship remains obtainable only through naturalization after meeting federal residency and other requirements. This guide focuses on the federal immigration route that is commonly discussed as an investment option-the EB-5 immigrant investor program-and how it affects residents of Valley Stream.
Under the EB-5 program, foreign investors may obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card) by investing in a new commercial enterprise and creating or preserving a certain number of jobs. This is a path to permanent residency, not immediate citizenship. After meeting continuous residence and other naturalization requirements, individuals may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization later on.
Nationwide guidance for EB-5 is set by federal law and procedural rules. The program requires an eligible investment amount and a plan that creates or preserves full-time jobs for U.S. workers. A key rule is that the investment typically leads to conditional permanent residence for two years, after which conditions must be removed through a separate filing demonstrating job creation and investment at risk.
Recent federal changes have shaped how the EB-5 program works, including a 2022 reform act that reauthorized the regional center program and updated investment thresholds and oversight. For Valley Stream residents, all EB-5 activities and filings are handled at the federal level, with state and local considerations playing a supporting role in planning and due diligence. Important: there is no state or local program that grants citizenship by investment in New York or Valley Stream, and applicants should rely on federal guidance from official sources.
Per federal EB-5 requirements, investors must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying entities.See 8 CFR 204.6 for the criteria that define a qualifying investment and job creation obligations. 8 CFR 204
For authoritative current information on the EB-5 program, consult official sources such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS explains that EB-5 is an immigrant visa path leading to permanent residency and eventual naturalization, not an investment-for-citizenship program. USCIS - EB-5
Valley Stream residents pursuing EB-5 often face complex documentation and regulatory requirements that benefit from experienced guidance. An attorney helps ensure the investment structure, source of funds, and business plan meet federal standards and reduce risk of later issues.
Citizenship by investment in the United States is governed at the federal level. In Valley Stream, New York residents follow federal statutes and regulations, with state agencies offering ancillary support for immigration-related matters. The following laws and regulations shape the EB-5 process and naturalization path.
Recent changes from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 influence the thresholds and oversight of investments, with ongoing updates from USCIS on processing times and eligibility. For Valley Stream residents, these changes mean staying current with federal guidance and avoiding outdated regional center assumptions. Public Law 117-102 - Congress.gov
Note that this guidance is federal in scope; there is no local CBI program in Valley Stream. Those seeking citizenship must pursue naturalization after becoming a lawful permanent resident, following residency and other statutory requirements. For official guidance on naturalization timelines and eligibility, see USCIS and DOS resources mentioned below.
EB-5 provides a route to lawful permanent residency, not immediate citizenship. Citizenship comes later through naturalization after meeting residency, good moral character, and other requirements. This distinction matters for planning and timelines.
Begin with a qualified immigration attorney who can assess your eligibility, identify a credible investment project, and prepare the I-526 petition with proper documentation. A lawyer helps ensure funds, business plans, and job creation claims are well supported by evidence.
The standard EB-5 investment is currently higher in most cases, with $1,050,000 as the general minimum and $800,000 for investments in a targeted employment area (TEA). The TEA designation depends on unemployment thresholds and geographic location. Check the latest USCIS guidance for current figures.
Processing times vary, but I-526 petitions often take 12 to 24 months or longer. After approval, you pursue conditional permanent residence, either through a visa abroad or an adjustment of status, depending on your location.
No specific relocation is required for the EB-5 petition itself, but you must comply with residency requirements after obtaining permanent residence and before applying for naturalization. Physical presence principles affect naturalization timelines.
You must file to remove conditions (I-829) and demonstrate that the investment and job creation requirements were met. This is a separate petition filed with USCIS, typically within 90 days of the two-year anniversary of admission as a conditional permanent resident.
Common issues include inadequate proof of the source of funds, insufficient job creation documentation, and poorly structured investment arrangements. A knowledgeable attorney helps mitigate these risks with proper due diligence and record-keeping.
Expect legal fees, government filing fees, and due diligence costs. Government fees include filings with USCIS and visa processing costs; exact amounts vary by year and procedure, so verify current fees on government sites before filing.
Yes, in many cases you may apply for EB-5 while in the United States, but eligibility depends on your current status and the project’s structure. An attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and advise on the best path.
A TEA is a targeted employment area with high unemployment or rural status, offering a lower minimum investment in some cases. The TEA designation affects investment thresholds and requires careful documentation of eligibility and geographic qualification.
Naturalization typically requires years of permanent residence, physical presence, and other criteria. There is no expedited citizenship path solely based on an EB-5 investment; professional guidance helps plan timelines effectively.
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