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The term Golden Visa is not used in Atwater or California as a municipal program. In the United States, the closest equivalent is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, operated at the federal level. This program offers permanent residence to foreign investors who fund job creating projects in the United States.
Under the EB-5 framework, an investor must invest in a new commercial enterprise and demonstrate that at least 10 full-time jobs are created for U.S. workers or that the investment supports targeted employment area projects. In Atwater, the investment can be routed through a regional center or a direct investment in a standalone business, but the job creation and source of funds requirements remain central.
Recent reforms and ongoing implementation changes affect investment thresholds and regional center operations. As of 2022, a major update known as the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act established new rules for regional centers, clarified TEA definitions, and extended program stability. Investors should review current thresholds and eligibility with a qualified attorney before proceeding.
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5
Source: U.S. Department of State - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visas https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/employment-based-immigrant-visas-investors-eb-5.html
In Atwater, Golden Visa matters are governed primarily by federal immigration law rather than city ordinances. The following federal authorities and regulations shape how EB-5 works in practice for residents of Atwater and Merced County.
Unemployment data used to determine TEA status is drawn from federal agencies and statewide labor statistics. Investors should check the latest TEA determinations through official sources to confirm investment thresholds apply to their project site.
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - EB-5 Program Details https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5
Source: U.S. Department of State - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visas https://travel.state.gov/.../EB-5.html
The EB-5 program is the U.S. pathway for foreign investors to obtain conditional permanent residence. It functions as the American version of a Golden Visa, but it is administered at the federal level and requires an investment that creates jobs.
Begin with a consultation to evaluate your budget, TEA status, and investment options. Your attorney will help assemble documents and select between direct and regional center investment.
No. TEA status is determined by the investment location and its unemployment data. The investment can be in a project in the broader region as long as it meets TEA criteria at the time of filing.
The standard minimum is $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the investment is in a TEA. Confirm current thresholds with USCIS because they can evolve with reforms.
Processing times vary by workload and project type, but many investors see several months to over a year for I-526 approval. Your attorney can provide current estimates based on your case specifics.
You will have conditional permanent residence for two years. You must timely file I-829 to remove conditions and demonstrate ongoing investment and job creation.
Yes. The EB-5 petition can include a spouse and unmarried children under 21 who may receive conditional permanent residence along with the primary investor.
You must show where the investment funds originated, including bank statements, gift deeds, business income records, and tax documents. A lawyer helps ensure completeness and coherence.
Regional centers manage project administration and job counting, while direct investments require the investor to directly create jobs. Each path has distinct compliance and risk profiles.
Fees vary by complexity, but expect a range for initial consultation, document preparation, and filing. A detailed engagement letter will specify services and milestones.
Yes. Legislative updates and administrative policy shifts can alter thresholds, processing times, and regional center eligibility. Stay in touch with your attorney for timely guidance.
While not mandatory, a local attorney can help coordinate with in-state classifiers, tax consultants, and regional center contacts to streamline the process.
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The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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