Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Bellerose

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Priya Mathon Law Firm, PLLC.
Bellerose, United States

Founded in 2018
English
Priya Mathon Law Firm, PLLC is a New York based practice focusing on immigration and real estate law, delivering precise strategy and practical counsel for individuals and businesses navigating complex legal challenges. The firm handles family-based immigration, deportation defense,...
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1. About Golden Visa Law in Bellerose, United States

In Bellerose, residents seeking a so-called Golden Visa typically pursue the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. There is no separate state or local Golden Visa program in New York that automatically grants residency based on investment. The program is federal, with designations and rules set by U.S. law and federal agencies.

Under the EB-5 program, a foreign national must invest in a new commercial enterprise and create at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Successful applicants receive conditional permanent residence for two years, after which they may apply to remove those conditions if job creation and investment criteria are satisfied. The process can involve either a direct investment or investment through a Regional Center.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a path to lawful permanent residence for foreign investors who invest in a U.S. business and create at least 10 full-time jobs. USCIS EB-5

Because EB-5 is federal, most local matters in Bellerose involve forming a U.S. entity, coordinating with New York State and Nassau County regulations, and handling immigration filings with federal authorities. You will also need careful planning around tax compliance and business operations in New York.

Recent trends include ongoing adjustments to investment thresholds and TEA designations, as well as heightened scrutiny of source of funds and job-creation plans. See official federal guidance for the most current requirements. DOS EB-5 guidance

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Structuring your EB-5 investment correctly is essential to meet program requirements and avoid delays. An immigration attorney can tailor a plan around a direct investment in a Nassau County or New York-based enterprise or through a Regional Center, aligning with TEA designations and job creation plans.

You must document the lawful source of funds used for the investment. A lawyer coordinates with accountants and financial professionals to compile tax returns, bank records, and asset provenance to satisfy USCIS requests. This preparation reduces the risk of requests for evidence or denial decisions.

Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS is common in EB-5 filings. An immigration attorney can craft precise responses, gather missing documents, and adjust the business plan to satisfy the evidentiary standards for investment, job creation, and source of funds.

Removing conditions on residency is a separate filing (I-829) due two years after conditional residency. A lawyer helps gather ongoing job-creation documentation, financial audits if required, and timely submissions to USCIS. Delays here can affect your ability to obtain permanent residence on schedule.

You may also compare direct EB-5 investments with Regional Center options to balance risk, timeline, and reporting obligations. A local attorney with NY experience can help you evaluate project risk, reporting requirements, and regional center oversight. This choice can affect processing speed and eligibility for certain project types.

Finally, if your plans include alternatives such as an E-2 visa for treaty nationals, a lawyer can explain eligibility, timelines, and how those routes interact with or differ from EB-5. A qualified solicitor can help you map a coherent, legally sound immigration strategy.

3. Local Laws Overview

The Golden Visa framework in Bellerose is primarily governed by federal immigration law and regulations. Local and state authorities play supporting roles in corporate formation, taxation, and business licensing tied to an EB-5 investment project.

  • Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 203(b)(5) - Establishes the EB-5 immigrant investor category and statutory framework for employment creation and visa allocation.
  • 8 C.F.R. 204.6 - EB-5 immigrant investor regulations, including investment amounts and connection to Targeted Employment Areas.
  • 8 C.F.R. 216.6 - Conditional permanent resident status and the removal of conditions process via I-829 after two years.

Targeted Employment Area (TEA) designations affect the required investment amount. A TEA is typically defined by unemployment thresholds or rural status, and states or regional authorities often designate TEAs for EB-5 projects. For specifics, see USCIS guidance on TEAs and the associated regulatory framework. What is a TEA? USCIS overview

A TEA is a geographic area that, at the time of investment, is a high-unemployment area or rural area. USCIS TEA guidance

Recent changes emphasize proof of lawful funds and robust job-creation plans, along with clearer pathways for I-526 and I-829 filings. Federal agencies periodically update forms, processing standards, and investment thresholds. For current rules, consult the USCIS and DOS pages linked below. DOS EB-5 program information

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa as used in the United States?

The term refers to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in practice. It does not imply automatic residency and requires a qualifying investment that creates jobs. Eligibility is determined at the federal level through USCIS and related statutes.

How do I start the EB-5 process in Bellerose, NY?

Begin by assessing whether a direct investment or Regional Center path suits your goals. Then consult a U.S. immigration attorney to prepare an I-526 petition and the accompanying business plan. The attorney coordinates with your financial team and filings with USCIS.

What is a TEA and how do I qualify in New York?

A TEA is a high-unemployment or rural area designated for lower investment thresholds. In New York, TEA designations are determined using state and federal unemployment data and must be confirmed for the project. Your lawyer will verify TEA status for your investment site.

How long does I-526 processing typically take?

Processing times vary by case and region, but typical ranges are from 12 to 60 months. An immigration attorney can help manage expectations and respond efficiently to any USCIS RFEs during this period.

How much do I need to invest in EB-5 currently?

The standard minimum is $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the project is in a TEA. These thresholds are subject to regulatory updates and must be confirmed before filing.

Do I need to live in New York to qualify for EB-5?

No. EB-5 eligibility is federal. You may reside anywhere, but certain investment and business-plan considerations may be centralized in New York for New York-based projects.

What is the difference between direct EB-5 and Regional Center EB-5?

Direct EB-5 requires direct job creation by your investment. Regional Center EB-5 can count indirect and induced jobs and may simplify project management and reporting. Each path has different timelines and risk profiles.

How do I show lawful source of funds for the investment?

You must document the origin of funds with records such as tax returns, bank statements, and asset transfers. An immigration attorney coordinates with financial professionals to compile the evidence for I-526.

What costs should I expect beyond the investment itself?

Expect attorney fees, filing fees, business-formation costs, and potential accounting or auditing fees. These costs vary by project and may be substantial, so plan accordingly with your counsel.

When can I file to remove conditions on residency?

Removal of conditions (I-829) is due within the 90-day period before the second anniversary of obtaining conditional residence. A lawyer helps prepare the evidence package and ensures timely filing.

What is the overall timeline from investment to permanent residency?

Typical timelines span several years, often 3 to 5 years or more, depending on petition type, RFEs, and country-specific backlogs. Your attorney will map an estimated schedule for your case.

Can an attorney help with I-829 submission and removal of conditions?

Yes. An experienced immigration attorney coordinates evidence of continued investment and job creation, aligns deadlines, and handles responses to USCIS requests to maximize chances of successful removal of conditions.

5. Additional Resources

These official sources provide authoritative guidance on the EB-5 program and related requirements:

  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - EB-5 - Overview, eligibility, and filing details for the immigrant investor program. https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5
  • U.S. Department of State (DOS) - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program - Visa processing, country backlogs, and program information. https://travel.state.gov
  • Empire State Development (New York State) - EB-5 and foreign investment information - State-level resources and guidelines for investors and projects in New York. https://esd.ny.gov

6. Next Steps

  1. Define your objective and budget for an EB-5 investment, including whether you prefer direct or Regional Center options.
  2. Consult a Nassau County or New York immigration attorney to assess eligibility, TEA status, and project due diligence within 2 weeks of initial contact.
  3. Gather core documents: passport, birth certificate, proof of funds, tax records, and corporate documents if investing via a business entity.
  4. Choose a path (direct EB-5 vs Regional Center) and prepare a tailored business plan with an investment structure that satisfies job creation goals.
  5. File the I-526 petition with USCIS, coordinating with your attorney to respond promptly to any RFEs. Expect processing times that may span months to years.
  6. Plan for post-approval steps: adjust status or consular processing, and prepare for conditional residency and later I-829 removal of conditions after two years.
  7. Set up ongoing compliance checks, including accounting, annual reporting, and documentation of job creation to support the removal of conditions.

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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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