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People commonly use the term Golden Visa to describe investor-based immigration routes that lead to lawful permanent residence in the United States. In U.S. practice the most relevant program is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which allows qualifying foreign investors and certain family members to obtain conditional permanent-resident status in exchange for a qualifying investment that creates or preserves jobs in the United States. Although immigration law is federal and decided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and federal statute, practical steps tied to investments, business formation, real estate purchases, and job creation occur at the state and local level. In Bowling Green, Kentucky, investors will work with federal immigration processes while also handling Kentucky and Bowling Green business registration, zoning, permitting, tax, and employment rules required to operate a business or complete a qualifying investment.
Immigrant-investor cases intersect multiple areas of law and benefit greatly from experienced counsel. Typical situations where a lawyer is useful include:
- Structuring the investment to meet EB-5 eligibility and job-creation rules.
- Choosing between direct investment, a new commercial enterprise, or a regional-center project and evaluating the compliance history of an EB-5 project.
- Preparing and assembling immigration filings and supporting documentation required by USCIS, including capital-trace evidence and contractual documents.
- Navigating related U.S. visas such as E-2 treaty investor or L-1 intracompany transfer when EB-5 is not appropriate.
- Handling business formation in Kentucky, negotiating leases or real estate purchases in Bowling Green, and ensuring local zoning and permitting compliance.
- Advising on federal and state tax consequences and coordinating with tax counsel or certified public accountants.
- Responding to Requests for Evidence or Notices of Intent to Deny from USCIS, litigating in immigration proceedings if needed, and coordinating with counsel if removal or other enforcement issues arise.
Because immigration adjudication is federal, the local-law focus in Bowling Green is primarily on the investment vehicle and the business or project that will satisfy job-creation and economic-impact requirements. Key local and state aspects to consider include:
- Business formation and registration - You will register entities doing business in Kentucky with the Kentucky Secretary of State and comply with state filing and annual-report requirements.
- Zoning and land-use - Bowling Green zoning, building permits, and planning approvals are required for commercial operations, construction, renovation, or certain types of land use. Contact the Bowling Green Planning and Zoning office for specific requirements.
- Real estate purchases - Foreign nationals generally may buy real estate in the U.S. There are local recording and transfer processes administered by county offices. Title insurance, due diligence, and local property tax obligations are important.
- Employment and labor law - Hiring in Kentucky requires compliance with federal and state labor laws, payroll taxes, workers compensation coverage, unemployment insurance registration, and required employer notices. Federal rules also affect eligibility of jobs created for EB-5 purposes.
- State taxes and incentives - Kentucky has its state tax system and may offer incentives for certain investments. Local tax obligations and incentives can affect project economics and should be reviewed with a tax adviser.
- Licensing and permits - Certain businesses require professional licensing or local permits in Bowling Green. Examples include food service, construction contracting, and regulated professional services.
In the U.S. the term commonly refers to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. EB-5 allows foreign investors to seek conditional permanent residence by making a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates or preserves a required number of full-time U.S. jobs. Other visa options that attract investors include nonimmigrant visas such as the E-2 treaty investor visa and immigration options through intracompany transfers such as L-1.
Yes. Immigration filings are federal and can be submitted while you live or invest in Bowling Green. You will work with USCIS and possibly the U.S. consulate in your home country for visa stamping. Locally you will handle business formation, real estate, permits, and hiring in Bowling Green or elsewhere in the United States.
Minimum investment levels for EB-5 are set by federal law and USCIS and have changed over time. Historically there has been a higher standard amount and a lower amount for targeted employment areas. Because thresholds can change with regulation and inflation adjustments you should verify current minimums with USCIS or an immigration lawyer. The E-2 nonimmigrant visa has no fixed statutory minimum - it depends on whether the investment is substantial in proportion to the business type.
EB-5 qualifying investments typically include new commercial enterprises that create at least the required number of full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Investments may be direct - where the investor is actively involved in a business that hires employees - or made through USCIS-designated regional centers where the project sponsors count indirect and induced jobs under an economic model. Investment in existing businesses can qualify if a new commercial enterprise is established or substantial restructuring meets USCIS requirements.
Direct purchase of passive residential property generally does not by itself meet EB-5 job-creation requirements. To qualify, the investment must be in a commercial enterprise that creates full-time jobs. Real estate developments can qualify if the development activity involves a business enterprise and job creation can be documented and tied to the investment.
Processing times vary. Immigrant-investor petitions can take many months to years depending on USCIS backlogs, the visa bulletin availability for priority dates, whether you use a regional center, and whether additional evidence is requested. EB-5 also involves an initial petition, possible conditional permanent-resident status for two years, and a later petition to remove conditions once job creation and other requirements are satisfied.
Yes. For EB-5 the principal investor's spouse and unmarried children under 21 are generally eligible to obtain the same immigration benefits. For nonimmigrant visas such as E-2 spouses may obtain derivative status and certain dependents may be able to work or study depending on visa type.
U.S. tax rules can be complex for foreign investors. U.S. residents and green card holders are generally taxed on worldwide income. Even nonresidents may have U.S.-source tax obligations. You should consult a CPA or tax attorney experienced in cross-border tax matters to understand federal, state, and local tax consequences of your investment and residence in Bowling Green.
Look for an attorney with specific experience in EB-5 or investor immigration matters and a track record of completed cases. Confirm bar admission and disciplinary history with the Kentucky Bar Association, ask for references, request fee structures in writing, and ensure the attorney works well with local business, real estate, and tax advisers. Consider hiring both an immigration attorney and local counsel for business, real estate, and regulatory matters in Bowling Green.
Job creation is a critical EB-5 requirement. If you cannot demonstrate that the necessary jobs were created when you file to remove the conditions on permanent residence, the petition can be denied. Proper planning, contemporaneous documentation, and use of acceptable economic methodologies are essential. If problems arise, an attorney can advise on remedial steps, alternative evidence, or potential appeals and motions.
Federal agencies and local offices that are useful when pursuing investor-visa options:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - for EB-5, petition procedures, policy guidance, and forms.
- U.S. Department of State - for visa stamping rules and consular processes abroad.
- U.S. Department of Labor - for wage and employment-related guidance.
- Internal Revenue Service - for federal tax obligations and guidance on international tax issues.
- Kentucky Secretary of State - for business entity formation and state filing rules.
- Bowling Green city government and Planning and Zoning office - for local permits, zoning, and building requirements.
- Warren County Clerk or Recorder - for real estate recording and local property matters.
- Kentucky Bar Association - to verify attorney credentials and find referrals.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association - for identifying experienced immigration attorneys and guidance on best practices.
- Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - for local business resources and community orientation.
If you are considering investor-based immigration and need legal help in Bowling Green follow these practical next steps:
- Gather basic documents - passport, source-of-funds records, business plans, and any contracts or investment agreements you already have.
- Schedule an initial consultation with an immigration attorney experienced in investor cases to evaluate eligibility and strategy. Ask about their EB-5 experience, success rate, and whether they work with local counsel.
- Consult a local business attorney and a CPA to address entity formation, tax planning, and licensing requirements in Kentucky and Bowling Green.
- Conduct due diligence on any regional-center project or private enterprise - review offering documents, audits, economic reports, and developer history.
- Plan for compliance - prepare for local permitting, job tracking, payroll setup, and record-keeping necessary to satisfy USCIS job-creation documentation.
- Confirm engagement terms - obtain a written engagement letter from each professional you hire that describes services, fees, and billing practices.
- Proceed with filings only after you are confident the investment and supporting documentation meet federal immigration requirements and local regulatory obligations.
Because investor-immigration matters involve significant financial, immigration, and regulatory consequences consult qualified legal, financial, and tax professionals before making commitments. Local counsel in Bowling Green can help bridge federal immigration requirements with state and local implementation.
