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In the United States the term Golden Visa is not an official legal category. People commonly use it to describe investor-immigration options that lead to lawful permanent residence. The most relevant federal program is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which allows qualifying investors to seek a green card in exchange for a qualifying investment that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Other investor-related pathways may include treaty-investor visas like the E-2 visa for nationals of qualifying countries, and business-based nonimmigrant visas. Immigration law in the United States is federal, so eligibility and processing are governed by national agencies. At the same time local and state rules in Burlington - for example rules on business formation, zoning, licensing, and tax - affect how investments and projects operate on the ground.
Investor-immigration matters typically involve multiple legal areas at once - immigration law, securities law, corporate law, real estate law, and tax law. Common situations where a lawyer is helpful include:
- Evaluating EB-5 projects or other investment opportunities and performing legal due diligence
- Advising whether you qualify for EB-5, E-2, or other visas given your nationality, source of funds, and proposed investment
- Structuring investments to comply with USCIS requirements and with federal and state securities laws
- Preparing and filing immigration petitions and responses to Requests for Evidence
- Handling removal of conditions and petitions to adjust status or apply at a consulate
- Forming local business entities, obtaining required licenses and permits in Burlington, and resolving zoning or permitting issues
- Advising on US and state tax consequences, employment law compliance, and workers compensation for jobs created
- Representing investors in disputes, escrow claims, or project failures
While immigration eligibility is governed by federal law, several local and state legal issues are particularly relevant when pursuing an investor route in Burlington:
- Business formation and registration - You will typically need to form a US business entity or invest through an entity. State-level registration and annual filings are required.
- Zoning and permits - Real estate or operating businesses must comply with city planning, zoning rules, building permits, and local code enforcement in Burlington.
- Securities and investment regulation - EB-5 projects and other investment offerings may be treated as securities. Both federal securities law and the state securities regulator may require registration or an exemption.
- Employment and labor law - Hiring workers to satisfy job-creation requirements involves compliance with state wage, hour, unemployment insurance, and workers compensation rules.
- Taxation - Federal and state tax rules affect investors, entities, and employees. Local property tax, sales tax, and business taxes may apply depending on the investment.
- Consumer protection and licensing - Certain businesses require state or local licenses or are subject to consumer protection regulations enforced by the state attorney general or local consumer agencies.
Because Burlington could refer to different cities in different states, it is important to confirm the specific Burlington jurisdiction that applies to your investment and consult local agencies such as the city clerk, planning department, and state business registration office.
The most common US equivalent is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which offers conditional or direct permanent residence in exchange for a qualifying investment that creates at least 10 jobs. Other options include treaty-based E-2 investor visas for nationals of treaty countries and various business-based nonimmigrant visas. The exact path depends on your nationality, capital, and long-term goals.
Investment minimums are set by federal rules and can change over time. Historically, qualifying investments have ranged from several hundred thousand dollars in targeted areas to over one million dollars for standard projects. Exact figures and program rules can change, so you should confirm current thresholds with immigration counsel or the relevant federal agency.
A regional center is an entity approved by federal immigration authorities to facilitate EB-5 investments that create indirect and direct jobs. Regional center projects can make it easier to meet job-creation requirements but vary widely in quality and risk. Choosing a regional center requires careful legal and financial due diligence to assess compliance, track record, and escrow arrangements.
Yes. In EB-5 cases dependent family members typically include a spouse and unmarried children under 21. For other visa types the family rules differ. An immigration lawyer can explain eligibility and the process for including dependents on visa petitions or green card applications.
Timelines vary by visa type, whether you file directly or through a regional center, the quality of documentation, and government processing times. EB-5 petitions may take months to years depending on visa availability and processing conditions. Expect multi-stage procedures including initial petitions, conditional residency for two years, and a petition to remove conditions later.
Project failure can affect your immigration eligibility. If job-creation requirements are not met, you may face denial of the petition to remove conditions. Investors should review contractual protections such as escrow, rescission rights, and guaranties, and get legal advice on remedies, claims against sponsors, and alternative options if a project fails.
Immigration programs generally require that the investor engage in or be involved with the business in the United States, but permanent physical residence in a particular city may not be strictly required. For EB-5 you must maintain lawful permanent resident status and fulfill any residency obligations tied to that status. Local business operations and job creation are often evidence that the investment is active and qualifying.
US tax obligations depend on your residency status, the investment vehicle, and state and local tax rules. Permanent residents are typically taxed on worldwide income. There are also tax considerations for business entities, payroll taxes for employees, and state-level taxes in the Burlington jurisdiction. Consult a tax attorney or certified public accountant experienced in cross-border investments.
Look for attorneys with specific experience in investor-immigration cases and a track record with EB-5 or relevant investor visas. Ask about their handling of due diligence, securities compliance, and local business matters. Verify credentials, ask for references, confirm bar membership, and request a clear written fee agreement outlining services and costs.
It is possible to file petitions pro se, but investor-immigration matters are complex and mistakes can be costly. Given the interplay of immigration rules, securities law, local regulations, and tax consequences, most applicants benefit from legal counsel to reduce risk and improve the chance of a successful outcome.
Here are types of organizations and agencies to consult when pursuing an investor-based immigration path in Burlington:
- Federal immigration authorities that administer investor programs and publish eligibility guidance
- Federal securities regulators and the state securities regulator in the state where Burlington is located
- The state department that handles business registration, licensing, and commerce for the relevant state
- Burlington city offices such as the planning and zoning department, city clerk, and tax assessor
- State labor department for employment and wage requirements
- State attorney general for consumer protection and securities enforcement
- Professional organizations such as the local or state bar association and national immigration-law associations for referrals to accredited immigration attorneys
- Certified public accountants and tax advisors familiar with cross-border investor taxation
If you are considering investor-based immigration options and need legal assistance in Burlington, follow these practical steps:
- Identify your goals - residency, business ownership, or both - and the timeline you hope to follow.
- Gather basic documentation about your source of funds, resume or business plan, and any previous immigration history.
- Prepare a short list of questions for potential lawyers - ask about EB-5 or investor-visa experience, success rate, approach to due diligence, fee structure, and local regulatory expertise.
- Contact several attorneys for initial consultations. Confirm credentials and request references from past investor clients.
- Perform due diligence on any investment opportunity - request offering documents, audited financials, escrow arrangements, and evidence of job-creation methodology. Have your lawyer review these documents.
- Confirm local compliance matters - business registration, zoning, licensing, and tax issues - and plan for how to meet those requirements.
- Get a written engagement letter that describes services, fees, timelines, and who is responsible for third-party fees or expert reports.
- Keep organized records of all investment and immigration documents, and maintain consistent communication with your attorney through each stage of the process.
Taking a careful, documented approach and working with experienced local and immigration counsel will help you manage legal risks and increase the chance of a successful outcome for your investor-immigration plans in Burlington.
