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In Long Island City, the concept often described as a “Golden Visa” is not a stand-alone local program. The United States uses federal immigration law to offer residency pathways to eligible investors. The most widely referenced option for investors is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This program allows certain investors and their family members to pursue lawful permanent residence by investing in a U.S. business that creates or preserves jobs.
LIC investors typically pursue either direct EB-5 investments or projects funded through EB-5 regional centers. The process involves submitting an immigrant petition, showing lawful sources of funds, and later applying for permanent residency. The path can lead to a green card for the investor, as well as for eligible family members, provided all requirements are met and maintained throughout the process.
For residents of Long Island City, understanding the federal framework is essential. The program is governed by federal statutes and regulations, not by New York City or Queens County ordinances. A qualified immigration attorney in LIC can tailor a strategy to your circumstances and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration law throughout every stage.
“The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a method of obtaining a green card through investment in a U.S. business that creates or preserves at least 10 jobs.”
You are an investor in Long Island City with funds from a cross-border sale and need to prove lawful source of funds. A lawyer helps organize documentation, verify chain of title, and prepare a credible funds trail so your I-526 petition is not delayed or denied.
You plan to include family members and want to structure the application to maximize eligibility for dependents. An attorney can coordinate I-526 petitions, consular processing, and eventual I-829 removal of conditions for all qualifying relatives.
Your I-526 petition was denied or requested additional evidence. A licensed immigration attorney in LIC can review the decision, prepare a robust response, and consider a strategic refiling.
The regional center option may be appealing, but you need to compare regional center projects in New York with direct investments. A lawyer can evaluate project risk, job creation plans, and regulatory compliance for LIC-based opportunities.
You are navigating changes to investment thresholds or TEA definitions. An attorney stays current on federal rules and helps ensure your plan remains compliant under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.
You must file for removal of conditions after obtaining conditional residence. A lawyer guides the I-829 petition, assembles evidence of job creation, and helps avoid delays.
Golden Visa questions in Long Island City hinge on federal immigration law, not local LIC ordinances. The following authorities govern EB-5 investments and residency pathways in the United States.
Note: The term “Targeted Employment Area” (TEA) and associated investment thresholds are defined at federal and state levels and can change with new regulations. The USCIS and Congress.gov resources below provide current guidance on these topics.
“The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 reauthorized the Regional Center program and updated investment thresholds and TEA definitions.”
What is the Golden Visa in Long Island City used for?
The term is a public reference to U.S. investment-based residency options, primarily EB-5. These pathways grant lawful permanent residency to qualifying investors and dependents.
How does EB-5 work for LIC investors?
Investors must fund a qualifying project and create or preserve jobs. They file an I-526 petition, then pursue conditional residency and eventual removal of conditions (I-829) if approved.
Do I need a regional center to invest in New York projects?
No. You can pursue a direct investment or participate through a regional center. A lawyer helps assess project stability, compliance, and job creation metrics.
How long does the EB-5 process take?
Processing times vary widely. Expect several months for I-526 decisions and several years for final residency depending on consular processing or adjustment, backlogs, and other factors.
What is a TEA and how is it defined for NYC or LIC?
A TEA is a Targeted Employment Area used to qualify a reduced investment amount. TEA definitions depend on unemployment rates or rural designations and can differ by state interpretation.
How much money do I need to invest in LIC projects?
Investment thresholds depend on TEA status. The current framework uses a lower figure for TEAs and a higher figure outside TEAs, but exact amounts are set by federal law and regulations.
Can dependents join my EB-5 application?
Yes. Eligible immediate family members, such as a spouse and unmarried children under 21, may be included in the EB-5 petition.
Should I hire an immigration attorney or a corporate solicitor?
An immigration attorney with EB-5 experience is essential for visa petitions, while a corporate attorney can assist with structuring investments. Many LIC lawyers provide both services.
Do I qualify if I am currently outside the United States?
Yes. EB-5 supports both consular processing for applicants abroad and adjustments for those already in the United States, depending on eligibility.
Is permanent residency guaranteed after investment?
No program guarantees permanent residency. Approval depends on meeting all requirements and successful adjudication by USCIS.
What are the risks of EB-5 investments in New York?
Risks include project performance, job creation outcomes, fundraising structure, and regulatory changes. A thorough due diligence process reduces risk and helps align with immigration requirements.
