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In Queens, as in the rest of the United States, there is no separate municipal or city Golden Visa program. The term Golden Visa is commonly used to describe investor-based pathways to lawful permanent residence, but these programs are governed by federal law and policy. The most relevant routes for investors are the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and, for some nationalities, the E-2 Treaty Investor visa (which is non-immigrant and not universally available).
Queens residents considering a Golden Visa typically pursue EB-5, which can lead to a green card after meeting investment and job-creation requirements. The process involves filing forms with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), potential approval through consular processing or adjustment of status, and a two-year conditional residency before conditions are removed. Keep in mind that the term “Golden Visa” is used informally by media and practitioners; the official pathway is described in federal immigration law and regulations.
Key realities for Queens investors include the federal minimum investment amounts, the requirement to create or preserve jobs, and the need to document the lawful source of funds. The investment thresholds and procedures are standardized nationwide, though the state can influence certain program details such as Targeted Employment Area (TEA) designations for lower-cost investments. This guide focuses on the federal framework and practical implications for Queens residents.
Quoted guidance: The U.S. government requires proof of lawful investment and evidence of funds in EB-5 applications, with detailed processing standards published by USCIS.
Source: USCIS - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
These are concrete, real-world scenarios in Queens where legal counsel specializing in Golden Visa matters is essential.
Working with a Queens-based immigration attorney or NY-licensed counsel offers localized knowledge, coordination with regional centers, and an understanding of NY business ecosystems that may influence TEA designations and job-creation calculations.
Golden Visa pathways in Queens operate under federal law, but several formal rules and regulatory provisions shape how the process unfolds. The references below name the key statutes and regulations involved in EB-5 and related investor programs.
In addition to federal statutes, an NY-based investor may rely on state-administration processes for TEA designation and project oversight. The New York State leadership of economic development informs which areas qualify for lower investment thresholds in practice. See: USCIS EB-5 program rules and the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act 2022 for more details.
For a formal overview of the EB-5 program and its regulatory framework, consult official sources from USCIS and federal law texts.
Source: USCIS - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Source: Congress.gov - EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022
Source: 8 C.F.R. 204.6 - Immigrant Investor Classification
Source: 8 C.F.R. 216.5 - Removal of Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
A Golden Visa in Queens refers to an investor visa pathway that leads to permanent residency. The common route is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, not a local city program. It requires meeting investment and job-creation criteria and filing with USCIS.
Start with a qualified immigration attorney to assess eligibility, choose a direct or regional center investment, and assemble source-of-funds documents. Prepare to file Form I-526 and plan for either consular processing or adjustment of status.
Yes, you may invest at least $800,000 if designated as a TEA or $1.05 million otherwise, depending on current rules for EB-5. TEA designations are set to reflect unemployment rates and rural definitions based on state guidance.
Initial I-526 processing often takes 12-36 months, with additional time for consular processing or adjustment of status. The removal of conditions occurs two years after conditional residency, followed by a separate petition for permanent status.
Gifts can be acceptable if properly documented and traceable to legitimate sources. The funds must be legally obtained and proven, with a transparent paper trail for USCIS review.
Yes. A local attorney helps navigate NY-specific considerations, coordinate with regional centers or projects, and manage deadlines and RFEs with USCIS.
Yes. The I-526 petition is the initial step to establish eligibility as an immigrant investor and initiate the path to conditional permanent residency.
Direct investments involve hands-on ownership of a business and direct job creation. Regional center investments leverage a designated project or center, often with indirect job creation and easier administrative structure.
Legal fees commonly range from about $15,000 to $60,000 for EB-5 matters, depending on complexity, the investment path, and counsel's experience. Filing fees and administrative costs are additional.
Conditional permanent residency lasts for two years. You must file to remove conditions within the allowed window to obtain a 10-year green card.
TEA designation affects the investment amount. State-level designations influence eligibility, but the ultimate decision is guided by federal EB-5 rules and USCIS review.
EB-5 provides a path to permanent residency after investment and job creation. E-2 is a non-immigrant visa for treaty nationals and does not automatically grant a path to a green card.
Useful official and credible resources for Queens residents pursuing Golden Visa options include:
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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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