What is Immigration Lexicon and how does it help with visa applications?

Immigration Lexicon is a comprehensive immigration resource platform that provides expert insights, assessment tools, and guides to navigate your immigration journey. We offer personalized visa assessments for multiple countries including European Golden Visa programs, US visas (NIW, EB-1A), Hong Kong CIES, New Zealand skilled migration, and more. Our platform combines interactive assessment tools with expert analysis to help you understand your eligibility and develop the best immigration strategy.

Which countries' visa assessment tools are available on Immigration Lexicon?

Immigration Lexicon offers assessment tools for multiple countries: European Golden Visa Assessment covering Italy, Portugal, Hungary, and Greece; Portugal-specific Golden Visa Assessment; Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) Checker; USA Visa Assessment Tool with NIW Qualifier; and New Zealand Immigration Points Calculator for Skilled Migrant Category. Each tool provides personalized recommendations based on your profile and investment capacity.

What is a European Golden Visa and which countries offer these programs?

A European Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants residence permits to non-EU citizens who make qualifying investments. Available programs include Portugal (€280,000+ investment options), Greece (€250,000+ real estate), Italy (€500,000+ company investment), Malta (€690,000+ contribution), Cyprus (€300,000+ real estate), and Hungary (€250,000+ real estate). These programs typically offer visa-free travel within Schengen area, path to permanent residency, and eventual citizenship eligibility.

How much money do I need for a Portugal Golden Visa in 2025?

Portugal Golden Visa minimum investment options for 2025 include: €280,000 for real estate rehabilitation in low-density areas, €400,000 for real estate in low-density areas, €500,000 for investment funds, €500,000 for company investment creating 5+ jobs, or €200,000 for artistic heritage or national heritage reconstruction. The program no longer accepts investments in Lisbon and Porto metropolitan areas, focusing on interior and autonomous regions.

What is Hong Kong's Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) and what are the requirements?

Hong Kong's CIES requires a minimum investment of HK$30 million (approximately $3.8 million USD) in permitted investment assets including stocks, bonds, deposits, and eligible investment products. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no adverse immigration or criminal records, and demonstrate they can support themselves without relying on employment income. The scheme grants right of abode after 7 years of continuous residence.

What is the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) and who qualifies?

The EB-2 NIW allows qualified professionals to self-petition for a US green card without employer sponsorship or labor certification. To qualify, you must meet the three-prong Dhanasar test: (1) your endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, (2) you are well-positioned to advance the endeavor, and (3) it would be beneficial to waive the typical job offer requirement. Priority fields include STEM, healthcare, business, education, and areas of national importance like AI, cybersecurity, and clean energy.

How does the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category points system work?

New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category requires a minimum of 160 points, with points awarded for age (20-55 years), qualifications (bachelor's degree minimum), skilled work experience, job offers, and other factors. The current system prioritizes applicants with New Zealand job offers, qualifications in areas of absolute skills shortage, and work experience in skilled occupations. Applications are processed in order of points, with higher-scoring candidates selected first.

What are the current US visa processing times and approval rates for 2025?

US visa processing times vary significantly by category: EB-1A extraordinary ability takes 14-15 months standard (15 days with premium processing), EB-2 NIW takes 6-9 months (45 days with premium). Approval rates have declined: EB-2 NIW dropped from 96% in FY2022 to 43.31% in FY2024, while EB-1A maintains approximately 60-65% approval rates. Premium processing costs $2,805 and provides guaranteed timelines.

Which investment amount gets you the cheapest European residency?

The most affordable European residency options include Greece at €250,000 for real estate investment, Hungary at €250,000 for real estate, Portugal at €280,000 for rehabilitation projects in low-density areas, and Italy starting at €500,000 for innovative company investments. Additional costs include due diligence fees (€5,000-€15,000), legal fees (€10,000-€25,000), and government processing fees (€2,000-€5,000).

Do I need a job offer for self-petition visa categories?

No, self-petition categories like EB-1A extraordinary ability and EB-2 NIW do not require job offers or employer sponsorship. You have complete control over your application timing and content. After approval, you gain job portability and can work for any employer, multiple employers, or be self-employed. This contrasts with employer-sponsored visas that require specific job offers and labor certification processes.

What are the tax implications of getting a golden visa or green card?

Tax implications vary by country and residency status. US green card holders become tax residents and must report worldwide income regardless of where they live. European golden visa holders may trigger tax residency after spending 183+ days per year in the country. Portugal offers Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status with tax benefits for 10 years. Professional tax planning is essential before obtaining residency to optimize your tax situation and ensure compliance.

Can I include my family members in my immigration application?

Yes, most immigration programs allow inclusion of immediate family members. US employment-based visas include spouse and unmarried children under 21. European golden visa programs typically include spouse, children under 18-26 (varies by country), and sometimes parents or in-laws. All included family members receive the same residency rights, work authorization, and path to citizenship. Family members must meet health and character requirements.

What is the difference between residency by investment and citizenship by investment?

Residency by investment grants temporary or permanent residence rights requiring periodic renewal and physical presence requirements, while citizenship by investment provides immediate passport and citizenship with full political rights. Residency programs (like European golden visas) typically cost €250,000-€500,000 and lead to citizenship after 5-10 years. Citizenship by investment programs cost €1-5 million and provide immediate passports but are available in fewer countries.

Which STEM fields have the highest priority for US immigration?

Priority STEM fields for US immigration include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Clean Energy Technologies, Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductors, Space Technology, and Advanced Materials Science. STEM professionals have higher EB-2 NIW approval rates (77-81% vs 66-71% for non-STEM). Advanced STEM degrees, especially Ph.D.s, are considered positive factors by USCIS.

What are the English language requirements for different immigration programs?

English requirements vary by program: US employment-based visas (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW) have no English requirement for the green card but require English for citizenship after 5 years. New Zealand requires IELTS 6.5 overall for skilled migration. European golden visa programs generally have no English requirements for residency but may require language proficiency for citizenship (A2-B1 level typically). Canada requires English or French proficiency for most economic immigration programs.

How long does it take to get citizenship through investment immigration?

Citizenship timelines vary significantly by country: Portugal offers citizenship after 5 years of legal residence, Greece after 7 years, Italy after 10 years (5 for EU citizens), Malta after 12-36 months for citizenship by investment, and Cyprus suspended its program. US green card holders can apply for citizenship after 5 years (3 if married to US citizen). Fast-track citizenship by investment programs take 3-6 months but cost significantly more ($1-5 million).

What happens if my immigration application is rejected?

Rejection options depend on the program and reasons for refusal. US applications may be appealed, refiled with additional evidence, or pursued through different categories. European golden visa rejections can often be appealed within 30-60 days or applications resubmitted after addressing deficiencies. Common rejection reasons include insufficient documentation, failure to meet investment requirements, or character/health issues. Professional legal assistance significantly improves success rates for appeals and reapplications.

Are there any countries where I can get residency for under $100,000?

Yes, several countries offer affordable residency options: UAE offers 5-year Golden Visa for $5,000+ investment, some Latin American countries offer residency for $25,000-$50,000 investments, and certain European countries have entrepreneur visas requiring minimal capital. However, these programs often have specific requirements, limited benefits, or may not lead to EU citizenship. The traditional European golden visa programs start around €250,000 but offer more comprehensive benefits and EU mobility.

Can I work while my immigration application is being processed?

Work authorization during processing varies by country and visa type. US applicants can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) when filing I-485 adjustment of status, typically approved within 1-3 months. European golden visa applicants usually receive temporary residence permits allowing work rights while applications are processed. However, some countries prohibit work on tourist visas during initial application phases. Maintaining valid legal status throughout the process is crucial.

What due diligence and background checks are required for investment immigration?

Investment immigration requires comprehensive due diligence including criminal background checks, source of funds verification, anti-money laundering compliance, and character assessments. Applicants must provide police certificates from all countries of residence, bank statements, tax returns, and detailed documentation of fund sources. The process typically takes 2-6 months and costs €5,000-€25,000. Some countries require enhanced due diligence for high-net-worth individuals or citizens of certain countries.