United States
EB-5 & Gold Card
The American Dream, formalized. Two distinct pathways to permanent residency in the world's largest economy—the established EB-5 program and the new executive-order Gold Card.
Two Pathways to America
The United States now offers two distinct investor immigration pathways: the established EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (created by Congress in 1990) and the new Trump Gold Card (launched via executive order in late 2025). Each serves different investor profiles and offers unique advantages.
The EB-5 program requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)—rural areas or regions with high unemployment—or $1,050,000 in standard areas, as fixed by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. This program is reauthorized through September 30, 2027 and cannot be ended by presidential action alone—it requires an act of Congress.
The Gold Card program, established via Executive Order 14351, offers an alternative route using EB-1/EB-2 visa categories with a $1,000,000 gift to the U.S. Treasury instead of job-creation investment requirements. This executive-order program promises expedited processing and a streamlined application process, though details are subject to ongoing regulatory refinement.
Both pathways lead to permanent residency (Green Card), and after 5 years as a permanent resident—including at least 30 months of physical presence—you become eligible for US citizenship and one of the world's most powerful passports with visa-free access to 186 countries.
Investment Pathways for 2026
EB-5 Regional Center (TEA)
CongressionalThe most popular EB-5 pathway. Invest in a USCIS-designated Regional Center project located in a Targeted Employment Area. These pooled investments fund large-scale developments—hotels, senior living facilities, infrastructure projects—and allow indirect job creation to satisfy the 10-job requirement.
• Investment threshold: $800,000 (TEA) per 2022 Reform Act
• Must create 10 jobs (direct or indirect)
• Processing: ~13.5 months average (faster for rural TEA)
• Program authorized through September 30, 2027
✓ Indirect job creation counts
✓ No day-to-day management required
✓ Cannot be ended by presidential action
EB-5 Direct Investment
CongressionalCreate or invest in your own US business. This pathway requires direct creation of 10 full-time W-2 employee positions. Suitable for entrepreneurs who want hands-on involvement in their US venture and full control over their investment.
✓ Build your own US business
✓ Potential for significant returns
✓ Path to entrepreneurial residency
Trump Gold Card
Executive OrderLaunched in late 2025 via Executive Order 14351, the Gold Card program offers an alternative fast-track route to US residency. Unlike EB-5, this program uses EB-1/EB-2 visa categories and requires a $1,000,000 gift to the U.S. Treasury instead of job-creation investment. No requirement to create jobs or manage a business.
• Treasury gift: $1,000,000 per main applicant
• Uses EB-1/EB-2 visa categories
• No job-creation requirement
• Expedited processing promised
• Corporate and Platinum options available
✓ Streamlined application process
✓ Expedited processing
✓ Gift model vs. investment risk
Program Comparison
| Feature | EB-5 (TEA) | EB-5 (Standard) | Gold Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment/Gift | $800,000 | $1,050,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Job Creation | 10 jobs (indirect OK) | 10 jobs (direct) | Not required |
| Legal Basis | Congressional statute | Congressional statute | Executive order |
| Authorization | Through Sept 2027 | Through Sept 2027 | Subject to change |
| Processing Time | ~13.5 months | ~13.5 months | Expedited (TBD) |
| Path to Citizenship | 5 years after GC | 5 years after GC | 5 years after GC |
Why the United States
World's Largest Economy
Access to a $27 trillion GDP economy with unmatched business opportunities, capital markets, and consumer base.
Elite Education
Green Card holders pay in-state tuition at public universities and have full access to Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and other leading institutions.
Family Inclusion
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive Green Cards with the primary investor. No additional investment required.
Rule of Law
Strong property rights, independent judiciary, and transparent legal system protect your investments and personal freedom.
Life in America
America offers unmatched diversity of lifestyle. The cosmopolitan energy of New York, the sunshine and Latin influence of Miami, the innovation culture of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the entertainment industry of Los Angeles, the business hub of Houston—each region offers a distinct way of life within the same country.
English is the primary language, though Spanish is widely spoken in many regions. The culture celebrates entrepreneurship, individual achievement, and reinvention. Healthcare is excellent for those with insurance (which Green Card holders can obtain), and the education system—from kindergarten through graduate school—is among the world's best.
Business Environment
The world's most dynamic marketplace. Access to venture capital, public markets, and a consumer base of 330 million people.
Diversity
A nation of immigrants. Established communities from virtually every country make integration easier.
Global Connectivity
Major airports in every region with direct flights worldwide. The US passport provides visa-free access to 186 countries.
EB-5 Application Process
The established pathway with Congressional authorization through 2027
Project Selection & Documentation
We help you select a vetted Regional Center project or structure a direct investment. Documentation includes source of funds verification, identity documents, and investment agreements.
I-526E Petition Filing
Your petition is filed with USCIS. This demonstrates your qualifying investment and job creation plan. Investment funds are typically transferred to escrow at this stage.
USCIS Processing
USCIS reviews your petition, verifies source of funds, and confirms the project meets EB-5 requirements. Rural TEA projects receive priority processing.
Conditional Green Card
Upon approval, you receive a 2-year conditional Green Card. If in the US, you adjust status; if abroad, you complete consular processing. You can now live, work, and study anywhere in the US.
I-829 & Permanent Residency
After 2 years, file Form I-829 to remove conditions. Demonstrate that investment was maintained and jobs were created. Upon approval, you receive a 10-year permanent Green Card.
US Citizenship (Optional)
After 5 years as a permanent resident (with at least 30 months physical presence), you may apply for naturalization. US citizenship grants visa-free access to 186 countries.
Gold Card Process
NewThe expedited executive-order pathway launched in late 2025
Streamlined Application
The Gold Card program promises a simplified process compared to EB-5. Using EB-1/EB-2 visa categories, applicants make a $1,000,000 gift to the U.S. Treasury rather than navigating job-creation requirements. The program is designed for expedited processing.
Regulatory Status
The Gold Card program was established via executive order and is subject to ongoing regulatory refinement. Dollar amounts, caps, and processing procedures may evolve. As an executive action, the program could be modified by future administrations. We monitor developments closely and advise clients on current status and optimal timing. Contact us for the latest information.
Important Considerations
Worldwide Taxation
US Green Card holders are subject to US taxation on worldwide income. Proper tax planning before immigration is essential. We coordinate with qualified tax advisors to structure your transition.
Physical Presence Requirements
Green Card holders must maintain US residence. Extended absences (over 1 year) can result in abandonment of status. For citizenship, 30 months of physical presence over 5 years is required.
Program Stability
EB-5 is Congressionally authorized through September 2027 and cannot be ended by presidential action. The Gold Card, as an executive-order program, could be modified by future administrations. Consider your risk tolerance when choosing a pathway.
Investment vs. Gift
EB-5 involves an at-risk investment that may be returned after the investment period. The Gold Card involves a gift to the Treasury that is not returned. Each model has different financial implications.