How global millionaires are using the golden visa to buy their American Dream

First Post

18-05-2025

The US Golden Visa is an attractive option for people around the globe. It combines the promise of opportunity, education, and security, making it one of the most powerful draws for wealthy individuals and families seeking a future in the United States read more
A view of the iconic Times Square in New York. Representational image/AP
The US Golden Visa combines the promise of opportunity, education and security, making it one of the most powerful draws for wealthy individuals and families seeking a future in the United States.
Firstpost and Moneycontrol bring you a series, titled 'The Golden Ticket', on global golden visas . We look at the US' EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, which is among the top residency-by-investment visas, as per the 2025 Global Residence Program Index by Henley & Partners, an investment migration consultancy.
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Residency by investment, or Golden Visa, is a way to secure immigration, permanent residency or eventually citizenship in another country. These visas provide wealthy individuals the opportunity to effectively 'purchase' residency rights.
Lure of the US Golden Visa
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa attracts global citizens by offering a direct route to permanent residency through investment.
According to Rohit Bhardwaj, Country Head – India at Henley & Partners, 'The US EB-5 programme is attractive to global citizens because it offers a direct path to US permanent residency (a Green Card) by investing in projects that create jobs and stimulate the US economy. This 'golden visa' option provides a relatively fast way for investors and their families to secure permanent residency and potentially US citizenship.
Another reason for the programme's popularity is the access it provides to world-class education and employment opportunities.
'Children of EB-5 investors can attend public schools and may be eligible for in-state tuition at top universities. Unlike many other visa categories, EB-5 does not require a US sponsor, offering independence and flexibility to live and work anywhere in the country,' said Gaurav Nalawade, Country Head, RIF Trust.
Also, for many international investors, the EB-5 serves as a strategic plan B — an insurance policy against political, social, or economic instability in their home countries.
The US is also seen as a safe haven with a strong legal system, robust healthcare, and a high standard of living.
US Golden Visa vs others
According to Nicholas A Mastroianni III, President of the US Immigration Fund, unlike Portugal or Greece's Golden Visas , which offer regional access within the EU, EB-5 provides full integration into the US economy, with the right to live and work anywhere in the country.
'There's no restriction on where the investment is made versus where the investor can reside—something that remains uncommon in most European programmes,' said Mastroianni.
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Further, programmes like Dubai's Golden Visa or Canada's Start-Up Visa offer long-term stay, but often without clear paths to citizenship or permanent residency.
EB-5 is a legislated path to a Green Card and eventual US citizenship, structured through stages (I-526E → Conditional Green Card → I-829). This makes it better suited for families planning long-term educational or generational migration.
'A unique feature of EB-5 is concurrent filing for Adjustment of Status and work/travel permits for those already in the US (e.g., F-1 or H-1B holders). No other residency-by-investment programme—whether Canada, Australia, or the UK—offers interim benefits this quickly while awaiting adjudication,' said Mastroianni.
Henley & Partners' Rohit further states that 'In comparison to EU Golden Visa options, the US EB-5 visa programme and other Golden Visa programmes share the goal of attracting foreign investment, but they differ significantly in investment requirements, job creation mandates, and potential for citizenship.'
Know the US Golden Visa requirements
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme offers a path to permanent residency for foreign nationals who invest in the American economy. To qualify, investors must contribute $800,000 (Rs 6.84 crore) in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million (Rs 8.97 crore) elsewhere into a new business that creates at least 10 full-time US jobs.
'The programme covers the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21, with eligibility for US citizenship after five years of residency. However, processing times can be lengthy, particularly for applicants from high-demand countries,' said Nalawade.
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Applicants can choose between direct investments, requiring active management, or passive investments through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved Regional Centers.
The process involves filing petitions, undergoing USCIS review, obtaining a two-year conditional green card, and later proving job creation to secure permanent residency. After five years, investors may apply for US citizenship if they desire.
Tourists view the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. The EB-5 provides full integration into the US economy, with the right to live and work anywhere in the country. Representational image/Reuters
The procedure
1. Choose a qualifying investment
• Invest $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million elsewhere.
• The investment must go into a new commercial enterprise that will create 10 full-time US jobs.
2. Select Direct or Regional Centre Investment
• Regional Centres are popular and handle compliance and job creation on your behalf.
• Direct investment requires more involvement and control.
3. File Form I-526E (or I-526)
• This petition shows the lawful source of funds and outlines the investment plan.
4. Await USCIS approval
• Processing time ranges from 1.5 to 3 years, depending on nationality and case complexity.
5. Apply for a Visa or Adjust Status
• If outside the US, apply at a US embassy (consular processing).
• If inside the US, file Form I-485 to adjust status.
6. Receive conditional Green Card (2 Years)
• Conditional residency is granted upon approval.
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7. File Form I-829 (Remove Conditions)
• After 2 years, prove job creation and sustainment of the investment to get permanent residency.
8. Apply for US citizenship (Optional)
• Eligible after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Accessibility to other countries
US Green Card holders enjoy easier access to several countries, though visa requirements depend on nationality:
Canada: Green Card holders from most countries can enter without a visa for up to six months.
Mexico: Visa-free for up to 180 days with proof of US residency.
Caribbean & Latin America: Many Caribbean nations (eg, Bahamas, Barbados) and Latin American countries (eg., Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia) offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
UAE & Qatar: Provide visa-on-arrival for certain Green Card holders based on nationality.
Green Card holders must still carry their native passports for international travel.
Once the EB-5 process is completed and the applicant becomes a US citizen, the US passport grants access to 185 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area in Europe.
Validity of the US golden visa
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa grants conditional permanent residency, allowing investors to live and work in the US under specific conditions.
'Initially, investors receive a conditional Green Card valid for two years after approval of the I-526 petition and entry into the US. This conditional status requires investors to prove that their investment has created at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers and that the investment is sustained,' said Nalawade.
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Before the two-year period ends, investors must file Form I-829 to remove the conditions on their green card. The I-829 petition must demonstrate that the investment has met the job creation requirement and has remained active. If approved, the investor receives a 10-year permanent Green Card. This is renewable every 10 years as long as the investor maintains his/her status as a lawful permanent resident.
After holding a permanent Green Card for five years, an investor may apply for US citizenship if they meet the residency and other eligibility requirements.
Under the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, the principal investor can sponsor only their immediate family as part of the visa application. This includes the investor's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.
A return on investment
The EB-5 visa programme is primarily intended to provide US permanent residency, not financial profit. While there is potential for a return on investment (ROI), it is typically modest and not guaranteed. Most EB-5 investments are made through regional centres that fund large development projects, such as hotels or commercial real estate. Investors usually receive a small annual return, often between 0.5 per cent and two per cent.
To meet visa requirements, the investment must be 'at risk,' meaning there's no guarantee of return or capital recovery. After a typical holding period of five to seven years, investors may get back their initial investment—depending on the project's success.
Professional or educational requirements
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme does not have specific educational or professional requirements. Applicants are not required to have a certain level of education, work experience, or English proficiency.
Further, while there are no formal professional prerequisites, some EB-5 projects may require investors to be accredited under US securities regulations.
Other costs involved
While the minimum investment amount is a significant cost, additional expenses like legal fees, regional centre fees, filing costs, and due diligence can bring the total cost to $100,000 (Rs 85.55 lakh) to $150,000 (Rs 1.28 crore).
The US is seen as a safe haven with a strong legal system, robust healthcare, and a high standard of living. File image/AP
Other residency requirements
Although there is no set requirement for the number of days you must stay in the US, to maintain your status, you must demonstrate that the US is your primary residence. But if one spends too much time outside the US, it could jeopardize residency status.
A path to citizenship
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme provides a pathway to US citizenship, but it involves several steps.
'Initially, after approval of your EB-5 petition (Form I-526), you and your family receive a two-year conditional Green Card. To remove the conditions, you must file Form I-829 and prove that your investment has created or will create 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Once the conditions are removed, you receive a permanent Green Card,' said Nalawade.
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To apply for US citizenship, you must meet the residency requirements: a 5-year period of continuous residence in the US as a Green Card holder, during which you cannot stay outside the US for more than 6 months at a time. You must also be physically present in the US for at least 30 months of the five years.
After meeting these requirements, you can apply for naturalisation by filing Form N-400. You must demonstrate good moral character, pass a civics test (covering US history and government), and show English proficiency, unless exempt. Upon approval, you'll take the Oath of Allegiance and become a US citizen.
Local taxes
As a US Green Card holder, you are considered a tax resident and must report and pay taxes on worldwide income, including wages, investments, and business income.
Federal tax rates range from 10-37 per cent, with an additional 3.8 per cent tax for high-income earners.
State taxes vary, with some states like Florida having no income tax, while others like California and New York impose higher rates.
Local taxes may also apply, such as in New York City. Tax treaties and credits, like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, may help avoid double taxation.
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A tourist takes a selfie with Donald Trump impersonator in front of the White House. File image/Reuters
Differences between the US Gold Card Visa and the EB-5 Visa
The US Gold Card Visa, also referred to as the ' Trump Card ,' is a proposed immigration initiative unveiled by President Donald Trump in February 2025. It is designed to provide affluent foreign nationals with a fast-tracked route to US permanent residency and eventual citizenship in return for a $5 million investment.
Bhardwaj says the 'proposed US $5 million Gold Card Visa programme is primarily targeting at UHNI and investors, rather than entry-level or mid-career professionals, including skilled workers from India and we have to wait for further details as to when it might come into effect and the requirements to qualify.'
While the US 'Gold Card' visa has captured attention, the visa remains speculative.
EB-5 Investor Visa vs proposed Gold Card Visa
'No legislation has been introduced. There is no USCIS process, no rulemaking, and no pathway for implementation today. In contrast, the EB-5 Visa Program is not just legislated but reauthorized through 2027 under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. It offers a transparent framework with regulatory oversight, job creation mandates, and protection for investors through concurrent filing and Adjustment of Status,' said Mastroianni.
The fundamental distinction is that EB-5 is based on economic contribution and job creation, whereas the Gold Card—if it ever becomes law—would be based purely on financial payment. The EB-5 programme integrates investors into US development and public policy priorities. The Gold Card does not yet exist in any enforceable or operational way.
'Until such time as legislation is drafted, passed by Congress, and implemented by federal agencies, the Gold Card remains a proposal. EB-5, by contrast, is real, actionable, and structured for long-term planning,' said Mastroianni.
Abhinav Kaul is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol.