Latest news with #TheGoldenTicket
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
How global millionaires are using the golden visa to buy their American Dream
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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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.
Hype Malaysia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
RM500,000 Cash Vouchers Up For Grabs In Suria KLCC's The Golden Ticket Campaign
Malaysia's iconic experiential shopping destination, Suria KLCC, takes shopper rewards to new heights with the return of its signature prize draw campaign, The Golden Ticket! Running from 9th to 25th May, this sixth edition is the mall's most exciting one yet, where one shopper wins RM10,000 in Suria KLCC Shopping e-Vouchers every single day. Returning with an electrifying new look and an expanded scale, this year's campaign transforms the Centre Court into a life-sized neon playground inspired by the beloved Snakes and Ladders game – complete with lighted panels and a giant dice. Shoppers can look forward to four thrilling ticket tiers: Golden (e-Vouchers worth RM10,000), Ruby (e-Vouchers worth RM5,000), Emerald (e-Vouchers worth RM100) and Purple (e-Vouchers worth RM50). To participate, shoppers simply need to spend RM1,500 and above in two receipts at any specialty store. Each qualified shopper gets to roll a giant dice and step onto the interactive snakes-and-ladders-inspired board to uncover either a Purple Ticket, an Emerald Ticket, a Ruby Ticket (e-Vouchers worth RM5,000), or the coveted Golden Ticket. And when the Golden Ticket or Ruby Ticket is revealed? Expect celebratory music and flashing neon lights to make that moment unforgettable. Shoppers who win the top two ticket tiers will be featured on the Wall of Winners, where they'll strike a pose with oversized ticket cutouts and dice for photos and videos displayed on a rotating screen at the Centre Court. Adding to the atmosphere is a nostalgic arcade photobooth, a claw machine filled with delightful gifts, and weekend treats like candy floss and neon glow sticks for shoppers of all ages. 'The Golden Ticket campaign has become a much-anticipated annual tradition among loyal customers. This year's lucky draw is truly next level — we've doubled the excitement, making sure that everyone who joins leaves with a smile,' said Francis Tan, Executive Director and CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd. For those tuning in online, The Golden Ticket continues in digital form via Suria KLCC's social media platforms — where additional cash prizes await. Of course, Suria KLCC's sister malls also have to get in on the fun! Shoppers at Alamanda Shopping Centre in Putrajaya and Mesra Mall in Terengganu will also hold the Golden Ticket campaign. Running from 23rd May to 8th June, the campaign at Alamanda also assumes a playful theme inspired by the classic childhood game of Snakes and Ladders. This year's setup transforms the Centre Court into a whimsical forest filled with animated snakes, flowers and ladders. Shoppers who spend RM500 or more across two receipts at any specialty stores can roll a giant six-coloured dice for the chance to win e-Vouchers worth up to RM1,000. With 50 prizes up for grabs each day, every participant walks away a winner. Prizes include the coveted Golden Ticket worth RM1,000, Yellow Ticket worth RM500, and Blue Ticket worth RM50 in Alamanda Shopping e-Vouchers. Any unclaimed tickets will roll over to the next day, increasing the thrill with every visit. Each day, one lucky shopper will uncover the Golden Ticket and be celebrated in style with flashing lights, cheerful music, and an on-the-spot photo opportunity with a mock cheque. Over on the East Coast, The Golden Ticket campaign returns to Mesra Mall from 9th to 25th May. Also adopting a similar theme, the Terengganu mall brings the nostalgia of childhood games to life with a vibrant Snakes and Ladders setup at Centre Court. Shoppers who spend RM300 in two receipts at any specialty store can roll a giant colourful dice to unlock a mystery box and stand a chance to win shopping vouchers worth up to RM1,000. A total of 51 prizes are up for grabs daily — including the coveted Golden Ticket (RM1,000), Silver Ticket (RM500), and Blue Ticket (RM30), making everyone a winner throughout the 17-day campaign. The Centre Court will feature a snake and ladder backdrop, complete with playful snakes and towering ladders, providing the perfect photo moment for lucky winners with their mock cheques. With daily carryovers for undrawn tickets, the odds keep getting better as the campaign progresses.
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
RM500,000 Cash Vouchers Up For Grabs In The Golden Ticket Campaign
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Suria KLCC has announced the return of its signature prize draw campaign, 'The Golden Ticket', giving shoppers the chance to win RM10,000 in Suria KLCC Shopping e-vouchers daily from May 9 to 25. Held at the Centre Court, this year's campaign, now in its sixth edition, features a life-sized neon playground inspired by the classic snakes and ladders game, complete with illuminated panels and a giant dice. Shoppers can look forward to four exciting ticket tiers: Golden, Ruby, Emerald, and Purple. Suria KLCC, in a statement, said that to participate, shoppers simply need to spend RM1,500 and above in two receipts at any specialty store. 'Each qualified shopper gets to roll a giant dice and step onto the interactive snakes-and-ladders-inspired board to uncover a Purple Ticket (e-vouchers worth RM50), an Emerald Ticket (e-vouchers worth RM100), a Ruby Ticket (e-vouchers worth RM5,000), or the coveted Golden Ticket (e-Vouchers worth RM10,000),' it said. It added that winners of the top two ticket tiers will be featured on a digital 'Wall of Winners' and celebrated with music and neon lights. They'll strike a pose with oversized ticket cutouts and a giant dice for photos and videos, which will be displayed on a rotating screen at the Centre Court. Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd executive director and chief executive officer Francis Tan said 'The Golden Ticket' campaign has become a highly anticipated annual tradition among loyal customers. 'This year's lucky draw is truly next level as have doubled the excitement to ensure everyone who takes part walks away with a smile,' he said in the same statement. For those tuning in online, 'The Golden Ticket' also continues in digital form on Suria KLCC's social media platforms, where additional cash prizes are up for grabs. Meanwhile, Alamanda Shopping Centre in Putrajaya will run its own version of 'The Golden Ticket' from May 23 to June 8, transforming its Centre Court into a whimsical forest filled with animated snakes, blooming flowers, and ladders.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix Opens Casting Call for Willy Wonka Competition Show
The post Netflix Opens Casting Call for Willy Wonka Competition Show appeared first on Consequence. With its new competition series, The Golden Ticket, Netflix is looking to appeal to Willy Wonka and reality show fans alike. The reality competition, which offers the opportunity to enter 'Wonka's Chocolate Factory,' is now open for casting to US residents 18 and older. Sign up here for your chance to compete in the series. 'Only players who find a coveted golden ticket will gain entry to the factory,' reads the official description. 'But a golden ticket doesn't guarantee a sweet ride once the gates open; only those who can adapt, strategize, and withstand the unknown will make it through. Set inside a retro-futuristic dreamscape, this high-stakes social experiment will challenge players not just physically, but mentally as they navigate games, tests, and temptations designed to probe their instincts, resilience, and ability to thrive in chaos.' The filming location and release date for The Golden Ticket will be announced at a later date. News of an upcoming Willy Wonka competition series first broke in May 2024, when Netflix was said to be taking pitches for ideas. It's the latest project to emerge from the streamer's acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, following the Oscar-winning Wes Anderson short film The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Matilda the Musical. For the contestants' sake, let's hope The Golden Ticket turns out better than the infamous bait-and-switch 'immersive' Willy Wonka experience that went viral for all the wrong reasons last year. Netflix Opens Casting Call for Willy Wonka Competition Show Eddie Fu Popular Posts JD Vance Booed at Kennedy Center Dropkick Murphys Make On-Stage Wager with Trump Supporter Over Where His Shirt Was Made Documentary Claims Jim Morrison Is Alive, Living in Syracuse In 2025, Lollapalooza Has Shed Its Rock Past for Good j-hope of BTS Makes Triumphant Return with Solo Tour "Hope on the Stage": Review American Pie Actress Jasmine Mooney Spends Two Weeks in ICE Detention Facility Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix announces Willy Wonka-inspired reality show where contestants must 'thrive in chaos'
Did you watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a child and think, 'Oh, I would've totally breezed past all those bratty kids and won a lifetime supply of chocolate easily?' Well, now you have the chance to prove it. Netflix has announced that they are in the process of casting for The Golden Ticket, a reality survival competition that will see its candy-loving contestants use their less-than-pure imagination to fight for a chance to enter Wonka's legendary chocolate factory. However, what's waiting for them inside the candy kingdom might not be such a sweet treat. 'We are thrilled to bring the magic of The Chocolate Factory to life like never before,' Jeff Gaspin, Vice President of Unscripted at Netflix said in a press release. 'This one-of-a-kind reality competition blends adventure, strategy, and social dynamics, creating an experience that is as captivating as it is unpredictable. For the first time, a lucky few won't just have to imagine the experience — they'll get to step inside the factory and live it.' Related: Yes, there's already a Willy Wonka Glasgow experience parody — and John Stamos stars in the music video The series, which is described as a 'high-stakes social experiment,' is based on Roald Dahl's titular 1964 novel will challenge participants to 'adapt, strategize, and withstand the unknown' in order to win themselves an unspecified prize. The premise feels like a spiritual successor to that strange, slightly terrifying Willy Wonka-themed experience that took place in Glasgow last year, which even featured a random character named the Unknown. Along the way, its participants will face a collection of both physical and mental games that are set to challenge their 'instincts, resilience, and ability to thrive in chaos.' Losers, we assume, will be thrown into a chocolate river or turned into human blueberries. While a host for the series has not been announced just yet, we've got our fingers crossed that either a member of the Wonka cast (Timothée Chalamet? Hugh Grant?) or one of the Glasgow experience actors will step in to lead the scrumdiddlyumptious social experiment. Related: Freddie Highmore serves 'yummy methamphetamine' in spoof of infamous Willy Wonka fan experience How is all of this happening? Well, Netflix secured the rights to all of Dahl's IP when they acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021. In the years since, the company has teamed up with Wes Anderson to release his 2023 short film anthology, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More. Chocolate connoisseurs eager to prove themselves can apply for the series here, with the show's filming location and premiere set to be announced at a later date. For now, watch the trailer above. Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
