The newly launched Gold Card program is now operational, offering a pathway that appears to align with EB-1 or EB-2 immigrant visa categories. While this may be an option for certain individuals, we currently view the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as the more established and flexible route for most investors.
Key considerations for the Gold Card program:
- Eligibility may depend on having an existing EB-1 or EB-2 priority date (PD), particularly for nationals of high-demand countries such as India and China, in order to retain place in line.
- At this time, concurrent filing does not appear to be available.
- The program requires a nonrefundable $1 million donation per beneficiary.
- We are prepared to support Gold Card filings if demand develops.
Why EB-5 remains highly attractive:
- EB-5 continues to offer a clear investment-based path to permanent residence.
- Investors can benefit from grandfathering protections, but these are only guaranteed for petitions filed before September 30, 2026.
- The current EB-5 program is authorized through September 2027, creating a defined window of opportunity.
- Demand for EB-5 is rapidly increasing as investors seek to secure eligibility under current rules.
Our Perspective
While both programs may coexist, EB-5 currently provides greater certainty and strategic advantages for many investors. The Gold Card program may be appropriate in limited scenarios, particularly for those with established priority dates in EB-1 or EB-2 categories.
We are closely monitoring developments and are available to advise on the best path based on your individual circumstances.
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