As US President Donald Trump announces the Gold Card visa, the interest in EB-5 persists among wealthy Indian investors
The United States is undergoing significant shifts, politically, economically, and socially, as it navigates a new era of leadership and policy transformation. These changes have brought uncertainty and opportunity, particularly in the realm of immigration and investment. In February 2025, President Donald Trump announced plans for a new “Gold Card” visa. This wealth-based immigration option would grant permanent residency and a path to citizenship in exchange for a US$5 million direct payment to the U.S. government. Unlike the existing EB-5 visa, the Gold Card would have no job creation requirement and is being pitched as a strategy to help reduce the U.S. national debt, which now exceeds US$36 trillion.
The proposed Gold Card marks a dramatic shift toward wealth-based immigration, potentially transforming the landscape for nearly 1 million Indian nationals stuck in employment-based green card backlogs. While it may offer a faster and simpler route to U.S. residency and citizenship, the programme is exclusively designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Its open-ended issuance structure contrasts with the EB-5 programme’s annual cap of 18,786 visas, which continues to provide a more accessible, albeit slower, pathway for affluent investors.
The enduring nature of the EB-5 Program
Despite the buzz around the Gold Card, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program persists. Under the EB-5, investors must inject a minimum of or US$800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), or US$1.05 million in Non TEA areas, and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. While the process may take time, it offers both security and credibility under U.S. immigration law.
Following Trump’s announcement, interest in EB-5 applications did not wane, but rather increased in momentum. Immigration law firms report being overwhelmed with inquiries especially from affluent Indian investors eager to secure residency before potential changes take effect and applicants rushing to file I-526E petitions, highlighting the sustained appeal of the EB-5 despite the emergence of the Gold Card.
While the Gold Card may attract UHNWIs seeking a fast track to U.S. citizenship, its high cost and narrow focus make it less relevant for skilled professionals or businesses aiming to recruit global talent. Its long-term viability will likely hinge on corporate uptake, legal scrutiny, and alignment with broader immigration reform goals. While the EB-5 programme remains the preferred and trusted gateway for investors seeking to establish long-term roots in the United States looking to bypass the challenges tied to the H-1B visa.
India’s interest remains strong
This interest is not a surprise, given India remains one of the leading countries for EB-5 visa applications. According to USCIS data in September 2024, a total of 1,216 I-526/I-526E petitions were filed by applicants with India as their country of chargeability between April 1, 2022, and July 31, 2024. With only 700 EB-5 visas available per country per year (including dependents), demand from Indian investors continues to far exceed the annual cap, resulting in extended wait times for some categories.
However, there is encouraging news for Indian applicants. As of the March 2025 Visa Bulletin, the priority date remains “current” for those investing in High-Unemployment Area and Rural Projects, offering a faster route to U.S. residency under these reserved visa categories.
The U.S. Department of State recently released EB-5 visa issuance figures for November and December 2024, revealing a record-breaking 4,608 visas issued globally in the first quarter of FY2025, a 90% increase year-over-year. Of these, 335 Unreserved EB-5 visas were issued to Indian nationals, with 82% (276 visas) processed through the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai. Additionally, 18 Reserved visas were issued to Indian investors, including four rural investment visas handled by the U.S. Consulate in Doha, highlighting a growing shift toward diversified investment pathways within the EB-5 programme.
Exploring current trends
Around 95% of these EB-5 investments are directed into real estate, as these projects are well-suited to meet the programme’s core job creation requirement. Within this sector, two primary categories attract investors: high-employment area projects, typically located in economically robust cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and New Jersey, which often include multi-family residential developments, mixed-use buildings, and commercial real estate; and rural projects, found in areas with populations under 20,000. There is also rising interest in sectors such as warehousing, healthcare infrastructure, and manufacturing, though industries like AI and fintech are less common due to their misalignment with job creation requirements.
Undoubtedly, EB-5 programme offers several advantages for investors. It provides a direct route to a U.S. green card, unlike other employment-based categories like EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3, which often involve lengthy queues. Investors are not tied to a specific employer and can live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S. A key benefit introduced under the EB-5 Reform & Integrity Act (RIA) of 2022 is the ability for those already in the U.S. on valid visas (such as F-1, H-1B, or L-1) to file for concurrent adjustment of status, allowing them to obtain work and travel permits within 4–6 months. The programme also supports family reunification, enabling dependents under 21 to obtain green cards alongside the primary applicant.
However, investors should be mindful of the risks. Failure to properly document the source of funds or insufficient job creation by the project could result in the denial of the green card application. As with any investment, the capital must be placed “at risk”, meaning there are no return guarantees. Project performance directly impacts the likelihood of capital repayment. The full process—from investment to obtaining a permanent green card—can take five to six years. Furthermore, regulatory changes may affect future investors, including shifts in minimum investment thresholds and eligibility criteria. That said, all investors who file their I-526E petition by September 30, 2026, are protected under the provisions of the RIA Act, offering a measure of long-term certainty.
Looking Ahead
With increasing interest from Indian investors, the EB-5 program continues to be a strategic route to securing U.S. residency. As visa backlogs persist and global mobility becomes more critical, now is the time for investors to explore their options.
Discover how Citizenship Invest can help you navigate the EB-5 process and take the next step toward a future in the United States.
