Gold Card vs. EB‑5: 2025 Update

On September 19, 2025, the U.S. government officially announced a restructured Gold Card program, introducing multiple tiers and aligning it more closely with existing employment-based immigration categories. This marks the biggest update since the program was first proposed earlier this year. Below is a clear breakdown of the Gold Card’s new structure and how it compares with the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

1. The New Gold Card Structure

• $1 Million Individual Tier – Foreign nationals can make a non-recoverable $1M contribution to qualify under the Gold Card pathway. This is expected to be the most popular option.

• $2 Million Corporate / Employer-Sponsored Tier – Companies may contribute on behalf of sponsored employees, providing flexibility for employers to support immigration options for key talent.

• $5 Million Platinum Card Tier – Provides extended U.S. residency allowances (up to 270 days per year) and certain tax-related advantages. Positioned more as a residency and tax planning tool than a pure green card pathway.

• Integration with Existing Visa Categories – The Gold Card will not replace EB-5 outright. Contributions will be used in conjunction with categories such as EB-1 and EB-2/NIW to support applications.

• Next Steps – Federal agencies have 90 days from September 19 to release detailed rules and processes for adjudication. Investors should monitor these updates closely.

2. EB-5 at a Glance (Well Stablished)

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains fully active and continues under the Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) of 2022, authorized through September 30, 2027.

• Minimum Investment: $800,000 in rural or infrastructure projects

• Job Creation Requirement: Each investment must create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

• Visa Availability: Reserved visa set-asides continue for rural, TEA, and infrastructure projects, with priority processing especially in rural cases.

• Processing: Rural investors are already seeing faster approvals, 4 to 8 months , I-526E Approval

Gold Card vs. EB-5 (2025 Snapshot)

Comparison at a glance:

4. Key Takeaways for Investors

• The Gold Card now includes more accessible tiers at $1M and $2M, broadening potential appeal.

• EB-5 remains fully authorized and offers visa set-asides that provide a faster pathway for many families.

• Investors should follow upcoming rulemaking closely, as final details will determine how the Gold Card integrates into U.S. immigration policy.

At ArcAsia Advisors, we help investors navigate these evolving opportunities—from understanding the new Gold Card structure to evaluating EB-5 projects that align with immigration and financial goals.

📩 For tailored advice, contact us today at info@arcasiaadvisors.com.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Investors should consult independent advisors before making any decisions.