The US Golden Card Visa has gained significant attention in 2025 as an attractive pathway for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals seeking long-term residency in the United States. While the "Golden Card" is not an official visa category, it is often associated with investment-based Green Cards, primarily the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and similar employment-based visas. 

This guide provides everything you need to know about the US Golden Card Visa in 2025, including the latest updates, opportunities, and application details.  

What Is the US Golden Card?

 
The US Golden Card Visa is a permanent residency (Green Card) option for investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals who want to live and work in the United States.
 
The most common way to obtain this status is through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which grants Green Cards to foreign investors who meet specific investment and job creation requirements.

Other visa pathways often associated with a "Golden Visa" model include:
 

• E-2 Investor Visa (for citizens of treaty countries)
• EB-1 Visa (for extraordinary talent in business, science, arts, or athletics)
• L-1 Visa (for executives and managers transferring within multinational companies)

For this guide, we’ll primarily focus on the EB-5 visa, as it closely resembles the traditional Golden Visa model used in other countries.
 

US Golden Card Visa 2025: Latest Updates

 
As of 2025, several policy changes and improvements have been introduced to make the EB-5 visa program more efficient and attractive to foreign investors. Here are some key updates:
 

1. Minimum Investment Remains Stable

• The minimum investment requirement remains $800,000 for projects in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
• For non-TEA investments, the minimum remains $1,050,000.
• TEA investments include rural areas or regions with high unemployment to encourage economic growth.

2. Priority Processing for Rural Investments

• Investors who choose rural TEA projects now get priority processing, reducing waiting times.
• This means potential faster Green Card approvals compared to urban investments.

3. Concurrent Adjustment of Status for Investors Already in the US

• If you're already in the U.S. on a valid visa, you can apply for a Green Card without leaving the country.
• This change reduces delays and allows investors to continue living in the U.S. while their application is processed.

4. Faster I-526 Processing for Certain Applicants

• The I-526 petition (initial application for EB-5 investors) has seen processing improvements, with some cases now being reviewed in 12 to 18 months, compared to the previous 2+ years.

5. Reserved Visas for High-Demand Investors

• A portion of EB-5 visas is now reserved for rural projects, high-unemployment areas, and infrastructure investments.
• This means faster access to a Green Card for investors choosing these priority categories.

6. Increased Oversight & Transparency

• The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) has implemented stricter compliance rules to prevent fraud and ensure investment funds are legally sourced.

New Opportunities with the US Golden Card

 
For investors and entrepreneurs, 2025 brings exciting new opportunities under the Golden Card Visa program.
 

1. Expanding Business in the US Market

• With a US Green Card, investors can launch businesses, expand operations, and partner with American companies without restrictions.
• The EB-5 program offers a unique advantage for foreign entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses in the world’s largest economy.

2. Access to the US Real Estate Market

• Many investors are leveraging their EB-5 visa status to invest in the booming US real estate market.
• While passive real estate investments alone don’t qualify, purchasing property through an active development or business venture does.

3. Education & Residency Benefits for Families

• The EB-5 visa extends to spouses and children (under 21), allowing them to live, work, and study in the U.S.
• Children can attend top US universities as residents, which often means lower tuition fees compared to international students.

4. Pathway to US Citizenship

• After maintaining a Green Card for 5 years, EB-5 investors can apply for US citizenship, gaining access to a powerful passport with global travel benefits.

5. Remote Work & Tech Entrepreneurship

• With the rise of remote work and digital nomad culture, many tech entrepreneurs are using the EB-5 visa to establish US-based startups while operating businesses globally.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the US Golden Card Visa (EB-5)

 
If you’re considering applying for an EB-5 Golden Card Visa in 2025, here’s what the process looks like:
 

Step 1: Select an Investment Project

• Choose between: 
  • Direct Investment (starting your own business)
  • Regional Center Investment (investing in an approved project)
• Most investors opt for Regional Centers, as they manage job creation and compliance requirements.

Step 2: File Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition)

• This form proves your eligibility as an investor and outlines your investment.
• Processing time: 12 to 24 months (faster for priority investments).

Step 3: Visa Availability & Adjustment of Status

• If a visa is available for your country, apply for a Green Card via: 
  • Form I-485 (if in the US)
  • DS-260 (if outside the US, processed via the US Embassy).
• Processing time: 6 to 12 months.

Step 4: Receive a Conditional Green Card (2 Years)

• Your first Green Card is conditional and valid for 2 years.
• You must prove that your investment is active and has created at least 10 jobs.

Step 5: File Form I-829 to Remove Conditions

• Before your conditional Green Card expires, file Form I-829 to remove restrictions.
• Once approved, you receive a permanent Green Card.

Step 6: Apply for US Citizenship (Optional)

• After 5 years as a Green Card holder, you can apply for naturalization to become a US citizen.

How Long Does It Take to Get a US Golden Card?

 
Processing times can vary, but typical timelines in 2025 look like this:
 

1. I-526E Approval: 12–24 months
2. Visa Availability Wait Time: 0–5+ years (depends on nationality)
3. I-485 or DS-260 Processing: 6–12 months
4. Conditional Green Card Validity: 2 years
5. I-829 Processing (to remove conditions): 1–2 years

Total time for permanent residency: 3 to 6+ years.
 

Is the US Golden Card Worth It in 2025?

 
For high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors, the US Golden Card Visa (EB-5 Program) remains one of the most secure and direct paths to US residency.
 

Pros:

 
✅ Permanent Residency for You & Your Family
✅ Business Expansion Opportunities
✅ No Employment Sponsorship Needed
✅ Pathway to US Citizenship
✅ Access to the Best Education & Healthcare
 

Cons:

 
❌ High Investment Requirement ($800K–$1.05M)
❌ Processing Can Take Several Years
❌ Investment Must Be "At Risk" (No Guarantees)
 
If you have the capital and patience for the multi-year process, the US Golden Card Visa remains one of the most attractive residency options worldwide.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get the US Golden Card Visa?

Processing time varies between 12 to 36 months, depending on USCIS workload and investment type.

2. Can I invest in real estate for the Golden Card Visa?

Yes, real estate investments in key US markets are an eligible pathway.

3. Is my family included in my application?

Yes, spouses and children under 21 receive residency benefits.

4. Can I apply for US citizenship through the Golden Card Visa?

Yes, after 5 years of holding a Green Card, applicants may apply for naturalization.

5. What are the risks of the Golden Card Visa?

Investment risks include capital loss, policy changes, and long processing times.

6. Does the US Golden Card Visa require job creation?

Unlike the EB-5 Visa, there are no strict job creation requirements. 

Final Thoughts

 
The US Golden Card Visa in 2025 presents new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. With priority processing, concurrent status adjustments, and investment flexibility, it’s a strong pathway to a US Green Card.
 
Thinking of applying? Consult an immigration attorney to make the process smoother and ensure you choose the right investment strategy.
 
Would you consider investing for a US Golden Card Visa? Let us know in the comments!