Key Takeaways
• Indian EB-5 visa applications surge due to proposed $5 million investment threshold hike.
• Current EB-5 requires $800,000 investment; new gold card visa demands non-refundable $5 million fee.
• Collateral-free loans up to $300,000 help meet $800,000 now but not $5 million future requirement.
Indian Families and the U.S. Green Card Investment Shift: An In-Depth Analysis of the EB-5 Visa Program and the $5 Million Hike
Purpose and Scope
This analysis examines the urgent rush among Indian families to secure U.S. Green Cards through the EB-5 visa program before a proposed $5 million hike in the investment threshold takes effect. The report covers the policy background, current developments, quantitative data, stakeholder perspectives, and the potential impact of the Trump administration’s new “gold card” visa proposal. The focus is on providing clear, evidence-based insights into how these changes affect Indian investors, the broader U.S. immigration landscape, and the future of investment-based migration.
Methodology
This report draws on recent statements from immigration experts, official U.S. government sources, and direct observations of application trends as of June 2025. Data points include investment thresholds, loan options, and job creation requirements. The analysis also incorporates perspectives from key stakeholders such as Deepesh Deshmukh (DSquare Global Pvt. Ltd.) and Poorvi Chothani (LawQuest), as well as official policy announcements from the Trump administration. All statistics and claims are attributed to their original sources, and official government links are provided for further reference.
Key Findings Upfront
- Surge in Indian Applications: There is a marked increase in EB-5 visa applications from Indian families, driven by the impending $5 million hike.
- Current vs. Proposed Investment: The EB-5 program currently requires a minimum investment of $800,000, while the new “gold card” visa would require a non-refundable $5 million fee.
- Financial Accessibility: The proposed hike will likely exclude many middle-class and upper-middle-class Indian investors, limiting access to only the ultra-wealthy.
- Loan Options: Collateral-free loans up to $300,000 are available to help meet the current EB-5 threshold, but these will not be sufficient for the new $5 million requirement.
- Policy Shift: The Trump administration’s proposal aims to replace the EB-5 program with a “gold card” visa, fundamentally changing the landscape of investment-based U.S. immigration.
Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions
To help readers picture the changes, imagine two columns side by side:
- Current EB-5 Visa Program
- Minimum investment: $800,000
- Investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
- Investment can yield returns; funds may be recovered
- Collateral-free loans up to $300,000 available at ~5.95% interest
- Applicants file Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor)
- Conditional green card granted, then permanent residency after conditions are removed
- Proposed “Gold Card” Visa
- Minimum investment: $5 million
- Fee is non-refundable and does not generate returns
- No requirement for job creation or business investment
- No loan options currently available to cover the full amount
- Direct path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship
A bar graph would show a sharp jump from the $800,000 bar to the $5 million bar, highlighting the dramatic increase in required funds.
Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns
Historical Context and Trends
The EB-5 visa program, established in 1990, was designed to stimulate the U.S. economy by attracting foreign investment and creating jobs. The original investment threshold was $1 million, but this was lowered to $800,000 for investments in targeted employment areas (TEAs)—regions with high unemployment or rural locations.
Over the years, the EB-5 program became especially popular among Indian investors. The relatively lower cost, combined with a clear path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship, made it an attractive option for families seeking a future in the United States 🇺🇸.
Current Surge and Application Rush
As of June 19, 2025, there is a clear surge in EB-5 applications from Indian families. Deepesh Deshmukh, Director of DSquare Global Pvt. Ltd., confirmed this trend, noting that many families who were previously undecided are now moving quickly to file their applications. The main driver is the looming $5 million hike, which would make the program unaffordable for most.
Comparing Financial Models: EB-5 vs. Gold Card
- EB-5 Visa Program:
- Investment: $800,000 (can be recouped if the business succeeds)
- Returns: Potential for financial returns and capital recovery
- Job Creation: Must create 10 full-time jobs
- Loans: Collateral-free loans up to $300,000 available
- Risk: Investment risk tied to business performance
- Gold Card Visa:
- Investment: $5 million (non-refundable, no returns)
- Returns: None; fee is a sunk cost
- Job Creation: Not required
- Loans: No known loan options for the full amount
- Risk: No investment risk, but high financial barrier
Patterns and Implications
The pattern is clear: the EB-5 program’s lower threshold and potential for returns have made it accessible to a wider range of Indian families. The proposed gold card visa, with its much higher, non-refundable fee, will likely restrict access to only the wealthiest applicants. This shift could reduce the number of Indian families able to pursue U.S. Green Cards through investment.
Step-by-Step Process: Current EB-5 Program
- Investment: Applicant invests at least $800,000 in a qualifying U.S. business.
- Job Creation: The business must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Application: File Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor).
- Conditional Green Card: Upon approval, the applicant receives a conditional green card valid for two years.
- Remove Conditions: File Form I-829 within 90 days before the second anniversary to remove conditions and obtain permanent residency.
- Path to Citizenship: After five years of permanent residency, the applicant may apply for U.S. citizenship.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- Deepesh Deshmukh (DSquare Global Pvt. Ltd.): Deshmukh observes a significant increase in Indian applications, especially from families who were previously undecided. He highlights the availability of collateral-free loans up to $300,000, which help some applicants meet the current threshold but will not be enough for the proposed gold card fee.
- Poorvi Chothani (LawQuest): Chothani points out that the $5 million gold card will deter many applicants. The fee is a sunk cost, offering no investment returns, unlike the EB-5 program, which allows for potential capital recovery.
- U.S. Government (Trump Administration): The administration’s goal is to attract ultra-wealthy immigrants by replacing the EB-5 program with a gold card visa. This policy shift is intended to simplify the process and reduce investment risk, but at the cost of accessibility for many.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
- Exclusion of Middle-Class Investors: The $5 million hike will likely exclude many middle-class and upper-middle-class Indian investors who currently find the $800,000 threshold manageable.
- Non-Refundable Fee: The gold card’s non-refundable nature is a major deterrent. Unlike the EB-5 program, where funds can be recovered if the business succeeds, the gold card fee is lost forever.
- Rush to Apply: Indian families who were considering the EB-5 program are now rushing to apply before the new policy takes effect. This surge is a direct response to the anticipated loss of affordability.
- Loan Limitations: While collateral-free loans help some applicants meet the current EB-5 threshold, they are not sufficient for the proposed $5 million fee, further limiting access.
Evidence-Based Conclusions
- Accessibility Will Decline: The proposed $5 million gold card visa will make U.S. Green Cards through investment unattainable for most Indian families, restricting the program to only the ultra-wealthy.
- Current EB-5 Program Remains Popular: Until the new policy is implemented, the EB-5 program remains the preferred route for Indian investors due to its lower cost and potential for returns.
- Policy Change Will Reshape U.S. Immigration: The shift from an investment-based program with job creation requirements to a simple fee-based system marks a significant change in U.S. immigration policy.
- Strategic Application Surge: The current rush among Indian families is a rational response to the impending policy change, as they seek to secure green cards before the window closes.
Limitations of the Analysis
- Uncertain Implementation Date: The exact date when the $5 million gold card fee will take effect remains unknown. This uncertainty makes it difficult for applicants to plan with confidence.
- Pending Policy Details: Some details of the new gold card visa, such as possible exceptions or transitional rules, have not been fully disclosed.
- Loan Availability: While loans are available for the current EB-5 threshold, it is unclear if similar financial products will emerge for the gold card visa.
Background and Historical Context
The EB-5 visa program was created in 1990 to encourage foreign investment and job creation in the United States 🇺🇸. Over the years, it has become a popular route for Indian investors seeking permanent residency. The program’s appeal lies in its relatively low investment threshold, potential for financial returns, and clear path to citizenship.
The Trump administration’s gold card proposal, announced in February 2025, represents a major departure from this model. By raising the investment requirement to $5 million and removing the job creation element, the new policy aims to attract only the wealthiest applicants and simplify the process. However, this comes at the cost of accessibility and inclusivity.
Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments
- Imminent Policy Change: The $5 million gold card fee is expected to be implemented soon, though the exact date is not yet confirmed.
- End of the EB-5 Program: Once the new policy takes effect, the EB-5 program as currently known will be discontinued or significantly altered.
- Alternative Visa Options: Indian investors who cannot meet the new threshold may need to explore other visa options or reconsider their plans.
- Need for Official Updates: Prospective applicants should closely monitor official U.S. government announcements and immigration policy updates.
Official Resources and Practical Guidance
- For the most up-to-date information on the EB-5 program, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) EB-5 Program Information page.
- Applicants should consult with immigration law firms specializing in EB-5 and U.S. immigration for personalized advice.
- DSquare Global Pvt. Ltd. offers consultancy services for Indian families interested in the EB-5 program.
Actionable Takeaways
- Apply Now: Indian families considering the EB-5 program should act quickly to file their applications before the $5 million hike takes effect.
- Review Financial Options: Explore available loan products to help meet the current investment threshold.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official government sources for updates on the policy change.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consult with experienced immigration lawyers to understand the best course of action based on your financial situation and immigration goals.
Conclusion
The proposed $5 million hike in the U.S. Green Card investment threshold marks a turning point for Indian families seeking residency through the EB-5 visa program. The current surge in applications reflects both the popularity of the existing program and the fear of losing access due to the new policy. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the shift to a gold card visa will reshape the landscape of U.S. immigration, making it critical for prospective applicants to act swiftly and stay informed. For those still considering their options, the window to secure a U.S. Green Card through the EB-5 program at the current threshold may soon close, making timely action more important than ever.
Learn Today
EB-5 Visa → A U.S. visa allowing foreign investors to gain residency through a minimum investment and job creation.
Gold Card Visa → Proposed U.S. visa requiring a non-refundable $5 million fee without job creation or returns.
Investment Threshold → The minimum required capital investment to qualify for a visa or residency program.
Collateral-Free Loans → Loans granted without requiring asset collateral, used to help meet EB-5 investment amounts.
Form I-526 → The official USCIS petition filed by immigrant investors to begin the EB-5 visa process.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indian families rush to apply for U.S. Green Cards under EB-5 before a $5 million hike. The new gold card visa excludes many middle-class investors, changing the investment immigration landscape and creating urgency among applicants seeking permanent residency through investment.
— By VisaVerge.com
