White House and USCIS are at odds with EB-5 vs Gold Card for Investor Immigrants in 2025
- Rose Odette
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Why U.S. Investor Visas Are About to Get a $5M Glow-Up (And Why Brazil Should Pay Attention)
Introduction
The U.S. just dropped a headline-grabbing proposal: a new $5 million “Gold Card” visa for high-net-worth immigrant investors, replacing the EB-5 program. The EB-5 has long been the path for investors to buy their ticket to the American dream through job creation. Now, the stakes — and the price tag — could be much higher. While Brazil isn’t singled out in the proposal, the opportunity for Brazilian entrepreneurs and dual citizens with Portuguese passports to play in this league just got interesting because White House and USCIS are at odds.
Five Ideals because White House and USCIS are at odds
Bigger Investment, Bigger Access — The “Gold Card” would raise the entry bar from $800K–$1.05M to a steep $5M, signaling exclusivity and high-value economic impact.
Global Talent Magnet — By increasing the price, the U.S. aims to attract fewer, higher-caliber investors with proven track records and significant resources.
Brazilian Strategic Positioning — Brazilians with Portuguese dual citizenship can already leverage the E-2 investor visa route; a Gold Card could add a direct green card pathway.
Job Creation Focus — Whether EB-5 or Gold Card, the U.S. is still looking for investments that directly create U.S. jobs.
Long-Term Residency Benefits — The Gold Card could accelerate residency and citizenship options for those meeting the criteria.
Five Action Items
Monitor Policy Changes — Track official announcements from USCIS and the Commerce Department on the Gold Card’s rollout.
Run the Numbers — For Brazilian investors, assess whether $5M fits your global diversification and U.S. expansion plans.
Leverage Dual Citizenship — If you’re a Brazilian with a Portuguese passport, explore the E-2 visa as a stepping stone.
Partner Strategically — Team up with U.S. advisors who know investor visa compliance and immigration law inside out.
Build Job-Rich Ventures — Design investment projects that go beyond the minimum 10 U.S. jobs to stand out in the approval process.
Conclusion
The investor visa landscape is shifting from a mid-tier opportunity to a high-stakes game for elite entrepreneurs. For Brazilians eyeing the U.S. market, the Gold Card is more than a headline — it’s a wake-up call to position, prepare, and pounce before the rules settle. In immigration, as in business, the early movers often win the biggest prizes.