Investment-based Pathways to US Permanent Residence: Key Options for Investors

Practical note: this article overviews the information available as of January 29, 2026. I.S. Law Firm notes that the immigration policies and procedures evolve often, therefore, readers or interested parties are encouraged to validate through official channels or consult the firm for confirmation.

Investment-based immigration becomes a progressively strategic tool for high-net-worth individuals who are seeking global mobility, immigration stability, and easy access to international markets for expansion*. It is worth noting that many of those individuals view US residency not only as a relocation option but as part of a larger framework that includes expansion possibilities of their business, diversification of their assets, long-term security, and education planning for their families.

Compared to traditional employment-based pathways, the investment-based channel allows individuals to undergo the permanent residence process independently without heavy reliance on employer sponsorship. Such independence, together with the framework possibilities indicated above, makes investment-based immigration way more appealing to internationally active families.

Below, we outline three pathways in this regard: first, (1) the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the second, (2) the recently launched “Gold Card” initiative introduced by the Trump Administration, and the third (3) EB-1C (Multinational Manager or Executive), which can be an excellent path for certain business owners expanding to the United States.

(1) EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program**

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a well-established and traditionally reliable way of getting US permanent residence via capital utilization. The program links immigration benefits to job creation in the United States. This allows foreign investors to secure lawful permanent resident status for themselves and their family members by contributing to the economic development of the US.

One of the benefits is that the applicants can participate in this program through the Regional Centers***, which enables investment in pre-approved projects rather than direct business operations. The minimum qualifying investment for the capital to be placed in a designated targeted employment area is USD 800,000. Such investment should create or preserve, at least, ten permanent full-time US jobs. Recent regulatory updates have also reduced the government filing fee for EB-5 petitions, lowering the cost barrier for eligible applicants.

(2) The Premium “Gold Card” Initiative

In the second quarter of 2025, the US government introduced a new residency channel called the “Gold Card”. It is a premium offering established for high-net-worth individuals. The aim of the program is to attract major capital contributions via the fast-track immigration process. Simply, applicants register through a specific government platform and pay a USD 15,000 processing fee. The distinctive nature is that the Gold Card does not rely on job creation or employment elements. It is based on a substantial financial contribution, which is USD 1 million per applicant****.

Successful candidates are granted permanent resident status through existing immigrant visa classifications, typically within the EB-1 or EB-2 frameworks, provided they independently satisfy eligibility and admissibility requirements and a visa number is available.

It must be noted that, considering the high value of the filing, the source of funds will be subject to significant scrutiny. In this regard, detailed documentation tracing the origin and movement, as well as the lawful nature of assets are key factor for a successful preparation.

(3) EB-1C (Multinational Manager or Executive)

EB 1C is the employment-based first preference immigrant category for a Multinational Manager or Executive. It is often a strong green card strategy for business owners and executives who operate a foreign company and are expanding into the United States through a related U.S. entity.

General requirements include:

• The U.S. petitioner must have a qualifying corporate relationship with the foreign company (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).

• The foreign company must be actively doing business.

• The employee must have worked outside the United States for at least one continuous year within the last three years in a managerial or executive capacity.

• The employee must be coming to the United States to work in a managerial or executive capacity for the U.S. entity.

• The U.S. entity must be able to support a true managerial or executive role, meaning the position is primarily focused on managing people, functions, or the organization, not performing day-to-day operational tasks.

EB 1C is closely related to the L 1A category. Many applicants first enter the United States in L 1A status to open or grow the U.S. office and then transition to EB 1C once the U.S. company has developed enough staffing and organizational structure.

Which one should you choose?

Basically, for individuals who intend to have a predictable and clear residency pathway, EB-5 is a recommended option. It has an established practice and a history, which gives a certain level of clarity. But at the same time, “Gold Card” is interesting to individuals who wish to have a fast-track and a premium pathway. Noteworthy to mention that, unlike EB-5, the third option of EB-1C does not require a minimum dollar investment amount and is not based on investing in a project. Instead, it is based ona multinational corporate structure and qualifying executive or managerial experience

Regardless of the choice, there are two major benefits of the first and the second investment-based immigration pathways. The first benefit is the possibility for family and lifestyle planning. They are for individuals looking for a combined way of U.S. residence to expand educational and career opportunities for their children and to gain long-term geographic flexibility and business mobility. Second, they are self-sponsored and independent, meaning that both the EB-5 Program and the “Gold Card” eliminate the need for a US employer, job offer, or labor certification. For investors managing diversified holdings or international enterprises, this independence is often a decisive advantage.

Concluding Observations

In general, investment-based immigration is an attractive alternative to traditional channels. It is designed for individuals who are seeking control, flexibility, and long-term certainty. When prepared and applied properly, these pathways allow investors the very important business-driven advantage: it allows to align capital deployment with residence planning, and secure family-based strategic decisions regarding the United States. Hence, it is strongly recommended to conduct careful analysis and engage experienced legal guidance to manage risk and ensure full compliance.

For inquiries regarding eligibility, structuring, or application strategy under the EB-5, “Gold Card” programs or EB-1C, please contact I.S. Law Firm at law@islawfirm.com or book a consultation.

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*As an example, such tool is strong among investors from the Middles East and North Africa (MENA) region.

**See at: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program 

***An EB-5 regional center is an economic unit, public or private, in the United States, involved with promoting economic growth. Regional centers are designated for participation in the Immigrant Investor Program.

****The program also permits corporate participation. Companies may sponsor an individual by making a USD 2 million contribution, with the added flexibility to designate or later change the intended beneficiary.