IMM Group Investment Migration News February 2025: Highlights from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean
March 4, 2025 · Canada · 12 min read
In this edition of Investment Migration News February 2025, IMM Group reviews the month’s most notable developments in residency and citizenship by investment programs. This issue covers:
1. Trump Gold Card: President Trump proposes selling U.S. residency for US$5 million
On February 25, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a proposal to replace the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program with a “Gold Card” program as a pathway to U.S. permanent residence and citizenship.
If implemented, the minimum investment would rise to US$5 million, compared with the current US$800,000. This could directly affect investors who plan to obtain a U.S. green card through the EB-5 program. He added that revenue from the “Gold Card” program would be used to reduce the U.S. budget deficit. Beyond the proposed price of US$5 million per card, no further details about the program were announced.
While the proposal could open a new investment migration route, its feasibility and timeline still need careful assessment. Even if approved, the program could take several months to put in place. Investors planning to obtain a U.S. green card may therefore wish to review their timing with an advisor while the current US$800,000 investment level remains available, before any change takes effect.
2. Two flagship rural EB-5 projects for a U.S. green card, eligible for priority processing
IMM Group presents two flagship EB-5 projects located in rural Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs). Investors in these projects are eligible for priority processing of their U.S. green card petitions (Form I-526E) and can draw on reserved visas set aside for rural projects. This may allow your petition to be processed more quickly, with timelines that may shorten from around 3 years to under 12 months — a distinctive advantage in U.S. investment migration.
1. Aspen Mountain luxury hotel
The project is located in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, one of the leading resort destinations in the United States, which draws millions of visitors each year. It is expected to create more than 1,998 jobs, twice the EB-5 minimum requirement, providing a job-creation buffer that supports petition approval. As an EB-5 project in a qualifying rural area, the Aspen Mountain Hotel offers the potential for faster petition processing and brings together a prime location, a reputable development team, and a strong business case. It may suit investors who wish to combine U.S. immigration goals with a financial investment.
2. Vail Valley luxury apartments
This luxury apartment development comprises three buildings with a total of 242 units in the town of Avon in Colorado’s Vail Valley, one of the leading ski resort areas in the United States, which draws around 2.5 million visitors a year. Housing supply in the area is tight, with a vacancy rate below 2%, which supports the project’s income potential. The project is managed by EB5 Capital, an established regional center operator, and is structured to manage risk, with the aim of a return of capital to investors.
3. Key updates to Canada’s Start-up Visa Program in 2025
2025 brings significant changes to Canada’s Start-up Visa Program (SUV), creating both opportunities and challenges for international entrepreneurs who wish to settle in Canada through business immigration.
Under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, announced in early November 2024, the Government of Canada set out a gradual reduction in immigration levels to ensure sustainable population growth while supporting economic development and easing pressure on social services. As a result, Canada will progressively lower its permanent resident (PR) admissions targets over the next 3 years.
Since April 30, 2024, each designated organization may issue a maximum of 10 Letters of Support (LOS) per year. The Government of Canada is also prioritizing start-up applications backed by Canadian investment capital or supported by a business incubator that is a member of Canada’s Tech Network, both for applications filed before April 30, 2024 and for new applications.
These changes mean applicants need to prepare their applications carefully, with a clear strategy and suitable funding, to improve their chances of approval.
4. European residency by investment in 2025: the most suitable options for investors
Europe’s residency by investment market is going through significant changes in 2025, and investors need timely information to make well-informed decisions. The Greece Golden Visa, for example, has raised its minimum investment to €800,000 (approximately US$897,000) in areas such as Attica (including all of Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other islands with a population above 3,100, and to €400,000 in all other areas. A reduced threshold of €250,000 applies only in the following cases:
- Properties converted from commercial to residential use.
- Renovated properties listed as historic buildings requiring preservation.
From January 1, 2025, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) also revised its property requirement to a purchase of at least €375,000 or a lease of at least €14,000 per year. Notably, Spain announced the closure of its Golden Visa program, with applications accepted until April 2025.
Against this backdrop, programs such as the Portugal D7 visa, Greece Golden Visa, Cyprus permanent residence, and Malta Permanent Residence Programme are well-suited options for investors, thanks to reasonable investment levels and attractive benefits.
5. Grenada citizenship: a leading second citizenship option for global mobility in 2025
2024 was a record year for processing under Grenada’s citizenship by investment program. According to the latest report, a total of 1,676 applications were processed, with an approval rate of 94%. The number of new Grenadian citizens in 2024 reached 5,443, the highest in the program’s history. This reflects a broader trend among entrepreneurs: seeking a second citizenship to optimize their financial strategy, travel freely, and expand international business opportunities.
Investors can qualify by investing a minimum of US$270,000 in the InterContinental Grenada project and holding the investment for 5 years. This 5-star luxury resort offers world-class amenities, from a spa and fine dining to an infinity pool overlooking the sea.
According to the latest announcement from Range Developments, the incentives for investors in the InterContinental Grenada resort project have been updated as follows:
- A developer incentive equal to 4% per year for 5 years (US$54,000 in total). According to the developer, Range will pay this amount within 14 days of the investor receiving citizenship approval and completing 100% of the investment (US$270,000).
- The investor and family receive 7 complimentary nights at the resort each year for 5 years.
For full details, read the linked articles or contact IMM Group to discuss residency and citizenship by investment programs worldwide.
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