USA Gold Card Program

In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump announced on February 25, 2025, the introduction of the “Gold Card” program, poised to replace the longstanding EB-5 visa program. This initiative, detailed during an Oval Office event, offers permanent residency and a path to citizenship for foreign investors willing to pay $5 million. As of February 26, 2025, the program is slated to launch in about two weeks, around March 11, 2025, though specifics remain under development. This survey note provides a comprehensive examination of the Gold Card, its eligibility, differences from EB-5, benefits, economic implications, expert opinions, and advice for potential applicants, optimized for keywords like “USA Gold Card visa,” “EB-5 visa replacement,” and “investment visa USA.”

 

Background and Context

The EB-5 visa, established in 1990, has been a key avenue for foreign investors to gain permanent residency by investing in U.S. businesses that create jobs, with a minimum investment of $1,050,000 (or $840,000 in targeted employment areas) and a requirement to create or preserve at least 10 jobs About the EB-5 Visa Classification | USCIS. 

About 8,000 people obtained EB-5 visas in the year ending September 30, 2022, according to the Homeland Security Department’s Yearbook of Immigration Statistics. However, the program has faced criticism for fraud risks, including verifying the legality of funds, as noted in a 2021 Congressional Research Service report.

 

On February 25, 2025, Trump proposed the Gold Card as a replacement, describing it as “somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication” Trump Plans ‘Gold Card’ Alternative to Green Cards for ‘HighLevel People’ – The New York Times. He stated, “We’re going to be selling a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of  about $5 million and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship” US will sell ‘gold card’ to wealthy foreigners, Trump says,replacing EB-5 visa program | CNN Politics. 

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added that it would “do away with fraud and ‘nonsense’ that he said characterize the EB-5 program,” emphasizing vetting for “exceptional global citizens” Trump’s EB5 Gold Card: Everything You Need to Know About the$5M Visa Program – Newsweek.

 

What is the Gold Card?

The Gold Card is a new immigration program offering permanent residency (green card) and a path to citizenship for a $5 million payment to the U.S. government. Unlike EB-5, it does not require investment in a specific business, focusing instead on direct financial contribution. 

Trump suggested the program could sell millions of cards, potentially generating significant revenue to reduce the national deficit What to Know About $5M ‘Trump Gold Card’ Path to U.S.Citizenship | TIME. The announcement, made on February 25, 2025, indicates a launch in two weeks, but as of February 26, 2025, detailed regulations are pending.

 

Eligibility Criteria

The primary criterion is the ability to pay $5 million, as stated by Trump. However, Lutnick mentioned “thorough vetting processes to ensure that applicants are exceptional global citizens,” suggesting additional checks for background and character Trump’s EB5 Gold Card: Everything You Need to Know About the$5M Visa Program – Newsweek. There’s also mention of companies potentially using the program to sponsor high-skilled or highly educated employees, such as foreign students from top U.S. colleges, though this aspect remains unclear Trump introduces a green card for the rich: the gold card – NPR. Given the program’s novelty, applicants should expect evolving criteria.

 

Comparison Gold Card and  EB-5 Visa

To highlight the differences, consider the following table:

Aspect	Gold Card	EB-5 Visa
Investment Amount	$5 million (flat fee)	$1,050,000 (or $840,000 in TEAs)
Job Creation	Not required	Must create/preserve 10 jobs
Nature of Payment	Direct to government	Investment in U.S. business
Path to Citizenship	Included (via green card)	Included (via green card, after 5 years)
Complexity	Simpler, no business management needed	Requires finding suitable investment
Risk	Low, tied to payment, not business	High, tied to business success

The Gold Card eliminates the job creation mandate and business investment requirement, focusing on a direct financial contribution, which simplifies the process but shifts the economic impact from guaranteed job growth to potential indirect benefits.

 

Benefits for Investors and Entrepreneurs

For investors, the Gold Card offers a streamlined path to permanent residency without the need to navigate EB-5’s complexities, such as finding a qualifying business or ensuring job creation. It provides security, as residency isn’t contingent on business performance, reducing risk. For entrepreneurs, it allows entry to the U.S. with residency secured, enabling them to start or invest in businesses without visa dependency, potentially fostering innovation and economic activity.

 

Economic Impact

The Gold Card is expected to generate significant revenue, with Trump musing about selling 10 million cards to reduce the deficit What to Know About $5M ‘Trump Gold Card’ Path to U.S.Citizenship | TIME. Experts like Anthony Esposito, CEO of Island Capital Investments, see it as bringing “wealthier individuals, clearly job creators, consumers,” contributing through spending and taxes Trump’s ‘gold card’ visa plan a boon for American economy,expert says: ‘Mutually beneficial’ – Fox News. However, the lack of a job creation requirement, unlike EB-5, raises concerns. Transparency International warns of fraud risks, noting similar programs elsewhere attracted criminals Donald Trump’s Gold Visa Plan Could Run Into Problems -Newsweek, while some argue it may not match EB-5’s direct economic stimulus.

 

Expert and Official Quotes

·        President Trump: “We’re going to be selling a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship” US will sell ‘gold card’ to wealthy foreigners, Trump says, replacing EB-5 visa program | CNN Politics.

·       Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick: “The gold card—actually a green card, or permanent legal residency—would raise the price of admission for investors and do away with fraud and ‘nonsense’ that he said characterize the EB-5 program” What to Know About $5M ‘Trump Gold Card’ Path to U.S. Citizenship | TIME.

·       Anthony Esposito, Island Capital Investments: “What you’re doing is you’re bringing in wealthier individuals, clearly job creators, consumers” Trump’s ‘gold card’ visa plan a boon for American economy,expert says: ‘Mutually beneficial’ – Fox News.

·        Transparency International Concern: Highlighted risks of attracting criminals, similar to issues in Cyprus and the U.K. Donald Trump’s Gold Visa Plan Could Run Into Problems -Newsweek.

 

Legal and Implementation Considerations

There’s controversy over Trump’s authority to implement the Gold Card without Congressional approval, as immigration law typically requires legislative action. Experts note that while presidents can use executive orders for some changes, creating new visa programs may exceed executive power What Is Trump’s Gold Card? A Look at the Controversial Route toCitizenship | Politics | U.S. News. This could lead to legal challenges, adding uncertainty as of February 26, 2025.

 

Actionable Advice for Potential Applicants

·        Financial Readiness: Ensure availability of $5 million for the Gold Card payment.

·        Vetting Preparation: Be ready for thorough background checks, as mentioned by Lutnick, to meet “exceptional global citizen” standards.

·        Stay Informed: Monitor official U.S. government updates for program details, given its early stage and potential legal challenges.

·        
Long-Term Planning: Consider
the benefits of U.S. residency, including access to education, healthcare, and
business opportunities, weighing the high cost against long-term gains.

·        Legal Consultation: Consult immigration attorneys to navigate potential changes or challenges, especially given the program’s novelty and controversy.

 

FAQs

1. What is the EB-5 Visa Program?
   • The EB-5 program offers permanent residency to foreign investors who invest in U.S. businesses creating jobs.
2. What is the proposed Gold Card Program?
   • The Gold Card is a new immigration program proposed by President Trump, requiring a $5 million investment.
3. How does the EB-5 Program work?
   • Investors must invest $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in TEAs) and create 10 jobs for U.S. workers.
4. What are the benefits of the EB-5 Visa?
   • It provides a path to U.S. citizenship and includes family members.
5. What is a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)?
   • TEAs are rural or high-unemployment areas where investments are encouraged.
6. Can the Gold Card replace the EB-5 Visa?
   • The Gold Card is proposed as a replacement but with higher investment requirements.
7. How long does it take to get U.S. citizenship via EB-5?
   • Typically, five years after obtaining a green card.
8. What are the eligibility criteria for the EB-5 Program?
   • Investors must meet specific investment and job creation thresholds.
9. What is the role of USCIS in the EB-5 Program?
   • USCIS administers and oversees the EB-5 Program.
10. What are the potential benefits of the Gold Card Program?
    • It aims to attract wealthy investors to create businesses and reduce the U.S. deficit.