A new immigration option is making headlines in 2025: the U.S. Gold Card Visa program. Marketed as a faster-track path to lawful permanent residence (a “green card–like” status), the Gold Card is built around a large financial “gift” to the United States and an expedited processing promise—with eligibility framed through existing employment-based standards (notably EB-1/EB-2 concepts) rather than the traditional job-creation model used by older investor pathways.
If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or executive exploring U.S. permanent residence, here’s what the Gold Card Visa is (and is not), how it differs from EB-5, what the application process looks like today, and the biggest risks to consider before paying substantial nonrefundable fees. Contact us today for any questions on the Gold Card Visa or the EB-5.
What is the Gold Card Visa?
The Gold Card program was launched via presidential action and implemented through agency guidance and a new USCIS petition. The White House fact sheet describes the Gold Card as a program facilitating expedited immigrant visas for individuals making a $1 million gift (or a $2 million gift paid by a corporate sponsor on behalf of an individual), with adjudication still subject to legal and security considerations.
USCIS has published Form I-140G, Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Visa Program, which is specifically designated for petitions under the Gold Card program established by the Executive Order.
In short: the Gold Card is being positioned as a premium, fast-track route toward permanent residence for those who can meet (1) high-level merit/eligibility standards and (2) the financial gift requirement.
Gold Card vs. EB-5: The Biggest Difference
People naturally compare the Gold Card to EB-5, because EB-5 has long been the best-known “investor green card” category. But the key distinction is important:
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EB-5 is historically structured around investment + job creation (and compliance with a defined statutory/regulatory framework).
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The Gold Card Visa, as publicly described so far, leans more toward a “gift/payment” model tied to expedited processing and merit-based eligibility concepts—without the same central emphasis on job creation that defines EB-5.
Major news coverage has highlighted this difference and the way the Gold Card is being presented as a replacement or alternative to EB-5’s older structure.
Why that matters: If you’re evaluating “return on investment,” EB-5 traditionally required you to invest in a qualifying project with strict rules and job-creation evidence. The Gold Card, by contrast, centers on a nonrefundable gift plus a separate nonrefundable processing fee—making due diligence and risk tolerance even more important.
Why did the government create a faster track?
Officially, the policy rationale is straightforward: attract high-value contributors, speed up processing, and generate revenue. The White House fact sheet explicitly frames the program as prioritizing successful entrepreneurs/investors and generating funds through “substantial gifts.”
The U.S. Department of Commerce has also promoted the program publicly, describing it as a new expedited immigration program tied to significant financial gifts and created by executive order.
Supporters argue it can improve U.S. competitiveness for global talent and wealth. Critics argue it risks creating a “pay-to-enter” lane with fairness and legal concerns—issues that are already being debated in the public sphere.
Is it fair to call it “residency express”?
It’s fair to say the Gold Card Visa is marketed as an accelerated option—but it’s not instantaneous, and it’s not immune to practical or legal friction.
Reuters and AP reporting describe multiple steps—initial registration, background checks, fees, and completion of the required processes—before the final immigration benefit is granted.
A simple way to think about it:
“Express” is the promise; the reality depends on how clearly the rules are implemented and how consistently agencies process cases.
Who really qualifies (and what does it cost)?
The financial requirements
Based on official and widely reported descriptions:
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$1 million gift for an individual applicant (as described by the White House).
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$2 million gift if a corporation sponsors an individual (as described by the White House and the official program site).
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A $15,000 nonrefundable fee is explicitly mentioned as part of the process, and this “per person” structure is a major consideration for families.
The eligibility requirements (not just money)
USCIS describes the Gold Card Visa petition as a pathway established under the executive order and implemented through Form I-140G.
In practice, public-facing descriptions often connect Gold Card Visa eligibility to high-merit employment-based standards (for example, extraordinary or exceptional ability concepts) rather than “anyone who pays.”
Bottom line: The Gold Card targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals who can document lawful funds, pass background checks, and meet U.S. admissibility standards—while also meeting the program’s underlying eligibility framework.
Do you have to invest in specific sectors?
Unlike classic investor pathways that hinge on approved projects and job creation, the Gold Card Visa has been described as primarily centered on a gift/payment tied to expedited processing.
That said, there are still source-of-funds and compliance expectations. Government forms and related documentation emphasize documenting the lawfulness of funds (e.g., income, sale of property, business ownership, gifts/inheritance, etc.).
Because implementation details can evolve quickly, the safest approach is to assume:
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You must prove lawful source of funds, and
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You must still meet whatever eligibility standards USCIS applies under the Gold Card Visa petition structure.
Benefits: What does the Gold Card actually give you?
The headline benefit is lawful permanent residence (or a status described as comparable to a green card), plus the prospect of an accelerated adjudication lane.
Reuters and AP have described the program as offering expedited residency for qualifying applicants who complete the vetting and financial requirements.
What about spouses and children?
While dependents can often be included in immigration pathways, it’s not “automatic” in the sense of zero paperwork. Expect:
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Separate documentation for each dependent, and
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Potentially separate fee treatment (especially if a per-person fee structure applies).
Because fees and steps can materially affect total cost, families should do a full cost plan before starting.
How to apply: A clear step-by-step overview (as described now)
Based on official program pages and USCIS guidance, the process generally includes:
1. Register through the program site
USCIS guidance and practitioner summaries indicate registration through the official program website before filing.
2. Prepare documentation
This includes identity documentation, background-related information, and source-of-funds evidence supporting the lawful origin of the gift funds.
3. File Form I-140G (online) when invited/authorized
USCIS provides the official form page for I-140G and publishes the form/instructions for Gold Card petitions.
4. Complete the remaining immigrant visa/admission steps
Even “fast track” pathways typically still require completing the standard downstream steps (which vary based on whether you’re processing inside the U.S. or through a consulate abroad). Reuters and AP reporting indicates additional procedural steps remain.
Risks to consider before paying
The Gold Card Visa is high-stakes. Four risk areas matter most:
1) Legal and implementation uncertainty
New programs can face changing rules, evolving agency standards, and litigation/policy shifts. Recent reporting has highlighted uncertainty and debate about how the program interacts with existing employment-based categories and real-world backlogs.
2) Nonrefundable fees
There is a $15,000 nonrefundable fee per person as part of the Gold Card process; if you are denied or the program changes, you will not get that money back.
3) Source-of-funds scrutiny and compliance exposure
When very large sums move across borders, source-of-funds and documentation standards become critical. The I-140G materials emphasize demonstrating lawful funds through documentation categories and evidence.
4) Political and policy volatility
Programs created through executive action can be modified by future administrations, Congress, or courts. Anyone considering the Gold Card Visa should weigh this risk alongside timeline expectations.
FAQ: Gold Card Visa (2025)
1) Is the Gold Card Visa the same as EB-5?
No. EB-5 historically centers on investment and job creation, while the Gold Card is described as a large “gift/payment” tied to expedited processing and eligibility standards.
2) How much does the Gold Card Visa cost?
Public descriptions cite a $1 million gift for individuals (for families, it’s $1 million for each family member, so a family of five will need to gift $5 million) and a $2 million gift when paid by a corporate sponsor, plus a $15,000 fee per person.
3) Does paying guarantee approval?
No. Applicants must still pass vetting, meet admissibility rules, and satisfy the program’s eligibility standards as applied by USCIS.
4) Do spouses and children get included automatically?
Dependents may be included through standard immigration processes, but they typically require their own paperwork and may trigger additional costs depending on program fee structure.
5) How do you apply?
USCIS has published Form I-140G for Gold Card Visa petitions, and registration through the program site is described as part of the intake process.
6) How long will it take?
The program is marketed as expedited, but timelines will depend on agency capacity, vetting, and how clearly rules are implemented. Reuters and AP reporting suggest multiple procedural steps remain.
7) What are the biggest risks?
Nonrefundable fees, evolving requirements, source-of-funds scrutiny, and political/legal uncertainty are the biggest concerns to evaluate before starting.
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