Donald Trump’s $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa: What It Means for Indian Nationals and US Immigration

Trump Announces $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa, Replacing EB-5 Program

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to introduce a “Gold Card” visa—a $5 million fast-track route to US citizenship. This new visa would replace the 35-year-old EB-5 investor visa program, which has long been used by foreign nationals, including many Indians, to obtain a US green card.

The announcement has sparked concern among Indian nationals awaiting US green cards, particularly those in long backlogs for employment-based permanent residency.

What Is the ‘Gold Card’ Visa & How Does It Differ from a Green Card?

According to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the “Trump Gold Card” will fully replace the existing EB-5 investor visa within two weeks.

The EB-5 visa, created by Congress in 1990, required foreign investors to spend $800,000 to $1.05 million on a US-based company that creates at least 10 jobs. However, the program has been plagued by fraud and long processing delays, especially for Indians.

Key Features of Trump’s Gold Card Visa

• Higher Investment: Requires a $5 million investment, significantly more than the EB-5 minimum of $800,000.
• No Job Creation Requirement: Unlike the EB-5, investors do not need to create 10 US jobs.
• Immediate Path to Citizenship: Provides a direct route to US residency and citizenship, unlike the 5-7 year waiting period under EB-5.
• No Backlog for Indians: While the EB-5 visa has a long backlog for Indians (sometimes 7-10+ years), the Gold Card would be available for immediate purchase.

Trump’s Vision: 10 Million Gold Cards to Reduce the US Deficit?

Donald Trump did not clarify job creation requirements for the visa but hinted at selling 10 million Gold Cards to raise funds for the US economy. Calling it a “fantastic” idea, he suggested that this program could help reduce the federal deficit.

Key Differences: EB-5 vs. Trump’s Gold Card Visa

Impact on Indians Waiting for Green Cards

For India’s ultra-rich, the Gold Card Visa could be a game-changer, providing a faster and easier route to US residency. Compared to the EB-5 or the H-1B to green card process, this visa removes many of the current hurdles.

However, the $5 million price tag makes it far less accessible than the current EB-5 (which starts at $800K). This means only India’s wealthiest individuals will be able to take advantage of this program.

Will Trump’s Gold Card Replace the EB-5 Investor Visa?

Yes, if implemented, Trump’s Gold Card Visa will entirely replace the EB-5 program.

Alternative US Immigration Options for Indians

For those unable to afford the $5 million Gold Card visa, other US immigration pathways remain available:

1️⃣ EB-5 Visa (Before Gold Card Takes Effect)

• Investment: $800,000 (in targeted employment areas).
• Pros: Faster than traditional green cards (3-5 years).
• Cons: Requires job creation, could face longer wait times if demand increases.

2️⃣ O-1 Visa (For Highly Skilled Individuals)

• Designed for exceptional talent in tech, research, arts, or business.
• This can lead to a priority EB-1 green card (which has no backlog for Indians).

3️⃣ L-1 Visa (For Business Owners & Executives)

• Allows Indian business owners to expand to the US.
• Can transition into a green card through the EB-1C category.

4️⃣ H-1B to EB-2/EB-3 Route (Skilled Worker Pathway)

• The traditional route for Indian tech workers in the US.
• Biggest drawback: Extremely long wait times (sometimes decades).

Final Thoughts

The Trump Gold Card Visa represents a seismic shift in US immigration policy, favoring ultra-wealthy investors over traditional skilled immigrants. While it eliminates job creation requirements, its $5 million price tag makes it inaccessible to most Indians.

For those waiting in the green card backlog, it remains to be seen whether this program will speed up existing immigration pathways or further restrict access to US residency.

Would you consider investing in the Trump Gold Card Visa if given the opportunity? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀