US President Donald Trump has proposed a new “Gold Card” visa, priced at $5 million, as a replacement for the existing EB-5 investor visa. This move has sparked discussions, particularly among Indian nationals waiting for US green cards.
What Is the ‘Gold Card’ Visa?
The Gold Card visa is a rebranded green card that offers a direct path to US citizenship for investors. Unlike the EB-5 visa, which requires a minimum $800,000 investment and the creation of at least 10 jobs, the Gold Card has no job creation requirement but demands a much higher investment of $5 million.
Key Differences:
| Criteria | EB-5 Visa (Current) | Trump’s Gold Card (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | $800K – $1.05M | $5M |
| Job Requirement | Must create 10 jobs | No job requirement |
| Path to Citizenship | 5-7 years | Immediate |
| Backlog for Indians | High (7-10+ years) | No backlog |
Impact on Indian Nationals
For wealthy Indians, this visa could offer a quick and hassle-free route to US residency, bypassing the long waits associated with EB-5 or H-1B to green card transitions. However, the $5 million price tag makes it accessible only to a small elite group.
Can Indians on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 Apply?
Yes, Indians currently on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 visas can apply—provided they can afford the investment. The Gold Card eliminates the usual business setup and job creation requirements.
Alternative US Immigration Options for Indians
- EB-5 Visa (if still available) – $800K investment with job creation; faster than EB-2/EB-3.
- O-1 Visa – For highly skilled professionals; can lead to an EB-1 green card.
- L-1 Visa – Suitable for business owners and executives.
- H-1B to EB-2/EB-3 – Common skilled worker route but has long wait times.
If implemented, Trump’s Gold Card visa could reshape US investor immigration, but its high cost limits accessibility to only India’s ultra-rich.