Trump’s Proposed Gold Card Visa: What We Know So Far

President Donald Trump has announced a brand-new investor visa concept—the Gold Card Visa, requiring a $5 million investment from foreign nationals looking to secure U.S. permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship.

A New Investor Pathway?

This proposed visa would grant permanent residency and a direct route to U.S. citizenship for those willing to invest a significant amount into the U.S. economy. The plan appears to replace the existing EB-5 program, which has long been the go-to option for investor immigrants.

Trump has positioned the Gold Card Visa as a way to attract high-net-worth individuals who will contribute wealth, pay taxes, and create jobs in the U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed this sentiment, criticizing the EB-5 program as “full of nonsense, make-believe, and fraud.” While the administration has promised more details in the coming weeks, this proposal signals a major shift in investor immigration policy.

How It Compares: EB-5 vs. Gold Card Visa

While official program details remain scarce, we can already see some key differences between the existing EB-5 visa and the proposed Gold Card Visa:

1. Investment Amount
   • EB-5: Requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million in other areas.
   • Gold Card Visa: Would require $5 million, making it far more exclusive and accessible only to ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
2. Job Creation Requirement
   • EB-5: Investors must create at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs through their investment, often using Regional Centers.
   • Gold Card Visa: No clear job creation mandate—meaning investors may have more flexibility in where they put their money.
3. Conditional vs. Direct Residency
   • EB-5: Grants a conditional green card first, requiring investors to maintain their investment for two years before becoming eligible for permanent residency. After five years, they can apply for U.S. citizenship.
   • Gold Card Visa: Could provide a faster and more direct path to citizenship, though exact processing times remain unknown.

If the Gold Card Visa eliminates job creation requirements and shortens the citizenship timeline, it could be a game-changer for global investors looking for a simpler, high-speed pathway to U.S. residency.

What Investors Should Consider

If you’re considering this new $5 million visa, here’s how to prepare while we await official program details:

Stay Updated

• The Trump administration has promised more details soon. Follow official announcements and consult with immigration professionals to track eligibility, investment rules, and processing times.

Consult an Immigration Attorney

• As new investor pathways emerge, it’s critical to have a legal strategy. Depending on your goals, alternative options like the EB-5 (if still available), E-2, or other employment-based visas might be worth considering.

The Bottom Line

While the Gold Card Visa promises a bold new approach to investor immigration, the details will determine whether it truly offers a better, faster, and more efficient alternative to EB-5. If you’re considering this path, now is the time to start planning, consulting experts, and staying informed as the official framework takes shape.