US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he will give a “gold card” visa with a road to citizenship for $5 million, replacing the 35-year-old EB-5 visa for investors. The action has caused alarm among Indian nationals seeking US green cards.
What is the gold card visa? How does it vary from the green card?
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the “Trump Gold Card” will replace EB-5 visas in two weeks. EB-5s were developed by Congress in 1990 to encourage foreign investment and are accessible to individuals who invest around $1 million in a firm that employs at least ten people.
Lutnick stated that the gold card, which is actually a green card, or permanent legal residency, would enhance the cost of admittance for investors while eliminating the fraud and “nonsense” that he claims characterizes the EB-5 program. It would contain a road to citizenship, as do other green cards.
Donald Trump made no mention of the criteria for job creation. And, while the number of EB-5 visas is limited, Donald Trump suggested that the federal government sell 10 million “gold cards” to alleviate the deficit. He stated that it “could be great, maybe it will be fantastic”.
| Key Differences | EB-5 Visa (Current) | Trump’s Gold Card Visa (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Required | $800,000 – $1.05 million | $5 million |
| Job Creation Requirement | Must create 10 US jobs | No job creation requirement |
| Path to Citizenship | 5-7 years | Immediate pathway |
| Backlog for Indians | High backlog (7-10+ years wait) | No backlog (direct purchase) |
Impact of Trump’s Gold Card Visa on Indian Green Card Applicants
Faster Route for India’s Wealthy
Trump’s proposed Gold Card Visa could be a game-changer for India’s richest, offering a much quicker and simpler pathway to U.S. residency compared to the EB-5 investor visa or the H-1B to green card process.
The Catch – A $5 Million Price Tag
Unlike the EB-5 visa, which requires an $800,000 investment, the Gold Card Visa demands $5 million, making it an exclusive option for India’s ultra-wealthy.
Key Questions Answered
Will Trump’s Gold Card replace the EB-5 visa?
Yes, if implemented, it would replace the EB-5 investor visa program.
Can Indians on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 visas apply?
Yes, H-1B, EB-2, and EB-3 visa holders can apply—provided they can afford the $5 million investment. Unlike the EB-5 visa, this option eliminates job creation and business setup requirements, offering a direct route to U.S. citizenship.
Alternative U.S. Immigration Options for Indians
Since the Gold Card Visa may be out of reach for most Indians, here are some alternative pathways to U.S. residency:
1.EB-5 Investor Visa (Before Gold Card Replaces It)
Investment: $800,000 (in Targeted Employment Areas)
Pros: Green card in 3-5 years (faster than EB-2/EB-3)
Cons: Requires job creation and may face longer wait times if demand increases.
2. O-1 Visa (For Highly Skilled Professionals)
For individuals with extraordinary ability in tech, research, arts, or business.
Can lead to an EB-1 green card (which has no backlog for Indians).
3. L-1 Visa (For Business Owners & Executives)
Allows Indian entrepreneurs and executives to transfer to a U.S. office.
May lead to a green card through EB-1C (if the business qualifies).
4. H-1B to EB-2/EB-3 (Current Skilled Worker Route)
The standard path for Indian tech professionals working in the U.S.
Biggest Drawback: Extremely long wait times—often decades for a green card.
FAQ
1. What is Donald Trump’s Gold Card Visa?
Trump’s proposed Gold Card Visa is a new U.S. investor visa that grants immediate U.S. residency (Green Card) to foreign nationals who invest $5 million in the country.
2. How is Trump’s Gold Card Visa different from the current EB-5 visa?
| Feature | EB-5 Visa (Current) | Trump’s Gold Card Visa (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Required | $800,000 – $1.05 million | $5 million |
| Job Creation Requirement | Must create 10 U.S. jobs | No job creation required |
| Path to Citizenship | 5-7 years | Immediate pathway |
| Backlog for Indians | High backlog (7-10+ years wait) | No backlog (direct purchase) |
3. Will the Gold Card Visa replace the EB-5 investor visa?
Yes, if implemented, Trump’s Gold Card Visa will replace the EB-5 visa program and provide an alternative investment-based pathway to U.S. residency.
4. Who can apply for the Gold Card Visa?
Anyone with a minimum investment of $5 million can apply. This visa is primarily aimed at high-net-worth individuals looking for a direct route to U.S. residency.
5. Can Indians on H-1B, EB-2, or EB-3 visas apply for the Gold Card Visa?
Yes, Indians currently on H-1B, EB-2, or EB-3 visas can apply, provided they can afford the $5 million investment. This visa offers a faster alternative to the long green card wait times under these visa categories.
6. Will there be a cap on the number of Gold Card Visas issued?
Trump has not announced any cap on the number of visas available, making it potentially unlimited for those who qualify.
7. Does the Gold Card Visa offer a path to U.S. citizenship?
Yes, since the visa grants permanent residency (Green Card), applicants can apply for U.S. citizenship in the usual 5-year period.
8. What are the alternative U.S. immigration options for Indians?
If the Gold Card Visa is too expensive, Indians can consider:
- EB-5 Visa (before it gets replaced) – $800K investment, requires job creation
- O-1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary skills in tech, business, or arts
- L-1 Visa – For Indian business owners and executives expanding to the U.S.
- H-1B to EB-2/EB-3 – The standard skilled worker route (but with long wait times)
9. Will the Gold Card Visa have tax implications for Indian applicants?
Yes, once granted U.S. residency, visa holders may be subject to U.S. tax laws, including taxes on global income. Consulting a tax professional is advisable.
10. When will Trump’s Gold Card Visa be implemented?
The visa is currently a proposed policy and not yet active. It will depend on Trump’s re-election and further approval from U.S. Congress.
