Trump’s $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa: Will it replace EB-5? what Indians should know

US President Donald Trump has announced a new investment-based visa program called the ‘Gold Card,’ which has sparked debates on whether it will replace the existing EB-5 visa. The proposal has left many Indians, especially those waiting for green cards, questioning their best path forward.

What is Trump’s Gold Card Visa?

Trump introduced the Gold Card as a $5 million visa option that grants residency and a direct route to US citizenship. Unlike the EB-5 visa, which requires job creation and investments in specific areas, the Gold Card is a straightforward purchase of US residency privileges.

“We’re gonna be selling a Gold Card. You have a green card; this is a Gold Card,” Trump said during a press conference. “We’re putting a price of about $5 million on it, and that’s gonna give you green card privileges plus a pathway to citizenship.”

Gold Card vs. EB-5: Key Differences

The EB-5 visa has long been the go-to option for wealthy investors seeking US residency. To qualify, applicants must invest at least $1.05 million (or $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas) and create 10 full-time jobs for US workers. However, the program is limited to 18,786 visas per year and has a lengthy processing time.

Trump’s Gold Card eliminates these requirements. There is no need for job creation or business investments—just a $5 million direct payment to the US government. Additionally, while the EB-5 visa has annual limits, the Gold Card may be issued indefinitely to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).

Concerns Among Indian Investors

While the Gold Card promises a faster route to residency and citizenship, it comes with concerns, especially for Indians.

High Cost – At $5 million, the Gold Card is one of the most expensive investment visa programs globally.

No Corporate Sponsorships – Experts believe US companies will not sponsor employees through this costly route, making it an option only for the ultra-rich.

EB-5 Pipeline Impact – If the Gold Card leads to a drop in EB-5 applications, it could benefit existing EB-5 applicants by reducing competition and speeding up processing times.

What Happens If EB-5 Is Replaced?

Howard Lutnick, the US Secretary of Commerce, hinted that the Gold Card could replace EB-5. Trump criticized the EB-5 program, calling it “full of fraud, make-believe, and nonsense,” stating that the Gold Card is a more direct solution.

For Indians who cannot afford the Gold Card, traditional options like employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) and H-1B visas remain. However, these routes are still subject to long backlogs.

The Bottom Line

Trump’s Gold Card offers a fast-track path to US residency, but only for those who can afford the steep $5 million price tag. While it simplifies the immigration process, it also shifts the US towards a wealth-based system, leaving the majority of Indian professionals and business investors reliant on the traditional, backlogged green card system.