President Donald Trump’s proposal to introduce a $5 million “gold card” visa as a replacement for the EB-5 investor program has sparked major concerns among Indian nationals waiting for US green cards. With over 1 million Indians stuck in employment-based backlogs—some for over 50 years—the shift toward a wealth-based immigration model could drastically reshape their options.
Here is an explainer FAQs:
Q: What is the ‘gold card’ visa, and how does it differ from a traditional green card?
President Donald Trump has proposed a new “gold card” visa, which would grant green card privileges and a pathway to US citizenship for a $5 million fee. Unlike the traditional EB-5 investor visa, which requires a $800,000-$1.05 million investment in a business that creates at least 10 US jobs, the gold card has no such job creation requirement. Instead, it is being positioned as a premium residency option for wealthy individuals.
Q: How will the gold card impact Indian nationals waiting for green cards?
Indians are among the largest groups waiting for US green cards, with backlogs exceeding 50 years in some employment-based categories. The gold card could:
- Offer a faster route for wealthy Indians who can afford it.
- Exclude middle-tier investors who previously used EB-5 as an alternative to employment-based green cards.
- Shift focus from job creation to wealth, favouring Indian business tycoons over skilled professionals.
Q: Will the gold card replace the EB-5 investor visa program?
Yes. Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the gold card would replace EB-5 in two weeks. Trump criticized EB-5, calling it “full of nonsense, make-believe, and fraud.” While EB-5 required job creation, the gold card is simply a direct purchase of US residency and citizenship eligibility.
Q: Can Indians currently on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 visas apply for the gold card?
Yes, if they have $5 million to pay for it. Trump described the gold card as a “road to citizenship for people of wealth or people of great talent, where people of wealth pay for those people of talent to get in.” This suggests that companies may also sponsor highly skilled employees, though details remain unclear.
Q: How will this affect Indians who were considering the EB-5 visa?
For Indians who planned to use EB-5, the fivefold increase in investment cost (from $1 million to $5 million) could make it unaffordable. While EB-5 investors could pool funds or take structured loans, the gold card seems to require upfront cash, limiting accessibility to India’s ultra-rich elite.
Q: How many gold cards will be available, and will there be a cap like EB-5?
Trump claimed, “We’ll be able to sell maybe a million of these cards,” and even suggested selling 10 million to reduce the US deficit. Unlike EB-5, which had a cap, the gold card appears to have no numerical limit—it is purely a revenue-driven scheme.
Q: Could Indian tech CEOs, startup founders, or business leaders benefit from the gold card?
Yes. The program seems tailored for India’s wealthiest entrepreneurs, tech executives, and industrialists. Those who want to bypass H-1B visa lotteries and EB-2/EB-3 backlogs could find this an attractive alternative. However, its lack of clarity around job creation, business investment, and processing time raises concerns.
Q: Will the gold card need congressional approval, or can Trump implement it directly?
Trump said that congressional approval is not required, but legal experts disagree. If lawsuits or political opposition arise, implementation could be delayed or blocked—something Indian applicants should consider before committing funds.
Q: What are the risks associated with the gold card?
- Uncertainty: Details on processing, vetting, and long-term benefits are still vague.
- Legal challenges: Congress or courts may challenge its legality.
- Affordability: At $5 million, it excludes many Indians who could afford EB-5 but not this steep jump.
Q: What other options do Indians have if the gold card is too expensive?
For those unable to afford the gold card, traditional employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) and the H-1B visa remain options, although processing times are long. If the gold card significantly reduces EB-5 interest, Indians already in the EB-5 pipeline may have fewer competitors, potentially improving their chances.
Is the gold card a game-changer for Indians?
The gold card presents a fast-track residency option—but only for India’s ultra-rich. For the broader Indian diaspora, especially H-1B holders and EB-5 investors, it signals a shift toward wealth-based immigration, leaving most to navigate the backlogged employment-based system. While it may be an attractive shortcut for billionaires and corporate-backed talent, for the majority, it represents a roadblock rather than a solution.
(With inputs from agencies)