The United States has announced the introduction of the Gold Card Investor Visa Programme, a new initiative aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country. This programme, announced by President Donald Trump on February 25, 2025, is set to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program.
Under the Gold Card Investor Visa Programme, foreign investors can obtain permanent residency in the United States by making a $5 million investment (Rs 43.5 Crore Approximately). This investment will grant them Green Card privileges and provide a pathway to U.S. citizenship. The programme is designed to streamline the process for wealthy individuals to gain residency, with the aim of stimulating the U.S. economy through their investments.
Unlike the EB-5 program, which required investments in American businesses and the creation of jobs, the Gold Card Visa will not have such requirements. Instead, it allows for a direct purchase of a Green Card by paying a flat fee to the U.S. government. This change is expected to reduce the risks of fraud and misuse that were associated with the EB-5 program.
The Gold Card Investor Visa Programme is anticipated to bring significant revenue to the U.S. government and attract business leaders capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth. However, it has also raised concerns about the ethical implications of putting American citizenship on sale and potentially favoring wealthy individuals over skilled professionals.
The programme is expected to launch in the coming weeks, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administering and regulating the issuance of the Gold Card.
