For years, the EB-5 visa program was the preferred route for investors looking to secure U.S. residency through capital investment and job creation. But with the recent introduction of the Gold Card visa by former President Donald Trump, the game has changed. Designed specifically for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, this new visa replaces the EB-5 program and offers an expedited, direct path to U.S. permanent residency—at a premium price.

What Makes the Gold Card Different?

Unlike the EB-5 program, which required a minimum investment of $1 million (or $500,000 in targeted employment areas) into a U.S. business that created at least 10 jobs, the Gold Card visa eliminates the complexity of investment projects altogether. Instead, it requires a straightforward cash payment of $5 million to the U.S. government. This shift moves the U.S. immigration framework from an investment-for-jobs model to a pay-for-residency system, streamlining the process for wealthy individuals seeking stability and opportunity in the U.S.

For those already navigating the U.S. immigration system under temporary work or investor visas—such as the H-1B, L-1, E-2, or even O-1—the Gold Card presents a unique opportunity to fast-track their path to residency without the prolonged uncertainty of EB-5 processing backlogs or employment-based green card delays.

Why Consider the Gold Card?

The Gold Card visa is designed to attract affluent immigrants who wish to secure U.S. residency without the restrictions and bureaucratic delays often associated with other visa categories. Here’s why it might be worth considering:

• Immediate Permanent Residency Pathway – Unlike the EB-5, which required years of monitoring business performance and job creation, the Gold Card simplifies the process: pay the fee and secure a ten-year residency with a direct pathway to U.S. citizenship.
• No Business Management Required – Entrepreneurs and investors who were previously considering the EB-5 no longer need to worry about business operations, employment obligations, or risk exposure in volatile economic sectors.
• Tax & Wealth Planning Benefits – With U.S. residency comes access to sophisticated wealth management strategies, estate planning tools, and investment opportunities in the world’s largest economy.
• Work & Live Freely – Unlike employment-based visas, which are tied to specific jobs or employers, the Gold Card offers the flexibility to live and work anywhere in the U.S. without restrictions.

Who Should Consider This Visa?

• EB-5 Applicants Facing Backlogs – If you were already in the EB-5 pipeline but concerned about extended processing times, shifting to the Gold Card provides a much faster alternative.
• High-Net-Worth Individuals Seeking U.S. Residency – If you’re a global investor, entrepreneur, or business leader looking for a stable, top-tier residency option, the Gold Card is designed for you.
• Foreign Executives & Professionals on Temporary Visas – Those on H-1B, L-1, E-2, or other employment-based visas who are tired of green card delays and annual visa renewals now have a clearer, more direct path to permanent residency.

What Comes Next?

While the program is set to launch in the coming months, industry experts suggest acting early to navigate the application process efficiently. With global interest expected to be high, early applicants may benefit from priority processing before the program reaches its capacity.

For investors and professionals who have long been considering the EB-5, the Gold Card visa is a paradigm shift. It removes the layers of bureaucracy, simplifies the process, and opens up residency to those who can afford to make a direct financial contribution to the U.S. economy.

For those who see America as their next home, the question isn’t whether the Gold Card is a good opportunity—it’s how soon you can secure yours.