Trump Administration Launching $5 Million “Gold Card” Visa to Replace EB-5 Program
The U.S. government is set to roll out a new "Gold Card" visa initiative, aimed at attracting ultra-wealthy foreign investors by offering them permanent residency in exchange for a $5 million investment in the American economy.
Washington: The U.S. government is set to roll out a new “Gold Card” visa initiative, aimed at attracting ultra-wealthy foreign investors by offering them permanent residency in exchange for a $5 million investment in the American economy.
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The program, spearheaded by President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is expected to launch within a week.
Gold Card Visa to Replace EB-5 Program
The “Gold Card” will effectively replace the current EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which was designed to promote U.S. economic growth through foreign investments of $900,000–$1.8 million. The new program sets a significantly higher investment threshold of $5 million, aiming to attract high-quality investors and reduce fraud risks.
Key Features of the Gold Card Visa Program
- Investment Requirement: Minimum $5 million investment in the U.S. economy.
- Residency and Citizenship: Offers permanent residency with a potential pathway to U.S. citizenship.
- Enhanced Vetting: Aims to introduce stricter background checks and transparency.
- Limited Availability: Up to 1 million Gold Cards may be issued, according to estimates.
Official Launch and Website Announcement
Commerce Secretary Lutnick announced at Axios’ “Building the Future” event that a dedicated government portal—“trumpcard.gov”—will go live within a week. “People can start to register soon after,” Lutnick stated.
Legal and Legislative Concerns
Currently, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not accommodate a Gold Card program. Legal experts argue that launching the initiative without Congressional approval may face constitutional challenges unless passed as an amendment or upheld by the Supreme Court.
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Impact on Investors and Immigration
While the high investment threshold narrows eligibility to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the U.S. continues to appeal as a stable destination. According to Henley & Partners’ 2025 Wealth Report, the U.S. holds 34% of global liquid wealth and houses over 6 million millionaires, making it the world’s top destination for private wealth migration.
Ongoing EB-5 Program Still Active
Despite the upcoming Gold Card launch, the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA)—passed in 2022—remains in effect until September 30, 2027. Investors filing under EB-5 before September 30, 2026, are protected under “grandfathering” provisions and won’t be affected by future changes.
Trump’s Promise: “Green Card Privileges, Plus”
President Trump emphasized the program’s exclusivity, stating: “We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus.” However, the administration has not yet clarified what additional benefits the “plus” entails.
