Published: August 11, 2025
Are you an investor, business owner, or entrepreneur seeking to invest and create jobs in the US? Last February 2025, a new immigration proposal presented a streamlined pathway for high-net-worth foreign individuals to become US permanent residents through the creation of a Gold Card visa. In this post, learn what is currently known about this newly proposed visa program and its corresponding registration portal.
Overview of the US Gold Card Visa Proposal
Generally, the proposed Gold Card visa seeks to replace the complex qualification criteria required in the EB-immigrant investor program. Although the complete process and details of the US Gold Card visa proposal are still emerging, the following are some of the key features.
Who are the potential recipients
Given the information available about the proposal, the Gold Card visa program can be a groundbreaking opportunity for qualified high-net-worth foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners. In particular, those who often face difficulties in qualifying for the strict requirements and bureaucratic hurdles in the current EB-5 visa classification will benefit from the Gold Card visa.
How to meet the requirements
In exchange for a substantial financial investment, the Gold Card visa offers applicants the promise of obtaining green card privileges and an eventual pathway to citizenship. While the exact thresholds haven’t been finalized, current public information indicates that the investment requirement is higher than what’s stipulated in the EB-5 visa program.
Under the current EB-5 program, immigrant investors can secure eligibility for a green card by investing $800,000 to $1.05 million, depending on the specific location of the investment. Meanwhile, it will require a capital investment amounting to $5 million to secure permanent residency and possible citizenship under the Gold Card visa program.
Although it remains to be clarified, the program doesn’t have a job creation requirement. Applicants are expected to make a direct payment to the US government instead of investing in US businesses. Likewise, you must prove the legitimate sources of the funds with accurate and sufficient documentation.
It’s worth noting that you must still undergo background checks and security vetting to ensure you have no criminal history or pose a security threat.
What are the potential hurdles
Since there’s no imposed cap on Gold Card visas, one of its potential advantages is providing foreign investors with quicker green card access. However, despite its promising aspects, the proposed program can face many legal challenges.
Although the administration asserts the Gold Card visa won’t require congressional approval, implementing it as a replacement for the EB-5 program would likely trigger legal scrutiny. In the US, only Congress holds the constitutional power to enact immigration laws, including those governing lawful entry, permanent residency, and the naturalization process.
Thus, before moving forward with this potential immigration pathway, you must remain well-informed and consult with a credible Los Angeles immigration lawyer.
A Look at the US Gold Card Visa Registration Portal
The waiting list for the newly proposed US Gold Card visa registration is open. Interested applicants can now register on the newly launched website. The information you can include in the registration is your name, email address, and region. You can also indicate whether you’re applying on behalf of a business or as an individual.
But it’s essential to note that the registration portal doesn’t serve as an official application. Instead, it only seeks to notify registrants the moment access to the formal Gold Card visa application opens. Likewise, the site doesn’t specify the details of the program, such as vetting, timing, and eligibility.
Explore Other US Visa Options With ALG Lawyers
The Gold Card visa program has a promising potential for a streamlined immigration route. While awaiting further guidance, it’s wise to explore other US visa options with a trustworthy Los Angeles immigration lawyer. Our legal team at ALG Lawyers is ready to assist you in evaluating your circumstances and what immigration pathway is most suitable based on your eligibility. Connect with us now so we can guide you through the necessary steps.
FAQs on What To Know So Far About the US Gold Card Visa and Its Registration Portal
Is the US Gold Card visa currently accepting applications?
As of writing, applications for the US Gold Car visa are not yet open. Although interested individuals can now sign up for the waiting list and get notifications when access opens, it doesn’t yet accept visa applications. The formal application is anticipated to start no earlier than 2026 or mid-2027.
Is creating jobs a requirement for the US Gold Card visa?
Based on the proposal, it remains unspecified whether the US Gold Card visa requires job creation. So far, the primary focus of the program’s qualification criteria is on the direct financial contribution of the investors.
Is it possible to include family members in the US Gold Card visa application?
The details on the full scope of family sponsorship rights are still undefined. But once enacted, it’s anticipated that the program will likely permit applicants to include family members in the US Gold Card visa application. Like in other visa categories, immediate family members may secure the rights to permanent residency alongside the principal visa holder, enabling them to study, work, and live in the US.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)