“Compare the Trump Gold Card Visa Program and the EB-5 Visa to see which investment immigration option best fits your objectives. Find out about each program’s requirements, advantages, expenses, and processing times.”
Introduction
The immigration system in the United States provides a number of avenues for foreign nationals to become residents, including programs that are related to investments. Two noteworthy choices are the established EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and Trump Gold Card visa. Despite having the same goal of luring in foreign investment, their standards, incentives, and structures are very different. This blog post examines various variations to assist you in selecting the one that may finest suit your objectives.
What is Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Visa?
The idea of the “Gold Card” visa was put up while Donald Trump was president. Its goal is to draw in highly qualified foreigners, businesspeople, and financiers who can boost the American economy. The “Gold Card” would provide a more efficient method of gaining permanent residency than ordinary visas, emphasising merit-based standards including education, talents, and investment potential.
Key Features:
- Merit-Based System: Gives preference to candidates with strong educational backgrounds, investing capacities, and skill sets.
- Simplified Procedure: Attempts to lower administrative obstacles for eligible applicants.
- Emphasis on Innovation: Focusses on business owners and inventors who have the potential to grow the economy and generate jobs.
What is the EB-5 Visa Programme?
A well-known U.S. visa category, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, offers permanent residency to foreign investors who commit a substantial amount of money in the nation. To be eligible, applicants must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers and invest at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or 1.05 million in a non-TEA project.
Key Features:
- Required Investment: A minimum investment of between $800,000 and $1.05 million is required.
- Job Creation: At least ten jobs must be created or maintained.
- Regional Centres: Through authorised Regional Centres, investors can pool their money.
- Permanent Residency: A Green Card is granted to qualified candidates and their families.
The “Gold Card” Visa and the EB-5 Program: Some Important Differences
| Aspect | Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Visa | EB-5 Visa Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs | Encourage foreign investment and job creation |
| Investment Requirement | Not explicitly defined (merit-based) | 800,000(TEA)or800,000(TEA)or1.05 million (non-TEA) |
| Job Creation | Not a primary requirement | Must create at least 10 jobs |
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on skills, education, and innovation | Based on investment amount and job creation |
| Processing Time | Potentially faster (proposed streamlined process) | Typically 2–5 years |
| Permanent Residency | Yes | Yes |
Will the Gold Card work better than the EB-5?
But according to experts, a thorough evaluation of the demand for Gold Cards can only be conducted once a formal policy has been made public.
This appears difficult because, compared to Trump’s estimate for the “Gold Card” visa, demand for even the EB-5 visa, which starts at $800,000, from specialised clientele worldwide has been significantly lower. Over the past 30 years, it has attracted about 70,000 candidates. The new Gold Card’s precise form is still unknown. “We still need to see how the new visa program will be more advantageous than the EB-5 visa,” stated Binu Varghese, RIF Trust’s Regional Director for India.
But according to experts, a thorough evaluation of the demand for Gold Cards can only be conducted once a formal policy has been made public.
Can Indian employees obtain this visa via their employers if they work for US companies?
Although the specifics won’t be known until a formal policy is released, Trump’s early remarks imply that US corporate workers may be eligible for residency through their companies. People from China, Japan, India, and many other countries attend Harvard and the Wharton School of Finance. They graduate first in their class and receive job offers, but they are promptly withdrawn since you don’t know if they will be able to remain in the nation. That person should be allowed to remain in the nation, in my opinion. The US president stated, “These companies can purchase a Gold Card and use it for recruitment purposes.”
Will EB-5 investors be phased out by the Trump administration?
Rumours over the future of the current EB-5 Visa, which grants US permanent citizenship status and a Green Card to non-US investor applicants and their immediate family members, have also been stoked by Trump officials’ comments against it.
Thus, the EB-5 program, which has been in existence for a long time, invested one million dollars in American projects. Additionally, those initiatives were frequently dubious, failed, and lacked accountability. Therefore, it was badly planned and implemented. Millions of people crossed our border when it was open. The idea is that we will have a legitimate business. “The EB-5 agreement will be modified,” stated US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Indeed, those Indians considering EB-5 visas will have until 2026 to apply for the current investment-based resident visa. With the launch of the new “Gold Card” visa scheme, even previously submitted applications will not be impacted. The 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) provides applicants who file before September 30, 2026, with protection under the existing regulations, protecting them against abrupt changes in policy.
ll the need for EB-5 visas increase soon?
Varghese anticipates increased demand for the EB-5 visa over the course of the upcoming year, as evidenced by the rise in applications for the Spain Golden Visa, which is set to expire on April 3, 2025.
Additionally, we believe that the EB-5 visa will remain in place with minor modifications because it generates a significant amount of cash for the US. Investor demographics will change between the two visa programs, Varghese stated.
The RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) presents difficulties for resident Indian high net worth families who want to begin planning now because the Gold Card’s financial commitment level is over five times greater. Meeting the minimum investment criteria for Indian-domiciled individuals may be hampered by the LRS ceiling of $2,50,000 each fiscal year. Global Indians who have investments abroad, however, might not have any trouble fulfilling the requirements, according to immigration consultants.
The same is true for Indians who have been saving for their immigration over the years, especially parents whose children are studying overseas and want to live in their new country.
9. Pros and Cons of Each Programme
The “Gold Card” Visa for Trump
Pros:
- prioritises innovation and expertise over capital alone.
- maybe quicker processing speeds.
- appeals to highly qualified professionals and entrepreneurs.
Cons:
- Proposal only; not yet put into action.
- absence of precise criteria or investment thresholds.
EB-5 Visa Programme
Pros:
- Dependable and well-established route to a green card.
- No particular education or skill set is needed.
- The chance to fund a variety of projects.
Cons:
- High amount of money needed.
- Lengthy processing delays and an application backlog.
- Risk that an investment won’t pay off.
Conclusion
There are special routes to permanent residency in the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and Trump’s “Gold Card” visa. High-net-worth individuals who wish to invest in the U.S. economy are the target of the EB-5 program, whereas the “Gold Card” visa aims to draw in qualified professionals and innovators. Knowing the distinctions between these programs will enable you to choose wisely depending on your eligibility, resources, and goals.
Disclaimer
This blog post is not intended to be legal, financial, or immigration advice; rather, it is merely informational. Before making any decisions, readers are advised to speak with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer or financial advisor as immigration rules and policies are subject to change. As of the date of publication, the “Gold Card” visa is still a proposed idea and has not been made official.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the “Gold Card” visa for Trump still available?
As of October 2023, the “Gold Card” visa is still a proposal and has not been put into effect.
Q2: Is it possible for me to apply for both the EB-5 program and the “Gold Card” visa?
You are unable to apply for the “Gold Card” visa because it is not yet available. Eligibility for one program would not, however, preclude you from applying for the other if it were implemented.
Q3: What is the best program for business owners?
While the EB-5 program is best suited for those with substantial investment funds, the “Gold Card” visa might be better appropriate for entrepreneurs who are more focused on innovation.
Q4: What is the duration required to obtain a Green Card under the EB-5 program?
Depending on variables like project approval and application volume, the procedure usually takes two to five years.
Q5: Does the EB-5 program include any risks?
Indeed, there is no assurance that your Green Card will be approved, and you run the risk of losing your investment if the project doesn’t work out.