US Gold Card Visa: Investment Route to Citizenship to Open Soon

Charlie USA 23 May 2025 | Updated On May 26, 2025 | 0

Foreign nationals with deep pockets will soon be able to apply for a new US visa offering permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship, provided they can invest $5 million.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the upcoming “Gold Card” visa program will soon open for registration.

Speaking at Axios’ “Building the Future” event in Washington, DC, Lutnick revealed that a dedicated website—TrumpCard.gov—is expected to go live within the next week, allowing prospective applicants to begin the registration process. Full program details will be released in the coming weeks.

The initiative, originally proposed by President Donald Trump in February, is intended to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which grants green cards to individuals investing at least $1.8 million in the US or $900,000 in high-unemployment or rural areas.

The new Gold Card visa would significantly raise the investment threshold to $5 million but promises more direct access to US green cards and eventual citizenship.

Lutnick noted growing interest in the visa, especially among wealthy individuals abroad. “Basically, everyone I meet who is not an American is going to want to buy this card if they have the fiscal capacity,” he said, referencing recent discussions during a trip to the Middle East.

While Trump promoted the idea earlier this year—calling it a “route to citizenship” for high-net-worth individuals—immigration law experts caution that launching a new visa category would likely require approval from Congress.

Lutnick said the “gold card” program could help pay down the US federal debt and has suggested there is strong interest in the program.

Benefits of being a US Citizen

Anyone born in the United States or its territories is automatically a US citizen, regardless of the parents' immigration status.

Those lawful permanent residents (green card holders) in the US can apply for naturalisation to become a US citizen after a period of time.

Becoming a US citizen offers a wide range of benefits—legal, financial, and personal. Here are the key advantages:

Full Legal Rights
Right to Vote: Citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections.

Eligibility for Public Office: Only US citizens can run for most elected offices.

Protection from Deportation: Citizens cannot be deported, even if they commit a crime (unless citizenship was fraudulently obtained).

Passport and Global Mobility
US Passport: One of the most powerful passports in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.

Access to U.S. Embassies Abroad: Citizens can get support and protection while traveling internationally.

Family Immigration Privileges
Sponsor Family Members: Citizens can petition for more categories of family members (like parents, married children, and siblings) and enjoy shorter wait times compared to green card holders.
Employment Opportunities
Access to Government Jobs: Many federal positions require US citizenship.

Security Clearances: Citizens are eligible for jobs that require higher security clearances.

Financial Benefits
Federal Aid and Grants: Citizens can access financial aid for education (like FAFSA), and certain scholarships are restricted to US citizens.

Social Security and Medicare: Citizens who have paid into these systems can access benefits even if living abroad.

Freedom to Travel
No Reentry Restrictions: Citizens can stay outside the U.S. indefinitely without losing status.

Easier Reentry to the US: Citizens face fewer border questioning and are prioritized during crises or evacuations.

With the lauch of its Gold Card Visa scheme, the US is opening its doors to a new class of investors. For those with the means and the ambition, this could be the start of a life-changing journey.

Are you ready to invest in your future with a Gold Card Visa? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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About
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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.