The “Gold Card” Is Coming

Gold Card Program Details

• Individuals will make the $1 million gift on their own behalf, whereas corporations (or other entities) can make a $2 million gift to sponsor an individual of their choosing.
• Payment of these amounts will be seen as evidence of "exceptional business ability and national benefit."
• According to the executive order, the money will be used to "promote commerce and American industry."
• Beneficiaries will still have to undergo public safety and national security screenings.
• The heads of the Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security are tasked with creating the application process and setting fee amounts for processing of these applications (separate from the qualifying gift amounts).
• The new Gold Card will provide shortcuts for EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-2A (exceptional business ability), and EB-2B (national interest waiver) individuals, but may eventually be expanded to cover other immigrant visa categories.