New Gold Card Visa Lets Rich Donors Buy Fast US Entry
Published Date: 9/24/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The Gold Card is a new visa program that lets wealthy immigrants speed up their path to living in the U.S. by donating $1 million (or $2 million if a company donates for them) to the government. This program targets entrepreneurs and investors who want to help America grow while tightening rules on illegal immigration. Starting soon, this change aims to boost the economy and protect national security without delay.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Gold Card: Donate $1M (or $2M) for Visa
The President created the "Gold Card" visa program that lets an alien who gives an unrestricted gift of $1,000,000 to the Department of Commerce (or $2,000,000 if a corporation donates on their behalf) use an expedited process to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa.
Donations Count as Visa Eligibility Evidence
The order directs that the gift described above shall be treated, where consistent with law, as evidence of eligibility under 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(1)(A), as evidence of exceptional business ability and national benefit under 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(2)(A), and as evidence of eligibility for a national-interest waiver under 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(2)(B).
Fees for Expedited Processing and Sponsorship
The Secretary of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security will establish administrative fees to cover the cost of expedited processing and will set maintenance and transfer fees for corporations or similar entities sponsoring individuals under the Gold Card program.
Corporate Sponsors Can Reassign Eligibility
The order requires a process allowing a corporation or similar entity that donates on behalf of an individual to have that original gift considered as evidence of eligibility for a different individual designated by the corporation, subject to the same applicant screening.
Possible Expansion to Investor Visa Category
The Secretary of Commerce shall consider expanding the Gold Card program to visa applicants under 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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