Overview
- The government’s new program is live with a $15,000 non‑refundable fee and a $1 million payment per individual, alongside a $2 million corporate option and a previewed $5 million Platinum tier with tax benefits.
- The pathway runs through EB‑1 and EB‑2 rather than creating new visas, leaving applicants subject to annual caps and per‑country limits that attorneys say could trigger delays and potential lawsuits over priority.
- Advisers in China and India report little immediate uptake, with many clients opting for EB‑5 or pausing because EB‑5 covers families under one investment while the Gold Card charges each dependent separately.
- Lawyers highlight unresolved mechanics such as whether payments sit in escrow, heavy source‑of‑funds documentation, security vetting, and the risk that large non‑refundable sums could precede court challenges or policy shifts.
- Short‑term sentiment points to minimal near‑term sales, with a widely watched prediction market showing most participants betting that no Gold Cards will be sold in 2025.