Trump’s Rs 41.5 Crore ‘Gold Card’ Visa: What It Means For Indians

US will replace the EB-5 investor visa with Trump’s Rs 41.5 crore ‘gold card’ visa, allowing wealthy foreigners to gain US residency through direct payments instead of business investments.

President Donald Trump’s Rs 41.5 crore ‘gold card’ visa could impact Indian professionals as US immigration policies shift, potentially affecting H-1B visa holders and investor pathways. (Photo source: Trump Campaign X profile)

President Donald Trump has announced a new US visa programme that offers residency and a path to citizenship for wealthy foreign investors willing to pay $5 million (approximately Rs 41.5 crore). The “gold card” visa will launch in two weeks, bypassing the need for congressional approval.

What Is the Gold Card Visa?

The gold card visa will provide the same privileges as a green card, allowing holders to live and work in the US. Trump said the programme would help attract wealthy individuals, and the funds raised would be used to reduce the US deficit. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that this visa would replace the EB-5 investor programme, which currently requires a minimum investment of $1.05 million, or $800,000 in certain areas, to secure a green card.

Lutnick suggested that, unlike the EB-5 scheme, the gold card visa might involve direct payments to the US government rather than investments in specific businesses. He confirmed that applicants would still undergo vetting to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.

When asked about Russian oligarchs applying for the programme, Trump said they could be eligible. The US EB-5 visa programme has previously been used to fund real estate projects, including those linked to Trump’s businesses.

Also Read: Davos 2025: US Should Relax H-1B Visa Rules For Skilled Workers, Says Kenneth Rogoff

What Does This Mean for Indians?

India is one of the largest beneficiaries of US work visas, especially the H-1B visa programme, which allows companies to hire foreign workers for specialised roles. In the 2024 fiscal year, 3.9 lakh H-1B visas were approved across 52,892 companies, with Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services among the top 10 recipients, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

During his previous term, Trump imposed tighter restrictions on the H-1B programme to prioritise American workers. If similar measures return, competition for these visas could increase, making it harder for Indian IT professionals to secure jobs in the US.

While the gold card visa is aimed at high-net-worth individuals rather than skilled professionals, it may create a new immigration pathway for wealthy Indians looking to settle in the US. However, it remains unclear how many people would be willing to pay Rs 41.5 crore for residency when the existing EB-5 programme offers a similar route at a lower investment threshold.

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