Establish the applicable immigrant eligibility
Successful cases proceed within the applicable EB-1 or EB-2 framework, subject to eligibility, admissibility and visa availability. Financial capacity is not a complete assessment. A gift to the government is distinct from an EB-5 enterprise investment and does not purchase a commercial return. Identify the relevant employment-based immigrant basis with the same discipline used for any immigrant case. The Gold Card payment is made by the applicant directly to the U.S. government; it is not a conventional visa and does not replace the governing eligibility test.
Calculate the current programme amounts
The stated individual principal gift is US$1 million and the corporate principal gift US$2 million, with a US$15,000 non-refundable processing fee per person. Each eligible joining spouse or child adds a US$1 million gift and US$15,000 fee, including under corporate sponsorship. Other expenses can be additional. Use the current official programme materials to identify payment stage, amount, participating family members, and any corporate terms. Keep a receipt and dated official source, but do not treat a budget estimate as payment instructions.
Keep stages and corporate terms distinct
The initial processing fee precedes vetting and the later gift when instructed. The corporate framework also describes separate 1% annual maintenance and 5% transfer charges under its conditions. A household budget is not the next wire instruction, and a pending case cannot simply be assumed transferable. Read sponsorship, maintenance, transfer, and refund language before any commitment. A corporate arrangement may allocate commercial obligations, but it does not convert a payment into an enterprise investment or guarantee an immigration result.
Review the intended life after residence
Permanent residence and citizenship are different legal statuses with separate requirements. Obtain appropriate advice on residence, travel and tax circumstances rather than borrowing proposed benefits from another programme. A Gold Card payment does not authorize interim work or guarantee the household’s later immigration decisions. Map the intended entry, residence, travel, tax, and naturalization questions with appropriate specialists. Permanent residence has its own requirements, and no payment authorizes work while the relevant permission is still pending.
Sources reviewed 2026-09-07. This guide covers a preparation focus; it is not an individual eligibility assessment.