The US is overhauling its immigration policies by introducing the Gold Card for affluent foreigners and suspending EB-4 visas. This new strategy includes both a pathway to citizenship for wealthy immigrants and tighter restrictions on existing visa categories.
Gold Card: A fast track for wealthy foreigners
President Trump unveiled the "Gold Card" on February 25, touting it as a superior alternative to the green card. This exclusive card grants permanent residency and a direct route to US citizenship, with a steep entry fee of 5 million dollars. It's anticipated that the Gold Card will replace the investor visa (EB-5), albeit with fewer requirements. The administration has been vague on specifics but indicated that the cards will be available soon.
However, this initiative has stirred concerns among analysts who recall the problematic outcomes of similar schemes in other countries, such as inflated real estate prices and increased money laundering activities. Furthermore, procedural constraints mean that the executive branch cannot create new visa categories without congressional approval, which may delay or even derail the introduction of the Gold Card.
Stricter H-1B visa regulations
A recent policy change now mandates that international students engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have at least one year of work experience to qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship. This adjustment has disqualified many recent graduates from the March 2025 H-1B visa lottery, particularly those hired toward the end of 2024. Companies' reluctance to sponsor new applicants has forced many to postpone their visa requests by a year.
This delay adversely affects their career trajectories in the US, as many settle for underpaid or lesser-skilled positions to comply with the new rule. Indian graduates, who comprise over 70% of H-1B applicants, are especially hard-hit. The ongoing reforms in immigration policy are making it increasingly difficult for foreign nationals to secure employment in the US.
EB-4 visa applications suspended
The US government has also announced the exhaustion of all EB-4 visas for fiscal year 2025, with new applications on hold until October 2025. The EB-4 visa caters to "special immigrants" including those employed by religious, international, or governmental organizations. Affected individuals may need to consider alternative pathways such as the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 visas depending on their qualifications and the nature of their expertise.
