Will H-1B Visa Holders Be Affected by Trump’s “Gold Card” Visa?

President Trump’s latest immigration proposal—the $5 million “Gold Card” visa—is making waves, especially among H-1B visa holders, EB-5 investors, and employer-sponsored green card applicants. The plan, which aims to replace the EB-5 investor visa, would allow wealthy foreigners to buy U.S. residency and a path to citizenship. But what does this mean for skilled workers, employers, and other visa categories?

Potential Risks for Other Visa Categories

1️⃣ H-1B Visa Holders & Applicants

• With the 2026 H-1B lottery around the corner, many skilled professionals are wondering: Will companies now favor paying for a Gold Card over sponsoring an H-1B?
• The program’s corporate sponsorship option could allow companies to bypass the H-1B lottery and PERM process entirely, impacting employer-sponsored visas.

2️⃣ Employer-Sponsored Green Cards (EB-2, EB-3)

• Companies that previously went through the lengthy PERM and I-140 process may now find it easier to purchase Green Cards for key employees.
• This could lead to longer wait times for those relying on employer sponsorship.

3️⃣ EB-5 Investors

• The existing EB-5 program required a $800K–$1M investment in job-creating projects. Now, with a flat $5M fee, will past EB-5 investors feel sidelined?
• The stricter vetting under the Gold Card could also limit accessibility for applicants from certain countries.

How Will This Change the U.S. Immigration Landscape?

✔️ Shift Toward Wealth-Based Immigration

• Unlike the traditional balance of family, employment, and investment-based visas, this new program prioritizes financial status over professional skills.
• Could this make employment-based immigration harder for those without millions to invest?

✔️ Impact on H-1B Employers

• Companies that struggled with H-1B cap limits, RFEs, and long PERM processes may see the Gold Card as an alternative.
• This could reduce demand for H-1B sponsorship, making the visa even more unpredictable.

✔️ Legal & Policy Uncertainty

• Trump claims Congress’ approval isn’t needed, but the plan could face legal challenges—similar to past immigration executive orders.
• If Trump tightens other work visa rules (as seen in his first term), the H-1B process could become even stricter.

Conclusion

Since January 17, 2025, President Trump has introduced and implemented a significant number of new policies, which have sparked considerable discussion and debate. However, there is no need for alarm or undue concern. Many of these policies are expected to continue in a manner consistent with previous practices, ensuring that the processes remain stable and familiar. The administration has indicated that while changes are being made, the core principles and procedures that have been in place will largely persist, allowing for a smoother transition and adaptation to the new regulations.

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