US Gold Card 2025: Demand Rises After H-1B Fee Hike
The recent increase in H-1B visa fees by the U.S. government has driven a surge in interest for the newly introduced US Gold Card program. The H-1B visa fee was raised to $100,000, prompting many foreign professionals, particularly from India, to explore alternative pathways to live and work in the United States.
The Gold Card program, launched through an executive order on September 19, 2025, offers a fast-track route to U.S. residency in exchange for a non-refundable $1 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury, or $2 million through corporate sponsorship. Unlike the EB-5 investor visa, the Gold Card is positioned as a contribution to support American industry and commerce rather than a traditional investment.
Immigration consultancies report a significant spike in inquiries, especially from mid-career STEM professionals in their 30s and 40s. Sahil Nyati, founder of Jinee Green Card & Meritmap.ai, noted that consultations related to the Gold Card have risen by nearly 40% since the H-1B fee hike.
Despite growing interest, legal experts caution that the substantial financial requirement may limit eligibility. Prachi Shah, immigration lawyer, observed that many South Asian clients perceive the program as tailored for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that around a quarter-million expressions of interest have been received, signaling robust demand. Analysts suggest that the Gold Card program could reshape traditional U.S. visa pathways and influence global talent mobility, particularly amid rising immigration costs.