Read the general immigrant investor briefing overview
Relatives may fund an EB-5 investment without being eligible derivatives, while Gold Card adds published charges for each eligible included family member. A Riverview applicant should maintain separate lists of financial contributors and people seeking immigration benefits.
Trace the investor’s capital
For EB-5, document each donor’s lawful source, actual gift terms and the transfer path. General capital thresholds are US$1.05 million or US$800,000 for qualifying targeted employment area or infrastructure projects, with statutory adjustment beginning January 1, 2027. At least ten qualifying full-time jobs per investor and management or policy-formulation participation remain necessary. Confirm the applicable capital amount using the petition filing date.
Price eligible applicants under Gold Card
Processing is US$15,000 nonrefundable per person. Gifts after vetting when instructed are US$1 million individually or US$2 million per corporately sponsored employee, plus US$1 million and US$15,000 for each eligible spouse or child, including corporate cases. Corporate annual and transfer conditions are separate. EB-1 or EB-2 eligibility, admissibility and visa availability remain required.
Distinguish financial help from residence
Donating money does not create derivative eligibility. Neither route guarantees approval or work permission on payment. EB-5 requires the applicable residence process and later I-829, generally in the 90 days before the second anniversary of conditional residence; filing does not itself remove conditions or guarantee repayment. Gold Card gifts do not become commercial investment capital.
What else is on your mind?
Does an EB-5 immigration review tell me whether an investment is good?Is the Gold Card another name for EB-5?Should I assume one Gold Card payment covers my family?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.