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LAIRD · GOLD CARD FIELD GUIDE

What does the Gold Card actually require of a Laird business owner?

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THE DIRECT ANSWER

A nonrefundable processing fee of US$15,000 per person, successful vetting, and then a gift to the U.S. government of US$1 million for an individual or US$2 million where a corporate sponsor gives for an employee. Applicants then proceed through the existing EB-1 or EB-2 classifications.

A sequence, plus the ordinary immigrant requirements underneath

The programme adds a payment and vetting layer to categories that already exist rather than creating a self-contained purchase. The processing fee is paid first, per person, and is not returned. Vetting follows and can end the matter.

The gift arises only after successful vetting, is made by the applicant to the U.S. government, and produces no return of any kind. Beyond that, the ordinary conditions of the underlying classification apply, along with admissibility and visa availability.

Ilse should therefore ask two questions that a price list does not answer: which classification is contemplated for someone in her position, and what evidence that classification requires. Because official terms have been stated and revised, the programme page and FAQ are the reference, and a licensed U.S. immigration attorney should confirm the position before any commitment is made.