Do not assume that. The official FAQ describes separate processing fees and gifts for included family members, and the sponsor’s agreement should identify which commitments it covers.
Build a complete household schedule
List each person and confirm current requirements and costs. As checked September 7, 2026, the stated additional amount is US$15,000 plus a US$1 million gift for each included spouse or eligible child. Have age and eligibility questions reviewed individually rather than assuming the employee’s sponsorship settles the whole family’s case. Each included spouse or eligible unmarried child under 21 entails a US$1 million gift and US$15,000 nonrefundable processing fee, including families of corporate-sponsored principals. The FAQ recommends inclusion with the initial application. Review any CSPA issue individually; immigration eligibility and visa availability remain separate from payment.
The Gold Card framework produces permanent residence through an existing employment-based classification, and derivative status in those classifications extends to the principal's spouse and unmarried children under 21. Where a household's plan depends on a particular treatment of a child approaching adulthood, obtain written confirmation before committing funds, since a transfer of this kind cannot be reversed once the answer turns out to be different from the assumption. Employment-based nonimmigrant categories have established dependant rules that differ among themselves, and the Gold Card framework's family terms must be taken from its official materials.