IN THIS GUIDE · Read the current gift-based framework before making a financial commitment
Identify whether the proposal is individual or corporate
The official FAQ describes different terms for individuals and corporate sponsorship. As checked on September 7, 2026, an individual principal’s stated gift is US$1 million with a US$15,000 nonrefundable processing fee; corporate principal sponsorship describes a US$2 million gift per employee and its own additional terms. Confirm the operative instructions for the actual proposal before payment. For a corporate-sponsored principal, the official terms specify a US$2 million gift and a US$15,000 nonrefundable processing fee, with a 1% annual maintenance fee and a 5% transfer fee for reassignment subject to a new background check. The individual principal framework instead uses a US$1 million gift plus the US$15,000 nonrefundable fee. These figures do not promise a residence outcome.
Calculate the family commitment person by person
The FAQ states additional US$15,000 processing fees and US$1 million gifts for each accompanying spouse or eligible unmarried child under 21 included in the application. Hypothetical example: a Calgary household reads the individual headline amount and assumes it covers everyone. Rebuild the budget for each included person and confirm additional charges and eligibility rather than treating the principal’s figure as a household total.
Keep vetting and legal eligibility separate from payment
The official process calls for the application and fee, further USCIS instructions and supporting documents, vetting and the subsequent gift when instructed. The applicant must be eligible for lawful permanent residence, admissible, and have an available visa. A financial commitment should not be described as automatic approval, citizenship or a guaranteed processing date. Review the exact classification and individual circumstances with counsel.
Compare the consequences with other residence routes
A gift is different from capital invested in an enterprise with potential commercial returns and risk. Compare the legal evidence, family treatment, financial exposure and tax implications independently. The official Gold Card FAQ is a dated source, not a guarantee that every term remains unchanged. Recheck current instructions and implementation before acting on a prepared plan. Gold Card requires the applicable EB-1 or EB-2 eligibility basis as well as admissibility and visa availability. Corporate transfer terms do not automatically approve a replacement employee.
Sources reviewed 2026-09-07. This guide covers a preparation focus; it is not an individual eligibility assessment.