US President Donald Trump announced, on February 26 2025 that the US would be selling a new type of residency permit card called “gold” card. This new system will come into effect in April 2025.
While commenting on the Gold Visa Scheme, Trump said:
“We’re going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card, this is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million,”
The US President said that the “gold card” would grant all facilities provided by the Green card, while also being a “route” to US citizenship.
Gold Visas offered by UAE and European nations
This will replace the currently EB 5 visa program – under which foreigners who invest $1 million in the US are granted a conditional residency visa. Several European countries have been providing long-term residency visas – by investment – which are referred to as ‘Gold Visas’. Due to growing resentment by locals against the Gold Visas, some European countries have discontinued the program while others have significantly revised their programs. The reasons for European nations either discontinuing or making the conditions more stringent is the misuse of the visa in several cases and the rising house prices in these countries which have resulted in growing resentment among local populations as a result.
One of the countries which has been offering long term residency visas — via investment – referred to the Golden Visa is the UAE. This allows eligible individuals to live in the UAE for up to 10 years.
The Gulf nation has expanded the Golden Visa to include other categories beyond entrepreneurs – such as professionals, researchers, and even talented students. Only recently, the UAE included content creators in the Golden Visa category. The UAE also has a Green Visa which is specifically meant for self employed individuals, freelancers or individuals with specific skills.
Beyond HNI’s
While High Net-worth Individuals (HNI’s) can avail of these long-term residencies by investment, the question on everyone’s mind is the impact which Trump Administration’s tough stance on immigration have on international students coming to the US – especially those from countries like India. During his election campaign, Trump had even proposed granting a green card to students enrolled in US universities. Said Trump:
“If you graduate from a US college, you should automatically get a Green Card as part of your diploma”
Will the US remain the preferred destination for Indian students?
If one were to look at the instance of India, while the US is likely to remain a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing Engineering and subjects such as data science and bio-technology, prospective students are also mindful of the fact that tougher migration policies could reduce employment opportunities. Trump has reiterated the point, that he is not averse to attracting individuals with skills and talent. Trump also said that the Gold Card can be used by US companies for hiring individuals with skills. Head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk has repeatedly pitched for reforms in the H-1B visa program so that it is easier for US tech companies to hire global talent.
The US has remained an attractive destination for Indian students, due to the employment opportunities in the country. In 2023-2024, over 300,000 (3,31,600) Indian students have enrolled for the 2023-24 academic year. It remains to be seen whether Trump will introduce significant changes to the existing student visa regime or the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curriculum Practical training (CPT). The Trump administration has signalled that it will act against institutions which have misused these provisions and individuals have been working illegally.
Alternatives to the US
Unlike Trump’s earlier presidency, other countries in the Anglosphere — Australia, Canada and UK — which were an attractive alternative to the US for international students have adopted tougher migration policies and have also made significant changes to the existing student visa regime with the aim of checking inflow of international students. In such a situation, students can explore opportunities in European nations as well as non-western countries. Already, there has been a rise in Indian students enrolling in institutions in universities in Germany and Finland. The number of Indian students enrolled in German Universities has doubled between 2019 and 2024 and there has been an increase in the number of Indian students enrolled in universities in Finland.
Students and professionals could also explore opportunities in Non-Western countries. While the UAE has expanded the Gold Visa, as mentioned earlier, other Asian countries are also trying to attract talent. UAE is an especially attractive destination given its proximity to India. While the Gulf nation has emerged as a coveted destination for HNI’s and Indian professionals in recent years, there is scope for the country to attract more Indian students. Apart from its proximity and connectivity with India, which has been mentioned earlier, one of the major advantages which UAE has is that it is home to overseas campuses of western and Australian universities. Indian students can avail of this advantage.
In conclusion, while Indian students and professionals would be closely watching the Trump administration’s stance on important immigration issues, the US needs individuals with talent and skills and the approach towards student and work visas can not be driven by rhetoric in the long run. At the same time, it is important to look at the alternatives available for education and work opportunities in countries which have not been the preferred choices hitherto.