Skip to content
APPLICATION ANSWERS · GOLD CARD FIELD GUIDE

Should we apply the principal’s charge to every family member without checking?

Sources checked:

THE DIRECT ANSWER

Use the current official terms for the applicable arrangement and each intended participant. A remembered headline figure is not a reliable household calculation. Current published amounts are US$15,000 nonrefundable processing per person, then a US$1 million individual principal or US$2 million corporate principal gift after successful vetting. Each eligible joining family member adds US$15,000 and US$1 million, including corporately.

Reconcile program charges with personal expenses

Distinguish processing fees, the required gift after successful vetting, document costs and professional services. Verify official payment instructions and who is authorized to pay. The government gift is not an investment return arrangement.

Do not infer that a single payment covers every participant or that private reimbursement changes official refund terms. Corporate terms describe 1% annual maintenance and a 5% transfer fee including a new DHS background check. Reuse of a prior corporate principal gift under the official process is not automatic approval of a replacement employee.

Additional State Department and medical costs may apply; verify current instructions for the actual proposal.