IN THIS GUIDE · Read the official framework carefully before committing funds
Determine whether the individual or corporate terms apply
The official FAQ describes separate terms for individual applicants and for corporate sponsorship of employees. As checked on September 7, 2026, the stated terms for an individual principal are a US$1 million gift with a US$15,000 nonrefundable processing fee, while corporate sponsorship describes a US$2 million gift per sponsored employee along with its own additional conditions. Confirm the current, operative terms for the specific proposal being considered rather than relying on a prior summary. Corporate terms include 1% annual maintenance and a 5% transfer charge with a new background check; a replacement sponsored employee is not automatically approved.
Build the family total person by person
The FAQ states additional processing fees and gifts for each accompanying spouse or eligible unmarried child under 21 included in the application, each described as an additional US$15,000 fee and US$1 million gift as checked on September 7, 2026. Hypothetical example: a Winnipeg household reviews only the individual headline figure and assumes it covers the whole family. Recalculate the total for every included person before treating the individual amount as the household cost. The official FAQ recommends including eligible joining family members in the initial application.
Keep vetting and eligibility separate from the payment
The official process describes an application and fee, further USCIS instructions, supporting documents, vetting, and a subsequent gift after successful vetting and official instructions. The applicant must still be eligible for lawful permanent residence, admissible, and have an available visa; a financial commitment should not be presented or understood as automatic approval or a fixed processing date.
Compare the consequences against other residence routes
A gift under this framework is different from capital invested in an operating enterprise with commercial risk and potential return. Compare the legal evidence required, the family treatment, the financial exposure, and any tax consequences independently for each route being considered, and recheck the official FAQ for updates before acting, since it is a dated source rather than a permanent guarantee of unchanged terms.
Sources reviewed 2026-09-07. This guide covers a preparation focus; it is not an individual eligibility assessment.