Not simply because the spouse plans to travel later. The FAQ recommends initial inclusion of eligible family members who intend to join; distinguish application inclusion from physical arrival.
State the household’s real intention
Record who hopes to join and why travel dates differ. Obtain instructions before assuming later inclusion will be automatic, free or prohibited. The spouse’s qualifying relationship and individual requirements remain necessary, and a principal’s gift alone does not cover or approve another person.
Ask which classification would apply and what facts remain unresolved, and do not assume the framework grants citizenship or bypasses background review simply because the financial commitment is available. The Gold Card uses EB-1 or EB-2, but Executive Order 14351 directs the agencies to treat the qualifying gift as evidence of relevant eligibility; the applicant must still be eligible for lawful permanent residence, be admissible and have a visa available. The published requirements do not turn on a residential address: the applicant must be eligible for lawful permanent residence, admissible, complete the application and fee, pass vetting, make the gift when instructed, and receive an EB-1 or EB-2 determination subject to visa availability. Counsel should review the actual petition and priority date before withdrawal, while the household separately verifies the official Gold Card terms and payment instructions immediately before acting.