The Trump administration has officially opened applications for its new “Gold Card” investor visa program, a pathway to U.S. permanent residency that requires a financial contribution of $1 million or more to the U.S. government. Announced via the president’s Truth Social account and a dedicated government website on Wednesday, December 10, the program aims to attract wealthy foreign nationals and corporate talent by offering an expedited immigration process.
What is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is not a new visa category but a new administrative program that facilitates U.S. lawful permanent residency (a green card). It was established by Executive Order 14351, signed on September 19, 2025.
The program operates within the existing U.S. immigration framework. A successful applicant’s status will be classified under the EB-1 (extraordinary ability) or EB-2 (national interest waiver) visa categories. The key innovation is that the required financial “gift” to the U.S. Department of Commerce is treated by immigration officials as sufficient evidence of the applicant’s “exceptional ability” and benefit to the national interest, bypassing the traditional, evidence-intensive requirements of these categories.
What Are the Financial Requirements?
The program requires a two-part financial commitment: a non-refundable processing fee and a much larger contribution, termed a “gift,” to the U.S. Treasury.
The costs are structured as follows:
Processing Fee: A $15,000 non-refundable fee paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during application.
Financial Gift (Upon Approval):
- $1 million for an individual applicant.
- $2 million for a corporation sponsoring an employee.
- $1 million per dependent family member (spouse or child) included in the application.
Important Note: Unlike the established EB-5 investor visa, where funds are invested in a U.S. business with the potential for return, the Gold Card contribution is a non-refundable gift to the government, with no equity or promise of repayment.
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How and Where to Apply?
Several U.S. government entities are involved in the application process, which is overseen by a special official webpage.
The key steps are:
- Initial Application: Submit a request through the official government website: trumpcard.gov.
- Pay Processing Fee: Pay the $15,000 fee via pay.gov.
- File Form I-140G: Submit the new Form I-140G, “Immigration Petition for the Gold Card Program,” with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form requires extensive financial disclosures to prove the lawful source of the gift funds.
- Vetting and Approval: USCIS and DHS conduct thorough background checks. Approval is not automatic and depends on admissibility and visa availability.
- Make the Contribution: After petition approval, the applicant makes the $1 million (or $2 million) gift to the Department of Commerce.
- Final Processing: The applicant completes consular processing abroad or adjusts status if already in the U.S. to receive lawful permanent resident status.
Is There a Deadline?
There is no publicized deadline for applicants. The key date was the program’s launch deadline. The September 2025 executive order directed implementing agencies to have the program operational within 90 days, by December 18, 2025. The administration met this goal by opening applications on December 10, 2025.
Your Questions Answered: Trump Gold Card FAQs
Q: Does the Gold Card guarantee U.S. citizenship?
A: No. It provides lawful permanent resident (green card) status, which is the required step before one can later apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, subject to all standard eligibility rules.
Q: How is this different from the existing EB-5 visa?
A: The Gold Card is a non-refundable gift with no job creation requirement. The EB-5 program requires a recoverable investment (currently $800,000-$1.05 million) in a U.S. business that must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs.
Q: Are there any hidden challenges or risks?
A: Yes. Experts highlight several key considerations:
- Visa Backlogs: The program uses existing EB-1/EB-2 visa numbers. Applicants from countries like India and China face the same multi-year backlogs as everyone else in these categories.
- Legal Uncertainty: Created by executive order, the program could be modified or rescinded by a future administration.
- High Family Cost: Including a spouse and two children would require a total gift of $4 million, in addition to $60,000 in processing fees.
Q: What is the “Platinum Card” mentioned?
A: A proposed higher-tier program. For a $5 million contribution, it would allow holders to spend up to 270 days per year in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. tax on foreign income. It does not provide a green card. A waitlist is open on trumpcard.gov.
Q: Who should consider applying for the Gold Card?
A: Primarily high-net-worth individuals for whom the certainty and potential recovery of an EB-5 investment is less important than a pathway with no business or job creation obligations. It may also suit corporations seeking to sponsor key executives.
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