What Is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is an immigration program that offers a streamlined pathway to U.S. lawful permanent resident status for high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors. Established through Executive Order 14351 in September 2025, the program allows qualified applicants to obtain a green card under the EB-1 or EB-2 employment-based visa categories by making a financial contribution to the United States government.
Unlike the traditional EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the Gold Card does not require applicants to invest in a specific U.S. business or demonstrate that their investment created a minimum number of jobs. Instead, applicants make a direct financial gift, starting at $1 million for individuals, as evidence of their ability to provide a substantial benefit to the country.
The Gold Card is processed through a dedicated petition form (Form I-140G) filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and it includes an expedited review process for qualified applicants.
The Trump Gold Card program was established by executive order and is still subject to evolving regulations, ongoing litigation, and potential changes. The information on this page reflects the most current guidance available as of 2026. We recommend consulting with an experienced immigration attorney before making any decisions.
Eligibility Requirements for the Trump Gold Card
Individual Applicant Requirements
To qualify for an individual Trump Gold Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be admissible to the United States. Applicants must pass all standard U.S. admissibility requirements, including security and background screening conducted by the Department of Homeland Security.
Qualify under an existing EB category. The Gold Card is processed through the EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-2 (National Interest Waiver) visa classifications. Applicants must be eligible under one of these categories.
Pay the required processing fee. A nonrefundable $15,000 DHS processing fee must be submitted with the application.
Make a qualifying financial contribution. Upon successful vetting, applicants must submit a $1 million gift to the United States government as evidence of their ability to substantially benefit the country.
Corporate Gold Card Requirements
U.S. companies may also sponsor foreign employees through the Trump Corporate Gold Card. Corporate sponsors must meet these requirements:
Pay a $15,000 nonrefundable processing fee per employee being sponsored. Multiple employees may be included in a single application.
Make a $2 million financial contribution per employee upon successful completion of vetting.
Employees must individually pass DHS screening. Each sponsored employee is subject to the same background and security checks as individual applicants.
Transferability. Corporate sponsors may transfer sponsorship from one employee to another without submitting a new $2 million gift, subject to a 5% transfer fee and a renewed DHS background check.
The Corporate Gold Card is also subject to a small 1% annual maintenance fee.
What Makes the Gold Card Different from EB-5?
The Gold Card and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program both offer pathways to U.S. permanent residency through financial commitment, but they operate very differently.
No job creation requirement. Under the EB-5 program, investors must demonstrate that their capital investment directly or indirectly created at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs. The Gold Card has no such requirement. The financial contribution itself is treated as the economic benefit to the country.
Contribution vs. investment. The EB-5 requires a capital investment (minimum $800,000 to $1,050,000) into a qualifying U.S. business, which must remain at risk for the duration of the conditional residency period. The Gold Card requires a direct, nonrefundable gift to the federal government with no expectation of return.
Simplified documentation. The Gold Card replaces the extensive business plan, capital-at-risk evidence, and job creation documentation required under EB-5 with a more streamlined process centered on financial contribution and background vetting.
Expedited processing. While EB-5 cases can take years due to complex project audits and regional center reviews, the Gold Card is designed for faster adjudication once the application and vetting process are complete.
Applicants should carefully consider whether the Gold Card or the EB-5 program better fits their individual circumstances. Our attorneys can evaluate your situation and recommend the most effective strategy for obtaining permanent residency.
Trump Gold Card: Benefits and Limitations
Benefits of the Trump Gold Card
- Permanent residency. Approved applicants receive lawful permanent resident status, equivalent to a traditional green card.
- Path to citizenship. Gold Card holders may pursue U.S. citizenship through the standard naturalization process after meeting residency and eligibility requirements.
- No job creation burden. Unlike the EB-5 program, applicants are not required to invest in a business or create U.S. jobs.
- Expedited processing. The program is designed for faster review compared to traditional employment-based green card categories.
- Family inclusion. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be included in the application and receive the same permanent residency benefits.
- Corporate flexibility. The Corporate Gold Card allows employers to transfer sponsorship between employees, providing a versatile tool for global talent management.
- Full residency rights. Once approved, Gold Card holders may live and work anywhere in the United States, change employers, or start a business without additional visa sponsorship.
Limitations of the Trump Gold Card
- High financial threshold. The $1 million individual contribution (or $2 million corporate) is nonrefundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
- No capital return. Unlike EB-5, the financial gift is a permanent payment to the government, not a recoverable investment.
- Visa backlog exposure. Gold Card petitions are processed under existing EB-1 and EB-2 categories, which remain subject to annual numerical caps and per-country limits. Applicants from high-demand countries (such as India and China) may experience longer wait times.
- Executive order basis. The program was created by executive order rather than congressional legislation, meaning it could be modified, expanded, or rescinded by a future administration.
- Ongoing legal challenges. As of 2026, the program faces a federal lawsuit questioning whether it exceeds executive authority. The outcome of this litigation could affect the program's future availability.
- Additional fees for family members. Each accompanying family member may require a separate $15,000 processing fee and, depending on official guidance, an additional $1 million contribution.
Application Process
The Trump Gold Card application follows a structured, multi-step process administered by USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Submit Your Online Application
Visit the official Gold Card portal to select your application category (individual or corporate) and complete the online registration form.
Pay the DHS Processing Fee
Submit the nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee via credit card or ACH debit (U.S. bank accounts only). Payment must be settled before your case moves forward.
Complete Form I-140G
After your payment is confirmed, USCIS will send instructions to create an account on their portal. Complete Form I-140G (the immigrant petition form specific to the Gold Card program) and upload all required supporting documents.
Undergo DHS Vetting
The Department of Homeland Security conducts a comprehensive background check and security screening. No action is required on your part during this phase unless USCIS requests additional information or documentation.
Submit Your Financial Contribution
Upon successful vetting, you will be instructed to submit your qualifying financial gift ($1 million for individual applicants or $2 million per employee for corporate sponsors) via international bank wire transfer.
Receive Your Visa Approval
Once your contribution is received and your petition is approved under EB-1 or EB-2, you will obtain lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Applicants outside the U.S. will proceed through consular processing, while those already in the country may be eligible to adjust status.
Trump Gold Card Fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DHS Processing Fee | $15,000 per applicant | Nonrefundable; due at application. Payable by credit card or ACH debit. |
| Individual Gold Card Contribution | $1,000,000 | Nonrefundable gift to the U.S. government; due after successful vetting. |
| Corporate Gold Card Contribution | $2,000,000 per employee | Nonrefundable gift; transferable to a new employee (subject to transfer fee). |
| Corporate Annual Maintenance Fee | 1% of contribution | Ongoing annual fee for Corporate Gold Card holders. |
| Corporate Transfer Fee | 5% of contribution | Applies when transferring sponsorship from one employee to another; includes cost of a new DHS background check. |
| Additional State Dept. Fees | Varies | Visa-related fees issued separately by the U.S. Department of State depending on each applicant’s circumstances. |
| Family Member Processing Fee | $15,000 per person | Each spouse or unmarried child under 21 included in the application. |
Required Documents for the Trump Gold Card
Applicants should prepare the following documentation to support their Gold Card petition:
- Valid passport for the applicant (and all accompanying family members)
- Completed Form I-140G and any supplemental USCIS forms
- Proof of identity and nationality
- Evidence of admissibility to the United States
- Source of funds documentation demonstrating that the financial contribution originates from lawful and traceable sources
- Financial statements (bank records, investment portfolios, business valuations, or tax returns) supporting the applicant’s net worth
- Background and criminal history disclosures
- Passport-style photographs meeting U.S. visa photo requirements
- Marriage certificate and birth certificates for accompanying family members (if applicable)
- Corporate formation documents and proof of U.S. business registration (for Corporate Gold Card applications)
- Any additional documentation requested by USCIS or the Department of State during the review process
Source of funds verification is a critical component of the Gold Card application. Our attorneys can prepare a comprehensive source-of-funds report that clearly documents the origin of your assets and meets the standards expected by U.S. immigration authorities.
Managing Your Gold Card
Once you receive your Gold Card and obtain lawful permanent resident status, it is important to understand your rights, obligations, and long-term options.
Maintaining Your Status
- Gold Card holders receive the same permanent residency rights as any other green card holder. You may live and work anywhere in the United States without restriction.
- You must maintain your primary residence in the United States. Extended absences (generally exceeding 180 days) may jeopardize your permanent resident status.
- You are required to file U.S. federal tax returns annually as a lawful permanent resident, reporting worldwide income.
- You must carry your green card at all times as proof of your immigration status.
Corporate Gold Card Maintenance
- Corporate sponsors are subject to a 1% annual maintenance fee on the original $2 million contribution.
- If a sponsored employee leaves the company or is reassigned, the corporate sponsor may transfer the Gold Card to a new employee by paying a 5% transfer fee ($100,000), which includes the cost of a new DHS background check for the replacement employee.
- The original $2 million contribution does not need to be paid again when transferring to a new employee.
From Gold Card to U.S. Citizenship
The Gold Card provides a direct pathway to lawful permanent residency, which in turn opens the door to U.S. citizenship through naturalization. To be eligible for naturalization, Gold Card holders must generally:
- Maintain continuous residence in the United States for at least five years after obtaining permanent resident status
- Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months during the five-year period
- Demonstrate good moral character
- Pass the U.S. civics and English language examinations
- Take the Oath of Allegiance
Our attorneys can advise you on maintaining your permanent resident status and guide you through the naturalization process when you are ready to pursue citizenship.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Demonstrating Source of Funds
The U.S. government requires clear documentation showing that your financial contribution comes from lawful, traceable sources. Working with experienced counsel to prepare a thorough source-of-funds report can help prevent delays or requests for additional evidence.
Navigating Visa Backlogs
Because the Gold Card is processed under existing EB-1 and EB-2 categories, applicants from countries with high demand in these categories may face wait times due to annual per-country visa caps. Understanding the current visa bulletin and planning your timeline accordingly is essential.
Understanding the Nonrefundable Nature of Fees
Both the $15,000 processing fee and the $1 million (or $2 million) contribution are nonrefundable. If your application is denied or you withdraw, these payments are not returned. It is critical to assess your eligibility thoroughly before committing funds.
Keeping Up with Program Changes
The Gold Card program was established by executive order and continues to evolve. Regulatory guidance, fee structures, and eligibility standards may change. Staying informed and working with an attorney who monitors these developments ensures your application reflects the most current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Gold Card application process take?
Official guidance suggests that once the application, processing fee, and supporting documents are submitted, the process may move forward within weeks. However, actual timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the background check, EB visa availability, per-country demand, and consular processing schedules. Applicants from countries with significant EB-1 or EB-2 backlogs should anticipate potentially longer wait times. Working with an experienced immigration attorney helps ensure your documentation is complete from the outset, reducing the risk of processing delays.
Can my spouse and children be included in my Gold Card application?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be included as part of the initial Gold Card application. Including family members at the time of filing ensures they receive the same expedited processing and permanent residency benefits as the primary applicant. Each accompanying family member is subject to a separate $15,000 DHS processing fee, and additional contribution requirements may apply depending on official guidance in effect at the time of filing.
Is the Gold Card the same as an EB-5 visa?
No. While both programs offer pathways to U.S. permanent residency through financial commitment, they are structurally different. The EB-5 requires a capital investment in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs, and the invested capital must remain at risk. The Gold Card requires a nonrefundable financial gift directly to the federal government with no job creation or business investment requirement. The Gold Card is processed under EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories, not EB-5.
What happens if my Gold Card application is denied?
If your application is denied at any stage, the $15,000 processing fee is not refunded. The $1 million (or $2 million corporate) contribution is submitted only after successful vetting, so it is not at risk during the initial stages of the process. However, once submitted, the contribution is also nonrefundable. This makes a thorough eligibility assessment before filing critically important.
Do Gold Card holders have to pay U.S. taxes?
Yes. As lawful permanent residents, Gold Card holders are subject to U.S. federal income tax on their worldwide income, just like any other green card holder. This includes income earned both inside and outside the United States. We recommend consulting with a qualified tax advisor to understand your full tax obligations before and after obtaining permanent residency.
Can I apply for the Gold Card from outside the United States?
Yes. The Gold Card application is submitted online through the official portal and processed by USCIS. Applicants located outside the United States will complete the process through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Applicants already present in the U.S. on a valid visa may be eligible to adjust their status domestically.
Is the Gold Card program permanent?
The Gold Card was established through Executive Order 14351, signed in September 2025. Because it was created by executive action rather than by congressional legislation, the program could potentially be modified, expanded, or discontinued by a future administration. Additionally, as of 2026, the program faces legal challenges that could affect its long-term availability. Prospective applicants should consider these factors and seek legal counsel before committing to the program.
Can I transition from another visa type to the Gold Card?
Individuals currently in the United States on a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as an H-1B, L-1, E-2, or O-1) may be eligible to apply for the Gold Card and adjust their status to permanent residency without leaving the country. Eligibility for adjustment of status depends on your current visa classification and immigration history. Our attorneys can evaluate whether this option is available in your specific situation.
What is the Trump Platinum Card?
The Trump Platinum Card is a proposed higher-tier version of the Gold Card program, expected to cost $5 million per applicant. It has been described as offering the ability to reside in the United States for up to 270 days per year without being subject to U.S. income tax on foreign-earned income. As of 2026, the Platinum Card has not been formally implemented, and the tax treatment described would require congressional approval. We will update this page as additional details become available.
- What Is the Trump Gold Card?
- Trump Gold Card Eligibility
- Trump Gold Card Benefits
- Steps to File Trump Gold Card
- Fees & Documents
- Managing Your Gold Card
- Common Challenges
- FAQs
Overview
Application Process
More Information