The Trump Gold Card program is a new immigration pathway announced by President Donald Trump on September 19, 2025. It is designed to offer a faster route to permanent residency in the United States for foreign nationals who are able to make a significant financial contribution. The goal of the program is to speed up green card processing while still working within the current U.S. immigration system.
Rather than creating a brand new visa, the Trump Gold Card builds on existing immigration law by aligning with established EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories. Applicants still need to meet eligibility requirements, but their applications are prioritized through financial contributions. Overall, the program is intended to attract individuals who can contribute to the U.S. economy, commerce, and industry while providing a more streamlined path to permanent residency.
Key Features of the Gold Card
One of the main features of the Gold Card program is its focus on financial contributions rather than traditional job creation requirements. Unlike the EB 5 investor program, which requires applicants to create jobs through business investment, the Gold Card concept centers on making a direct capital contribution to the federal government as part of the immigration process.
Types of Gold Card Visa
For Individuals:
Trump Gold Card: The Trump Gold Card for individuals requires a one-million-dollar financial contribution. Applicants must first sign up online through the Gold Card website, submit the required processing fee, and undergo Department of Homeland Security vetting. Once approved, applicants may receive lawful permanent residence through either the EB 1 or EB 2 visa categories in an accelerated timeframe. This option is designed for individual applicants who meet the eligibility requirements under existing immigration law and are seeking faster processing without job creation obligations.
Trump Platinum Card: The Trump Platinum Card is a higher-tier option that requires a five-million-dollar contribution. In addition to expedited processing, this option has been promoted as allowing holders to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income. According to publicly available information, the Platinum Card has not yet been fully released and currently operates with a waitlist. Final details regarding tax treatment and additional benefits may be subject to future clarification.
For Businesses:
Trump Corporate Gold Card: This allows corporate sponsors to support a preferred foreign worker or executive through a two-million-dollar contribution. This option is intended to help businesses onboard key personnel while still following existing immigration requirements. Corporate applicants must complete online registration, pay applicable processing fees, and pass DHS vetting. Approval under this option does not remove eligibility, admissibility, or lawful permanent residency compliance requirements for the sponsored individual.
Application Process for the Gold Card Visa Program
The application process for the Gold Card visa program would involve multiple steps similar to employment-based green card filings. Applicants would be expected to submit extensive documentation, pay a non-refundable application fee and processing fee, and demonstrate eligibility under existing immigration law.
Public discussion has referenced a specialized filing, such as Form I 140G, along with security vetting, visa interview requirements, and possible consular processing for applicants outside the United States. Transfer fees and financial contribution documentation would also form part of the review.
Form I-140G and Security Vetting
Form I 140G has been referenced as a proposed filing mechanism tied to the Gold Card program. This form would collect information related to the applicant’s qualifications, financial contribution, and immigration pathway.
Security vetting would remain a critical component. All applicants would undergo background checks to address national security and public safety concerns. Financial contributions would not bypass these requirements, as Homeland Security oversight and due process protections would still apply.
Executive Order and Immigration Pathway
The Trump Gold Card has been discussed primarily in the context of executive order authority rather than enacted legislation. While executive orders can influence immigration policy, permanent residence programs typically require congressional approval to avoid legal challenges.
Any immigration pathway created through executive action would be subject to judicial review and potential legal challenges, particularly if a future administration modifies or rescinds the program. As a result, applicants must approach such programs cautiously and seek professional legal guidance.
Tax Implications and Financial Considerations
The tax implications of the Gold Card program are significant. Lawful permanent residents are generally subject to US taxation on worldwide income. Applicants must understand how financial contributions, transfer fees, and business risk may affect their long-term tax exposure.
Consulting both immigration attorneys and tax professionals is essential. Improper planning could result in unexpected liabilities, particularly for individuals with foreign income, corporate interests, or employee gift arrangements.
Benefits of the Trump Gold Card
The Trump Gold Card offers several advantages for individuals seeking a faster and more flexible path to permanent residency. Below are some of the key benefits applicants may experience after approval.
Faster access to lawful permanent residence: The Trump Gold Card is designed to shorten the timeline to permanent residency compared to traditional investor or employment-based options. After approval, individuals can move into lawful permanent resident status much sooner and avoid years of uncertainty.
Freedom to live and work anywhere in the United States: Once permanent residence is granted, individuals are not tied to a specific employer, investment project, or location. This flexibility allows them to work, start a business, invest, or relocate freely across the U.S. based on personal or professional goals.
Long-term stability with a path to U.S. citizenship: Lawful permanent residence provides long-term security for individuals and their families. Over time, eligible Gold Card holders may apply for U.S. citizenship, gaining additional rights and the ability to build a permanent future in the United States.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Gold Card program has attracted attention, but it remains governed by existing immigration law and subject to legal review. Because immigration policies can change over time, it is important to seek reliable legal advice before making any financial or immigration decisions.
If you are exploring investor-style immigration options or want to understand how programs like the Gold Card may affect póngase en contacto con the Abbasi Immigration Law Firm today!
