Trump Gold Card Visa, Explained
The Trump Gold Card Visa, launched by Executive Order in September 2025 and now accepting applications, offers high-net-worth individuals and corporate-sponsored talent a direct path to a U.S. green card through a non-refundable financial gift to the United States.
Unlike the EB-5 investor program, it requires no job creation, no active business management, and no return on investment—just a straightforward $1 million (individual) or $2 million (corporate) contribution plus rigorous vetting.
The program operates within the existing EB-1 and EB-2 immigration categories, treating the gift as conclusive evidence of exceptional ability and national benefit.
This guide explains every requirement, cost, step-by-step process, timeline, and risk so you can decide if America’s most exclusive residency pathway is right for you.
Applications are open today at trumpcard.gov.
Text +1-309-446-7385 to get started and see if you qualify! WhatsApp numbers worldwide!
What Is the Trump Gold Card Visa?The Trump Gold Card Visa is a groundbreaking immigrant visa program that offers a fast-tracked pathway to U.S. lawful permanent residency (green card status) for high-net-worth individuals and corporate-sponsored talent who make a substantial financial “gift” to the United States. Established by President Donald J. Trump through Executive Order 14351 on September 19, 2025, the program reimagines employment-based immigration by allowing qualified applicants to demonstrate their “exceptional ability” and “national benefit” primarily through a non-refundable contribution, rather than traditional job offers or investments.
Key points:
- The program operates within existing EB-1 (extraordinary ability) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) categories, treating the financial gift as prima facie evidence of eligibility.
- Unlike the EB-5 investor visa, no job creation or active business involvement is required—the gift alone accelerates the process.
- Individual applicants contribute $1 million, while corporations pay $2 million to sponsor employees, with additional fees for dependents.
- The Gold Card grants indefinite residency rights, work authorization, and a direct path to U.S. citizenship after five years, including the ability to sponsor family members.
The “Gold Card” name reflects its premium status, symbolized by a physical card featuring President Trump’s portrait against an American flag backdrop. Launched on December 10, 2025, via the official website trumpcard.gov, the program has already seen over 10,000 pre-registrations, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick projecting it could generate hundreds of billions in revenue for U.S. industry promotion.
This guide covers eligibility, timelines, application steps, and more, drawing from official sources like the White House, USCIS, and the Department of Commerce.
Trump Gold Card Visa EligibilityEligibility for the Trump Gold Card hinges on financial capacity, admissibility, and alignment with EB-1 or EB-2 criteria, with the gift serving as key evidence of national benefit. There are no nationality restrictions, but rigorous vetting applies to all.
Financial ContributionApplicants must commit to a non-refundable “gift” to the U.S. Department of Commerce, deposited into a dedicated Treasury fund to promote American commerce and industry (per 15 U.S.C. § 1522). This unrestricted donation is treated as evidence of exceptional economic impact.
- Individual applicants: $1 million per person, including the principal and each dependent (spouse or unmarried children under 21).
- Corporate sponsors: $2 million per sponsored employee, plus $1 million per dependent. Corporations can transfer sponsorship to new employees for a 5% fee ($100,000) and 1% annual maintenance ($20,000), subject to re-vetting. The gift must be fully traceable from lawful sources, with no expectation of return or investment oversight.
All applicants must be admissible under U.S. immigration law (INA § 212), meaning no grounds of inadmissibility like criminal history, health issues, or security risks. A comprehensive DHS background check, including FBI name checks, biometrics, and financial disclosures (e.g., cryptocurrency holdings), is mandatory. The program emphasizes “great people” who pose no national security threats—visas can be revoked for espionage, sabotage, or significant criminal activity.
Demonstrated National BenefitThe gift presumes eligibility under:
- EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): For individuals with sustained acclaim in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(1)(A)).
- EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): For those with advanced degrees or exceptional ability whose work benefits the U.S. (8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(2)(B)).
No employer sponsor is needed for self-petitioners; the contribution satisfies the “national benefit” prong. Corporations must prove the employee’s exceptional role.
Source of FundsFunds must originate from legal sources, proven via bank statements, tax returns, asset sales, or inheritance records. USCIS requires a “path of funds” trace to the Commerce Department. Illicit sources (e.g., money laundering) lead to denial and potential prosecution. For corporate petitioners, three years of audited financials are required.
Trump Gold Card Visa TimelineThe Gold Card promises “record time” processing—often weeks for initial adjudication—but total timelines vary by location, visa availability, and backlogs. Premium processing isn’t available, but the program’s design prioritizes speed.
If Applying from Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)Expect 4-12 weeks for vetting and I-140G approval, plus 1-3 months for visa issuance. High-demand countries (e.g., India, China) face EB-1/EB-2 backlogs of 1+ years via the Visa Bulletin.
If Already in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)Similar to consular: 4-8 weeks for approval, but adjustment via I-485 adds 6-18 months due to quotas. No expedited option, though the gift accelerates petition review.
Timelines depend on complete submissions; delays occur for incomplete source-of-funds proof. USCIS estimates 1,000 annual filings, with full implementation by December 18, 2025.
How to Apply for a Trump Gold Card VisaThe process starts online and requires electronic filings only. Paper submissions are not accepted.
Step 1: Pre-Registration and Vetting- Visit trumpcard.gov and submit your application, including biographic data, family details, and financial overview.
- Pay the $15,000 non-refundable DHS processing fee per person via credit card or ACH.
- Undergo DHS vetting (background, security, and preliminary funds review)—typically 2-4 weeks.
- Upon vetting approval, receive instructions to pay the $1M/$2M gift via wire transfer or ACH to the Commerce Department.
- USCIS emails you to create/log in to a myUSCIS account and file Form I-140G electronically (no paper option). Upload evidence of gift, admissibility, and EB-1/EB-2 alignment.
- Include dependents on the initial I-140G for joint processing.
- USCIS adjudicates I-140G (4-8 weeks); if approved, a visa number is allocated per the Visa Bulletin.
- Abroad: Schedule a consular interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate; pay minor State Department fees (~$325 for visa). Receive immigrant visa stamp.
- In U.S.: File I-485 for adjustment; attend biometrics/interview if required.
- Enter/adjust and receive your Gold Card, SSN eligibility, and work authorization.
Corporate sponsors follow the same steps but file as petitioners, with transfer options post-approval. Consult an attorney for complex cases.
Trump Gold Card Visa CostThe program’s high costs reflect its exclusivity, with no refunds on fees or gifts. Total expenses can exceed $4 million for a family of four.
Core Expenses- Financial Gift: The program’s cornerstone—irrevocable and non-investment.
- Processing Fees: Cover vetting and adjudication.
- Additional Costs: Attorney fees ($10,000-$50,000), translations, medical exams (~$500/person), and travel.
- DHS Processing Fee: $15,000 per person (non-refundable).
- Form I-140G Filing: Included in the $15,000 (online only).
- Gift to Commerce: $1 million per person (principal + dependents).
- Consular/Adjustment Fees: $325 immigrant visa or $1,225 I-485; $500 medical exam.
- DHS Processing Fee: $15,000 per employee.
- Gift to Commerce: $2 million per employee + $1 million per dependent.
- Annual Maintenance: 1% of gift ($20,000/year).
- Transfer Fee: 5% ($100,000) per reassignment.
No biometrics fee is required, as it’s bundled into processing. Gifts fund U.S. economic initiatives, not personal returns.
What Happens After the Trump Gold Card Visa Is Approved?Approval unlocks permanent residency perks, but ongoing compliance is key.
For Consular Processing (Abroad)- Visa Issuance: Embassy stamps your passport with an immigrant visa (valid 6 months).
- Entry: Present at a U.S. port; CBP issues I-94 and green card via mail (2-4 weeks).
- Status Activation: Immediate permanent residency; apply for SSN and driver’s license.
- I-140G Approval: Receive Form I-797; file I-485 concurrently or after.
- Green Card: Mailed upon I-485 approval; includes work/travel authorization.
- Path to Citizenship: Eligible after 5 years (or 3 if married to U.S. citizen); file N-400.
- Work and Travel: Unrestricted U.S. employment; re-enter freely with green card (renew every 10 years, $540 fee).
- Taxes: Worldwide income taxed; file IRS Form 1040 annually. No exemptions unless via future Platinum Card.
- Revocation Risks: For fraud, security threats, or abandonment (e.g., extended absences >6 months).
- Family Benefits: Dependents gain equal rights; spouses can work immediately.
The gift is an unrestricted donation to the Department of Commerce, used to fund American industry and commerce initiatives (e.g., infrastructure, innovation grants). It demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to U.S. prosperity and serves as evidence for EB-1/EB-2 eligibility, bypassing traditional proof burdens like publications or awards.
Yes—it’s a green card, providing a standard path to naturalization after 5 years of residency (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Holders must meet good moral character, English/civics tests, and continuous presence requirements. Unlike nonimmigrant visas, dual intent is allowed.
The fixed amounts ($1M individual/$2M corporate) are non-negotiable per Executive Order 14351. Lower amounts don’t qualify, and overpayments aren’t accepted. The gift must be 100% committed post-vetting, with full traceability to avoid denial.
No—the program’s built-in expedited review (4-8 weeks for I-140G) eliminates the need. However, delays from backlogs or RFEs (requests for evidence) can extend timelines.
Yes—for a $100,000 (5%) transfer fee and new DHS vetting. This flexibility helps retain talent without additional gifts, ideal for tech or finance firms. Annual 1% maintenance ($20,000) applies.
Holders are U.S. tax residents, liable for federal/state taxes on global income. The gift isn’t tax-deductible as a charitable contribution. Future “Platinum Card” ($5M) may offer non-U.S. income exemptions, but it’s not yet launched. Consult a tax advisor for treaties or credits.
No—it complements EB-1/EB-2. Expansion to EB-5 is under consideration per the Executive Order, but current rules require job-creating investments for that category. Gold Card simplifies for pure financial contributors.
No annual cap beyond EB-1/EB-2 quotas (~140,000 total employment-based visas/year). Initial rollout targets 80,000 cards, but high-demand countries face per-country limits (7% cap), causing backlogs.
No—only spouse and unmarried children under 21 qualify as derivatives. Others must pursue separate paths (e.g., family sponsorship post-citizenship).
Signed September 19, 2025, it directs Commerce, State, and DHS to create the Gold Card, emphasizing revenue for U.S. growth and priority for high-value immigrants. Read the full text on whitehouse.gov.
A $5M version is teased, exempting foreign income taxes and allowing 270-day stays. Join the waitlist on trumpcard.gov—details pending 2026 launch.
Gold Card vs. Traditional Green Cards
Unlike family- or employment-based paths, Gold Card skips labor certification and employer ties, focusing on financial proof for faster EB-1/EB-2 access.
Vetting Process DetailsIncludes FBI checks, financial audits, and interviews. Crypto holders must disclose wallets; false info leads to permanent bans.
Text +1-309-446-7385 to see if you qualify and get started.
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