The Trump Gold Card has officially entered the U.S. immigration landscape, introducing one of the most premium, investment-driven routes to American residency to date.
Launched by the Trump administration in December, the program is designed for high-net-worth individuals and businesses that can demonstrate a substantial benefit to the United States—financially and economically.
At its core, the Trump Gold Card blends expedited immigration processing with significant financial contributions, offering speed, flexibility, and a direct line to lawful permanent residency.
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is an accelerated immigration program that grants successful applicants U.S. lawful permanent resident status under existing EB-1 or EB-2 visa classifications, subject to availability and approval.
Unlike traditional employment- or family-based routes, this program hinges on:
- A nonrefundable DHS processing fee,
- Successful background vetting,
- A substantial financial contribution made after approval.
The premise is straightforward: individuals or corporations that can make a meaningful contribution to the U.S. economy are rewarded with faster access to residency.
Trump Gold Card Options at a Glance
| Program Type | Intended For | DHS Processing Fee | Required Contribution | Key Benefit |
| Trump Gold Card | Individual applicants | $15,000 | $1 million | Fast-track U.S. permanent residency |
| Trump Business Gold Card | Employers sponsoring workers | $15,000 per employee | $2 million per employee | Transferable sponsorship flexibility |
| Trump Platinum Card (upcoming) | Ultra-high-net-worth individuals | $15,000 | $5 million | Extended U.S. stays with tax advantages |
Trump Gold Card for Individuals
For individuals, the Trump Gold Card offers a direct and expedited route to U.S. residency. Once background checks are completed and approved, applicants are invited to make their financial contribution, which serves as proof of their economic benefit to the country.
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the same application, ensuring families move through the process together—each subject to the same vetting and fee structure.
Trump Corporate Gold Card for Businesses
The Trump Corporate Gold Card is designed for companies seeking to onboard or retain global talent quickly.
Its defining feature is flexibility:
- Employers can transfer sponsorship from one employee to another.
- No new multi-million-dollar contribution is required for reassignment.
- A modest annual maintenance fee and transfer fee apply.
For businesses navigating competitive talent markets, this model offers speed without locking sponsorship to a single individual.
Trump Gold Card Filing Requirements & Process
The Trump Gold Card application is entirely digital and follows a structured, invitation-based flow:
| Step | Requirement / Action | Key Details |
| 1 | Online registration | Applicants must first register their personal or corporate information on trumpcard.gov |
| 2 | Filing fee payment | The filing fee must be paid on trumpcard.gov using a credit card or wire transfer |
| 3 | Submission confirmation | Applicants must receive a confirmation of submission from trumpcard.gov before proceeding |
| 4 | USCIS instructions | Applicants must wait for a notice from USCIS instructing them to log in or create a USCIS online account |
| 5 | Form I-140G submission | Form I-140G must be filed online only through a USCIS account; paper filings are not accepted |
| 6 | Filing fee amount | The filing fee is $15,000 per person, including the principal applicant, spouse, and children, if applicable |
| 7 | Source of funds documentation | Form I-140G requires disclosure of the source of donation funds along with documentary evidence |
| 8 | Applicant assistance | Applicants may message USCIS via their online account; additional support is available through the BAL Gold Card Practice Group |
| 9 | Post-vetting payment | After vetting approval, applicants or sponsors will be invited to submit a $1 million or $2 million payment, depending on the application type |
| 10 | Dependent payments | An additional $1 million payment is required for each dependent applicant |
| 11 | Processing timeline | According to trumpcard.gov, processing time is expected to take weeks |
| 12 | Consular interview | After I-140G approval, applicants must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad |
| 13 | Visa availability | Interview timing depends on EB-1 and EB-2 visa availability |
All immigration forms, including the required petition, must be submitted online through a USCIS account. Paper filings are not accepted.
Legal Status and Visa Classification
Approved applicants receive lawful permanent resident status, typically under:
- EB-1 (priority workers)
- EB-2 (professionals with advanced qualifications)
Final classification depends on eligibility, visa availability, and government determination.
Processing Time and Interviews
One of the program’s main selling points is speed. From submission to decision, processing is expected to take weeks rather than months or years, assuming timely document submission.
All approved applicants must still complete a visa interview abroad, as required under U.S. immigration law.
Payment Structure Explained
- Processing fees are paid upfront during registration.
- Contributions are only requested after vetting approval.
- Payments are handled through secure electronic transfer methods.
- Additional visa-related fees may apply through the U.S. Department of State.
This staged payment structure minimizes risk while maintaining compliance.
Can Trump’s Gold Card Status Be Revoked?
Yes. As with any U.S. visa, status can be withdrawn if the holder poses national security risks or is involved in serious criminal activity. Approval does not eliminate ongoing compliance obligations.
Why the Trump Gold Card Matters
The Trump Gold Card represents a clear shift toward investment-based immigration—prioritizing speed, economic contribution, and flexibility. For individuals and companies with the means to participate, it offers a streamlined alternative to traditional immigration backlogs.
As demand grows and implementation evolves, this program is likely to reshape conversations around premium residency pathways in the United States.