The Trump Administration has launched the Gold Card program, establishing a new path to U.S. permanent residence through substantial financial contributions. Created by executive order in September, the program is open to individuals and corporate sponsors and introduces an eligibility approach centered on financial contributions rather than conventional EB-1 or EB-2 criteria.
Cost Structure
Applicants face significant financial obligations:
- Individual Applicants: $15,000 processing fee plus $1 million donation to the U.S. Treasury.
- Corporate Sponsors: $15,000 processing fee and a $2 million donation per employee. Sponsors may petition for multiple employees at once and may also reallocate a prior $2 million contribution to a new employee without an additional donation. A 1% annual maintenance fee and 5% transfer fee (including the Department of Homeland Security background check) apply.
- Dependents: Each spouse or child under 21 must pay a $15,000 processing fee and make a $1 million donation. For example, a family of four would owe $4 million in donations plus $60,000 in fees.
How It Works
The Gold Card program allows foreign nationals to apply under EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-2 (National Interest Waiver) categories. Unlike traditional processes, it appears that applicants are not required to meet standard eligibility criteria; the donation serves as the qualifying factor. Visa issuance, however, remains subject to existing quotas. Applicants must refer to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin to confirm availability within their chosen category and country of chargeability.
Application Process
The filing process combines new documentation requirements with familiar U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State procedures:
- Application Submission. Complete the Gold Card application at TrumpCard.gov, providing personal and family details.
- Processing Fee Payment. Pay a $15,000 nonrefundable fee per person via pay.gov.
- Form I-140G Filing. Submit online through USCIS, select EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, and provide information/documentation including:
- 20-year employment history and educational history from post-secondary education onward.
- Disclosure of any government or military positions at any point in the applicant’s life.
- Complete list of financial accounts, including cryptocurrency wallets.
- Detailed source-of-funds documentation (crypto must be blockchain-traceable).
- For corporate sponsors: three years of tax returns, annual reports, or audited financials.
- Donation Payment. After approval, remit $1 million per individual or $2 million per employee via ACH or wire transfer.
- Consular Processing. Complete Form DS-260G and attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate.
What’s Next
The Administration indicated that a Platinum Card program is under development and may offer additional benefits. Our Immigration Team is actively monitoring updates and will provide further details as they emerge. For tailored guidance specific to your organization or individual circumstances, please contact your Alston & Bird immigration counsel.
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