Gold Card Visa Application Process Step by Step

Introduction#

The Trump Gold Card program is a pathway to U.S. permanent residency for high net worth individuals who make a $1,000,000 nonrefundable gift to the U.S. government ($2,000,000 when a company sponsors the applicant). It was created by Executive Order 14351 in September 2025 and began accepting applications on December 10, 2025. It is not a new visa category: approved applicants receive green cards in the existing EB-1 or EB-2 categories.

How the process works today. Based on USCIS and program materials: (1) the applicant submits a request through the official Gold Card website and pays a nonrefundable $15,000 USCIS processing fee; (2) USCIS reviews Form I-140G, the Gold Card immigrant petition, with a heavy focus on the lawful source of the gift funds; (3) after vetting, the applicant pays the gift, and USCIS can then give final approval; (4) the applicant completes the immigrant visa process with the State Department once a visa number is available in EB-1 or EB-2. As reported in October 2026, USCIS declarations in pending litigation counted 88 I-140G petitions filed, 3 fully approved, and 38 conditionally approved. The program is being challenged in federal court (AAUP v. DHS, D.D.C.).

This guide walks through those steps in more detail. Because the program is new and under legal challenge, details may change. Where information is confirmed, this is noted. Where it is estimated or speculative, that is also clearly indicated.

For a broader assessment of whether the Gold Card is good value, see our data driven Gold Card assessment. For a glossary of immigration terms used in this article, visit our glossary.

Source: Executive Order 14351; USCIS Form I-140G materials; public reporting on government court filings. Yellow trust tier. EB-5 comparisons use USCIS published data. Blue trust tier.

Disclaimer: The Gold Card rests on an executive order, not a statute, and faces pending litigation. Information in this article reflects public program details as of November 2026 and may change. This article is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney before making any application decisions.

What Is the Gold Card Program?#

The Gold Card program, informally known as the "Trump Gold Card," was created by executive order in September 2025 and opened on December 10, 2025. It offers a green card in the EB-1 or EB-2 category in exchange for a $1,000,000 nonrefundable gift to the U.S. government. A $2,000,000 corporate sponsorship option exists. A $5,000,000 "Platinum Card" tier has been announced but is not available. The program operates without a statute or regulation.

Key program characteristics#

Unlike the EB-5 program, which requires an "at risk" investment in a commercial enterprise, the Gold Card requires a direct payment characterized as a "gift." The money is not returned.

The Gold Card does not require the applicant to create jobs, develop a business plan, or demonstrate economic impact. The gift is treated as evidence supporting EB-1 or EB-2 eligibility.

The program uses EB-1 and EB-2 visa numbers from the employment based allocation rather than having its own visa category, so those categories' per-country limits and Visa Bulletin dates still apply. Whether the executive branch can redirect these visa numbers this way is the central question in a pending federal lawsuit.

Program guidance has centered on consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate after petition approval. The rules for applicants already in the United States who want to adjust status have been less clear, so those applicants should confirm current USCIS instructions.

Because Gold Card green cards are issued in EB-1 or EB-2, there is no two year conditional period and no Form I-829 stage. The Gold Card also has no statutory lapse protection; EB-5's grandfathering protection covers only petitions filed on or before September 30, 2026.

The Gold Card relies on executive action rather than a Congressional statute, which matters for its long term durability, as discussed in our Gold Card assessment.

Source: Executive Order 14351; USCIS program materials. Yellow trust tier.

Eligibility Criteria#

Financial requirements#

The primary eligibility requirement is the ability to make a $1,000,000 gift. Key financial considerations include:

Like all U.S. immigration programs involving substantial financial commitments, Gold Card applicants would need to demonstrate that the $1,000,000 contribution comes from lawful sources. This typically requires documentation of:

1. Income history (tax returns, pay statements, business records)
2. Asset ownership and disposition (real estate sales, stock liquidation, business proceeds)
3. Gift or inheritance documentation (if applicable)
4. Banking records showing the path of funds

The $1,000,000 would need to be available for contribution. Applicants would need to demonstrate that they can make this payment without relying on funds obtained through unlawful means.

Source: General immigration principles; anticipated Gold Card requirements based on comparable programs. Yellow trust tier.

Personal requirements#

Applicants must be admissible to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Standard inadmissibility grounds apply, including:

1. Criminal history (certain convictions render an applicant inadmissible)
2. Immigration violations (prior deportation, unlawful presence, fraud)
3. Security concerns (terrorism, espionage, national security threats)
4. Health related grounds (certain communicable diseases, failure to show required vaccinations)
5. Public charge concerns (though the substantial contribution likely addresses this)

All applicants undergo thorough background screening, including security checks conducted by multiple government agencies.

Unlike the EB-5 program's requirement to invest in a job creating enterprise, or the EB-2 NIW's requirement for advanced degree or exceptional ability, the Gold Card does not appear to require a specific professional qualification beyond the financial contribution. For a comparison with EB-2 NIW, see our Gold Card vs EB-2 NIW analysis.

Source: INA Section 212(a) for inadmissibility grounds. Blue trust tier. Gold Card specific requirements: Yellow trust tier.

Application steps#

The following steps describe the Gold Card application process as it has operated since December 2025, with general preparation advice. Because the program is new, steps may change.

Step 1: preliminary assessment#

Before beginning the formal application, prospective applicants should:

Given the program's novelty and the substantial financial commitment involved, professional legal guidance is essential. An experienced attorney can evaluate individual eligibility, identify potential issues, and advise on documentation strategy.

The Gold Card is one of several investment immigration pathways. Applicants should compare it with EB-5, EB-2 NIW, and other options based on their specific circumstances. Our comparison of EB-5 vs alternatives provides a structured framework.

Identify and address any potential inadmissibility issues before submitting an application.

Step 2: document preparation#

Document preparation is usually the most time consuming phase of any immigration application. For the Gold Card, anticipated documentation includes:

Identity documents:

1. Valid passport (from country of citizenship)
2. Birth certificate
3. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
4. Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable for prior marriages)

Financial documents:

1. Source of funds documentation tracing the $1,000,000
2. Tax returns (typically 3 to 5 years)
3. Bank statements (typically 6 to 12 months)
4. Business records (if funds derive from business ownership)
5. Asset documentation (real estate appraisals, stock portfolio statements)
6. Evidence of lawful acquisition for all contributed funds

Immigration and personal history documents:

1. Prior visa history and I-94 records
2. Criminal background clearance (police certificates from countries of residence)
3. Civil surgeon medical examination (Form I-693)
4. Passport style photographs meeting USCIS specifications

Source: Standard USCIS documentation requirements; anticipated Gold Card requirements. Yellow trust tier.

Step 3: application submission#

Applicants start through the official Gold Card website and then file Form I-140G with USCIS, along with supporting documentation.

Each person requesting a Gold Card pays a nonrefundable $15,000 USCIS processing fee. Program materials indicate the fee applies to the principal and to each family member requesting a Gold Card. For a family of four, the processing fees alone would total $60,000.

The gift is paid after USCIS vetting, before final approval. Program materials indicate that individual filers make a $1,000,000 gift for each person requesting a Gold Card, and corporate sponsors pay $2,000,000 for the principal. Confirm the current payment and refund terms in writing before paying anything.

Source: Gold Card program materials and USCIS Form I-140G instructions. Yellow trust tier.

Step 4: biometrics and background check#

After filing, USCIS would schedule a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting, photograph, and signature collection). This is standard for all immigration benefit applications.

Multiple government agencies would conduct background and security checks. Processing time for this phase varies; historically, security checks have been a frequent source of delays in other immigration programs.

Step 5: consular processing#

After I-140G approval and once a visa number is available in EB-1 or EB-2, the applicant completes immigrant visa processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Applicants already in the United States should confirm with counsel whether adjustment of status is available in their situation.

An in person interview at the U.S. consulate may be required as part of the consular processing procedure.

Step 6: decision and status#

Upon approval and visa issuance, the applicant receives permanent resident status in EB-1 or EB-2. These green cards are not conditional.

If denied, the applicant should have the right to appeal or file a motion to reopen or reconsider, consistent with standard USCIS practice.

The $1,000,000 gift is nonrefundable. Because it is paid after vetting but before final approval, confirm the current terms before payment.

Timeline expectations#

Estimated processing phases#

These timeline estimates are speculative. USCIS has published no Gold Card processing data, and only 3 final approvals had been reported as of October 2026. Real timelines will become clear only once the program processes a meaningful number of petitions.

Comparison with EB-5. The EB-5 program's timeline to conditional green card ranges from approximately 2 to 6 years depending on visa category and country of chargeability. For current EB-5 processing data, see our processing times dashboard.

Source: EB5Status estimates based on comparable programs. Yellow trust tier.

Fee structure#

Anticipated costs#

Cost context. The total Gold Card cost would be comparable to a standard (non TEA) EB-5 investment ($1,050,000 plus fees), but with a fundamental difference: the Gold Card gift is nonrefundable, while the EB-5 investment has the potential for capital return. See our cost comparison for detailed analysis.

Source: EB5Status estimates. Yellow trust tier for Gold Card; Blue trust tier for EB-5 reference.

Comparison with EB-5 Application Process#

Comparing the Gold Card process with the established EB-5 process helps clarify what is different. The following table summarizes:

Source: USCIS Policy Manual for EB-5; Executive Order 14351 and program materials for Gold Card. Blue trust tier for EB-5; Yellow trust tier for Gold Card.

Key considerations before applying#

Advantages of the Gold Card process#

1. Simpler application. Fewer documentation requirements compared to EB-5 (no business plan, no economic impact study, no job creation evidence).
2. No ongoing compliance. EB-5 investors must maintain their investment throughout the conditional residency period and demonstrate job creation for I-829 approval. The Gold Card's gift model eliminates this ongoing obligation.
3. Potentially faster processing. The simpler application structure could translate to faster adjudication, though this is unconfirmed.
4. No project risk. EB-5 investors face the risk of project failure, which can jeopardize both capital return and immigration status. The Gold Card would eliminate project selection risk (though the contribution would be lost regardless).

Risks and uncertainties#

1. Program novelty. The Gold Card lacks the legal framework, regulatory guidance, and adjudication history that make EB-5 a known quantity.
2. Legal challenges. A pending federal lawsuit challenges the executive branch's use of EB-1/EB-2 visa numbers for the program.
3. Political vulnerability. Programs based on executive order can be modified or terminated by future administrations without Congressional approval.
4. Nonrefundable gift. The $1,000,000 is not returned. If something goes wrong after the gift is paid, the financial loss would be total.
5. Consular processing focus. Program guidance centers on consular processing. Applicants already in the United States may need to travel abroad for their immigrant visa interview.
6. Evolving requirements. As the program develops, requirements and procedures may change, potentially affecting pending applications.
7. Limited counsel experience. Few immigration attorneys have direct experience with Gold Card adjudications, reducing the availability of seasoned guidance.

Who should consider the Gold Card?#

The Gold Card process may be most suitable for applicants who meet the following profile:

1. High net worth individuals for whom $1,000,000 represents a manageable expenditure
2. Speed prioritized applicants who value a potentially faster process over capital preservation
3. Simplicity seekers who prefer a straightforward contribution over the complexity of EB-5 project selection and compliance
4. Risk tolerant individuals comfortable with a new program's uncertainties

For applicants who prioritize capital preservation, established legal frameworks, or budget sensitivity, the EB-5 program may remain the stronger option.

Frequently asked questions#

Can I apply from outside the United States? Yes. The Gold Card is built around consular processing, so applicants outside the United States complete their immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Would the Gold Card cover my spouse and children? Program materials indicate that each family member requesting a Gold Card pays the $15,000 USCIS fee, and that individual filers make a separate gift for each person. Confirm the current family terms with counsel before applying, because this can multiply the cost.

What happens to my gift if my application is denied? The $15,000 fee is nonrefundable, and the gift is paid after vetting but before final approval. Obtain clear, written guidance on the current refund terms before making any payment.

Can I apply for both EB-5 and the Gold Card simultaneously? There is no general prohibition against pursuing multiple immigration pathways concurrently, but dual filing strategies should be discussed with an immigration attorney to avoid potential conflicts.

How does the Gold Card affect my tax obligations? Permanent residents are subject to U.S. taxation on their worldwide income. This applies regardless of whether residency is obtained through the Gold Card, EB-5, or any other pathway. Consult a tax professional for personalized guidance.

What to do next#

1. Research thoroughly. Read our Gold Card vs EB-5 comparison and Gold Card assessment for a complete picture.
2. Consult an attorney. Engage an immigration attorney with experience in investment immigration programs.
3. Monitor program developments. The Gold Card is new and under legal challenge, and its terms may change. Follow EB5Status for Gold Card news and updates.
4. Prepare documentation. Regardless of which program you choose, source of funds documentation takes months to assemble. Starting early is always advisable.
5. Review the glossary. Familiarize yourself with key immigration terms in our glossary.

Sources and methodology#

This article draws on the following sources:

1. Executive Order 14351 and Gold Card program materials (Yellow trust tier)
2. USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part G (Blue trust tier, for EB-5 comparison)
3. 8 CFR Part 204.6 (Blue trust tier, for EB-5 regulatory framework)
4. USCIS Fee Schedule (Blue trust tier)
5. INA Section 212(a) for inadmissibility grounds (Blue trust tier)

Gold Card specific information carries a Yellow trust tier designation because the program is new, rests on an executive order, and publishes no official statistics. Where program details are estimated or speculative, this is noted in the text.

This article was last verified on November 7, 2026. The Gold Card program is new and under legal challenge, and details may change. EB5Status updates this article as new information becomes available.

EB5Status is an independent data publisher. We are not a law firm, regional center, or government agency. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.