The Trump Gold Card Visa—a proposed immigration pathway that has attracted worldwide attention—is reportedly moving closer to launch. Many individuals searching for information about the “Trump Gold Card,” the “$1 million Gold Card Visa,” or the new “Form I-140G” have questions about what this program is, how it works, whether it leads to a green card, and whether it avoids visa backlogs.
This article provides a comprehensive, attorney-reviewed update based on the latest reporting, designed to help readers understand the current status and risks of the Trump Gold Card program.
What Is the Trump Gold Card Visa Program?
The Trump Gold Card is a proposed immigration program introduced by the Trump administration that would allow wealthy foreign nationals to make a large financial contribution in exchange for a fast-track immigration benefit.
Recent media reports indicate that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted a draft form—Form I-140G—to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for preliminary review. This step suggests early bureaucratic movement toward the program.
At this time, the Gold Card Visa is not yet active, and no applications can be filed.
Proposed Requirements for the Trump Gold Card Visa
According to multiple published reports, the draft structure includes:
- Individual Gold Card Tier
$1,000,000 donation to the U.S. Treasury
$15,000 non-refundable processing fee
- Corporate-Sponsored Gold Card Tier
$2,000,000 donation from a sponsoring company
- Platinum Card Tier
Approximately $5,000,000 donation
Possible benefits:
Up to 270 days per year in the United States
Potential exemption from U.S. taxation of foreign-sourced income
⚠️ None of these benefits are confirmed or legally binding yet.
The framework remains unofficial and subject to change.
Is the Trump Gold Card Visa a Real Visa Category?
Not yet.
The Gold Card is not currently authorized under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Creating a brand-new visa category typically requires Congressional action, not just an executive order.
Legal experts have noted:
The program’s regulatory foundation is uncertain
Implementation may face legal challenges
USCIS has not released any official guidance, regulations, or eligibility criteria
Until the program progresses into the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) stage or Congress passes legislation, the Gold Card remains a proposal, not an active immigration pathway.
Will the Trump Gold Card Visa Avoid Backlogs and Priority Dates?
Many people ask whether the Gold Card allows investors to skip U.S. green card backlogs.
Current professional consensus:
No. Based on current information, the Trump Gold Card will not eliminate visa backlogs.
Immigration analysts widely believe the Gold Card will be processed through existing EB categories:
EB-1 (Employment-Based First Preference)
EB-2 (Employment-Based Second Preference)
This means Gold Card applicants would still be subject to:
Annual visa limits
Per-country caps
Priority dates
Visa Bulletin availability
Who would still face backlogs?
China-born applicants
India-born applicants
Even if the Gold Card petition (Form I-140G) is approved quickly, green card issuance still depends on whether a visa number is available.
Is the Trump Gold Card Faster Than EB-5?
Media comparisons often mention that the Gold Card is meant to be faster than the EB-5 Investor Visa.
However:
EB-5 already has clear statutory authority
EB-5 investments create jobs and require strict source-of-funds vetting
The Gold Card currently has no legal framework and no implementation timeline
At this stage, the Gold Card cannot be considered a reliable acceleration route to permanent residence.
Current Status of the Trump Gold Card Visa (2025)
As of today:
❌ No official USCIS application form
❌ No federal regulation
❌ No Congressional authorization
❌ No processing timeline
❌ No guarantee of permanent residency
❌ No exemption from EB-1/EB-2 visa caps
The Gold Card program should be viewed as a possible future option, not a primary immigration strategy.
Should You Apply for the Trump Gold Card Visa When It Launches?
Until the program is legally formalized, potential applicants should:
Proceed with caution
Follow updates from DHS, USCIS, and the Federal Register
Continue pursuing established immigration categories:
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
EB-5 Investment
O-1A/O-1B
L-1A/L-1B
H-1B, E-2, etc.
For most people, traditional employment-based or achievement-based categories remain the most reliable pathways.
FAQ About the Trump Gold Card Visa
- Is the Trump Gold Card Visa real?
Not yet. It is still a proposal with no finalized regulations.
- How much is the Trump Gold Card cost?
The proposed donation is $1 million, with higher tiers at $2 million and $5 million.
- Does the Trump Gold Card guarantee a green card?
No. Approval would still depend on available EB visa numbers.
- Does the Trump Gold Card avoid backlogs?
No. It likely uses EB-1/EB-2 quotas and will still have priority dates and Visa Bulletin wait times.
- Can I file for the Trump Gold Card now?
No. Applications are not open.
